You have insulted me, Pilgrim. Accusing me of theological illiteracy, "turning off the old thinking cap," using straw-man tactics, and most consternating of all, ignoring my systematic rebuttals of your every point and referring to them as irrelevant gab. I could easily address these accusations of my competence and character and make a few of my own besides, but obviously that's not what this forum is for.
I'm about to go on a hunting trip for the weekend. When I get back on Monday, I would like to continue this, because although we do understand each other's positions, we have yet to understand each other's reason and methods for defending them. But only if we can continue with mutual academic respect and Christian love. Also with logic and reason and making every honest attempt to make ourselves understood and honestly trying to understand the other when understanding is slow in coming between two very stubborn bulls. (you're not part Jewish, are you?) ;-)
I know there are a lot of people watching this discussion like you watch a football game between two top-rated teams. I've gotten a number of emails from people encouraging me that I am understood to them, even those who disagree, and to hang in there. Thank you for those, all of you. I would encourage everyone that this is not a private debate between Pilgrim and myself. If anyone else has something substantive to offer, wants their opinion known, has an answer to our questions or seeks an answer (probably at least two opposing answers) to theirs, please interject at any time. As we take this long and meandering course of logic, interpretive style and technique, and miscommunication, if any of you thinks that he/she can help Pilgrim and I understand each other's arguments, then I invite you to try. :-)
Have a good weekend all and I'll see you on Monday!
