Hi Leander, first of all, I appreciate your posts. I find them to be completely candid and honest, and that's why I think they reveal a lot of special things about your character. You're a person who appreciates critical thinking, the art of research and getting an understanding of things. This will be important as you try to come to an unbiased decision. I recommend you read some works by some secular authors about the Bible, particularly Peter Gomes recent work "The Good Book". You're a sincere person wanting to look at things in context. I was once a Ministerial Servant and in college, and the more I was introduced to the whole wide world out there of beliefs I came to the conclusion that my belief in the Bible was one-sided. I read alot of secular books and came to the conclusion that I needed to expand my spiritual horizons outside of the congregation, to think outside of the box, so to speak. It also means to raise questions, challenging yourself, and becoming the person you want to be (hopefully a happier one). And don't think you'll make a lot of people happy in the process. Even the writers of our constitution got in a lot of heated arguments over what would secure the freedoms for the greatest number of people, and here our nation is, 200+ years later, longer than most governments in world history. So, think about these things this week. It's not easy, I know, I've been there, and it was tough. But hopefully, you'll make your own decision.
