I've been curious at your interference on this thread and others, seeing that you are Jewish and supposedly "don't have a dog in this fight." Then I just received this Freepmail, and it makes sense now:
"I am not really offended at your just criticism, and any time you find me overstepping my bounds please tell me so." That was really very nice of you, but perhaps not really necessary. As you probably realize, angelo is unhappy because he knows that you are succeeding at something more important than "respectful interreligious discussion". Perhaps he is feeling a tugging in his own lapsed Catholic heart.
If this is correct, you've been deceptive with me, Angelo, presenting yourself as Jewish and without a dog in this fight, and I despise dishonesty more than any other human failing.
Reverts do indeed count, more even than converts. They have a much higher chance of eternal damnation, having turned their back on Christ the Messiah and His Church.
I do not care for your representation of my participation in these threads as "interference". "Interference" with what? Your assumed right to say or do whatever you please without any opposition? I said what my interest in religious discussion on FR, and particularly in the new religion forum, is:
"What I am concerned with is encouraging a respectful and fruitful dialogue."
I'd appreciate if you would take me at my word.
If this is correct, you've been deceptive with me, Angelo, presenting yourself as Jewish and without a dog in this fight, and I despise dishonesty more than any other human failing.
You've been on FR for several months, and have participated in many religious discussion threads. My background should be no secret, as it is common knowledge. My mother is Jewish and my father is Catholic. I was baptized and raised as a Catholic. But according to Jewish Law I am a Jew by birth. I "reverted" to Judaism as an adult. One of my first posts on The Neverending Story threads was:
| To: ThomasMore Southern Baptists ending talks with Catholic Church, Thread 27, Reply #13 Since I didn't jump into this until thread 26, I'm not sure if this has been said before...but clearly the original source of this story was wrong. The ecumenical dialogue between the Catholics and the Baptists is not over, but instead has simply relocated to Free Republic. Looks like the Mormons have joined in as well. Is there room in the pool for a formerly Catholic Jew? 13 Posted on 04/12/2001 12:30:04 PDT by angelo [ Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | Top | Last ] |
Despite theological differences, I have a great deal of respect for sincere Catholics and for the present pope. At times, some of the protestants have accused me of being a crypto-Catholic. At other times, the Catholics are irritated with me. I've been a participant in this forum for over four years, first as a lurker and then as a poster. I have been participating in religious discussion here for almost as long. If you were to ask any of the regulars, I expect that most would vouch for my impartiality and objectivity on intra-Christian matters.
They have a much higher chance of eternal damnation, having turned their back on Christ the Messiah and His Church.
So you believe. Of course, I believe differently, and am fully as convinced of the Truth of what I believe as you are.
Oh, and the anonymous freepmailer is laughably off base with his accusation, and should probably refrain from engaging in amateur psychoanalysis. It was a relief for me to be freed of the yoke of profession of the truth claims of Christianity. It has been an adventure for me to explore my Jewish heritage. I am entirely comfortable with my religious beliefs and my relationship with God. I harbor no secret desire to return to Catholicism or any other form of Christianity. I tried for years to be a Christian and to have faith. Despite praying for faith, I never could in my heart believe. And I was unhappy living as a hypocrite, professing to believe things that I just did not. One day God said to me, "Hey, what did you expect, you're a Jew!" He led me to study His Law. When I've questioned things, He's told me "that's nice. Now do it anyway!" I have searched for Truth, and have followed where He has led me. I could do nothing else.
Psalm 119
[4] Thou hast commanded thy precepts
to be kept diligently.
[5] O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping thy statutes!
[6] Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments.
[7] I will praise thee with an upright heart,
when I learn thy righteous ordinances.
[8] I will observe thy statutes;
O forsake me not utterly!
[9] How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to thy word.
[10] With my whole heart I seek thee;
let me not wander from thy commandments!
[169] Let my cry come before thee, O LORD;
give me understanding according to thy word!
[170] Let my supplication come before thee;
deliver me according to thy word.
[171] My lips will pour forth praise
that thou dost teach me thy statutes.
[172] My tongue will sing of thy word,
for all thy commandments are right.
[173] Let thy hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen thy precepts.
[174] I long for thy salvation, O LORD,
and thy law is my delight.
[175] Let me live, that I may praise thee,
and let thy ordinances help me.
[176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant,
for I do not forget thy commandments.