Casey quotes; my responses in blue

Quote:

...a "grace" Christian as opposed to a "law" Christian.

This is kind of bothersome (to me), as "Christianity" is all about "grace" and not about legalities. Through believing in Christ (the foundation of Christianity), we are saved by grace, pure and simple.

Quote:

Paul, (a man) came from a particular Jewish sect that was very law-oriented.

Paul was establishing laws for the church of Christ, not for salvation.
I've not been exposed to a situation where someon claimed what Paul said trumps what Jesus said. I've yet to get a good response from anyone, clergy or otherwise, about the contridictions in the Bible. But, I have read verses, on different occasions, for different reasons, and with several years in between readings, when the meaning appeared differently to me.

Quote:

Two things stand out to me. One is that Hank is a "rapture/last days" believer. I don't subscribe to that particular belief,...

I rejected the belief for many years. I still have doubts creep in concerning it. But, I do believe in the last days.

Quote:

(1) The Holy Scriptures, comprised of Old and New Testaments, are fully and verbally inspired by God and are therefore infallible in the original writings and completely trustworthy in all areas in which they speak.

Note the bold and underlined. I do believe this. I just don't know Hebrew to interpret the original writings for myself. I have to trust what is available, as well as discern from the offerings what is truth for me.

Quote:

...as I've said before, I don't subscribe to literal interpretation of the Bible, ...

I've also said that I have somewhat of a problem with translations. Here again, I have to trust in the Holy Spirit leading me to glean the divine meaning from what I read.

Quote:

... I know that Celtic has a point.

Celtic has some good points, as do many others, you being a primary... purpose here is to share those points. Some may come off sounding forceful, but who can fault someone for displaying passion for what they believe? Or caring so much, they can't risk wrapping the words in a package of "feel good" just so the message will be acceptable to all? I can't.

Quote:

So, where does a simple difference of belief in how we worship God/dess begin and end?

I would say in genuine "understanding."

Quote:

Where does our personal belief begin to adversely affect other people?

I answer, "only I can allow something to affect me."

Quote:

Just curious and don't mean to offend. These are my beliefs. Sorry for being so long-winded.

You are a kind soul, Casey... at no time have you offended me. I respect your input, as I feel you respect mine.