Anyone else notice this pattern?

I agree with you on that issue of clarity. When I came to EvC almost four years ago, my posts were quite sloppy and disorganized. I was in such a hurry to grab the soapbox and trumpet my vague and undefined beliefs that I stumbled all over myself in the presentation!

I never much liked hanging out at Theology Web. Nobody ever really challenged me over there, and I was bored preaching to the choir! Over here, I regularly get challenged by folk such as you, and it sharpens me and forces me to present my argument (or lack of one! ) in a more coherent form.

I had that book in 8th grade! Of course, I hated English Grammar class, and it probably shows!Anyone who writes a lot, I think, can't help but improve somewhat, however!

You think my mind is cluttered> You should see my apartment! I have gotten better at clarifying my thoughts over the years, however. Whether or not I am actually learning anything is debatable, however. I still have my comfort bias in regards to my belief. Its too uncomfortable to accept that there may be no definite conclusion.

Just a footnote, ThreeDogs. When I first came to Evc, some of the conversations around here frustrated me to no end. I was challenged in my thinking and I thought to myself that surely I was right and they were all on crack! If you can stand the intensity and yet be polite enough to the other members with whom you disagree, you will eventually like it here!We certainly like humorous debates, conducted in good fun and with respect for each other! Stick around!

He is ranting, Nator. He is protesting the intellectual elitism that has frustrated many a Bible Thumper. In fact, knowing Rat as I do, I'll bet he is thinking of this scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 Personally, I agree with you to some extent, Nator. I have worked with the smart and the dumb (if I dare judge people in that regard) and the level of education has not always mattered.I myself am a High School graduate with some college, though I have yet to graduate. The choices that people make, and the willingness to have an open and inquisitive mind versus a closed dogmatic mind go far in determining their future.

Of course.You have to understand that I have "seen" the supernatural. I see the reasoning and intensity behind fervant belief and yet I also seethe argument from the other side which considers it all unprovable. I am not afraid that my belief cannot be proven. (I used to be!)I have to respect the education and experience of the scientists. The only other alternative would be to embrace the belief that Satan was deceiving the minds of unbelievers....and I can turn that around on the church and say that it is us who are being deceived, much as we claim the Jews were the first time around!