And if achieved, would probably spare lots of folks and their families costly visits to psychiatrists, psychologists, family counsellors, etc., etc.
What a beautiful essay, Ronzo! So perceptive and wise.
You wrote this, and so probably a lot of folks think you're nutz: "So just what is this cost we must pay? Nothing less than total and complete death to self."
Notwithstanding the putative social benefits arising from spiritually sensitive ministry by Christian clergy and community, this is what to be truly born-again effectuates: the turning of one's life around altogether, by turning to Christ, and away from the passing vanities of this world.
Christ is the Logos, Who was God, and Who was with God in the Beginning; He is Alpha and Omega, which are the Names of eternal Truth -- on Whom everything in the created universe depends for every second of every day.
And He came again, incarnated as fully and really human, to fulfill the Law, and to redeem sinners -- to restore the prodigals to their Father.
The rest is up to us, hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Well, that would be my witness anyway.
Thank you so much for your outstanding essay, Ronzo. May God ever bless you and all of yours.
Thank you so very much for your beautiful testimony and witness!!!