pmd@cbscd5.UUCP (11/07/83)
I just read Avi Gross' results of the article lengths poll and
was surprised to find that some people were actually interested in
what I have written even though they don't always agree. (Although
I can't get away from the suspicion that these were probably Christians
or Christian sympathizers (whatever that means)).
I want to speak to those who have found my style irritating
or consisting of a "holier that thou" attitude and say that I
am more than open to constructive criticism on this point.
If the words that I write come across that way please point it
out to me. I try to admit when I am wrong and consider the
views of those who disagree with me to be vitally important.
I learn nothing from those who always agree with me. I have
tried to convey that in almost every article I have written.
I would like to repeat what I said in my last 700+ line article:
The fact of my Christian status gives me no excuse for thinking
I am inherently better than an unbeliever in the same way that
a millionaire's [adopted] son has no real reason to be proud of
his inherited wealth. There is a great tendency toward snobbery
in such people and I know you've all seen it in Christians. But
that's a problem you are right to confront us with.
(Actually this is a limited analogy. I don't really consider
myself spiritually or morally wealthy. I'm not sure how to measure
that and am not really concerned about looking at my "bank account".
I only know that I have been delivered from the destruction that is
inherent in my morally diseased nature. I now have the assurance
that this disease, though still present, is not ultimately fatal and
that it's effects on my character can be counteracted.)
Yet it is a vital Christian truth that all people are in need of
the salvation of God and need to avail themselves of the opportunity
for salvation through Christ. It is ABSOLUTELY NO CONSOLATION to
me that I will be able to say "I told you so" to those who didn't
believe at the Judgement. The very thought of doing so is repugnant
to me. Just being right is no consolation when what is really important
is lost.
A few points in my defense:
1) I would expect the *content* (as opposed to style) of my writing
to be irritating to some people. Although I try not to intentionally
antagonize anyone, I want to speak what I feel to be the truth. It is
hard for me to convey my attitude accurately in writing--where there is
no vocal intonation or facial expression. I'm still learning here.
2) Often I respond to things that strike a sensitive area within me.
It is hard for me at these times not to speak forcefully and to
the point about what I think is wrong there. I realize that sometimes
I can get carried away. Also, if someone I am discussing an issue
with takes the attitude, "I'm sure neither of us will change one another's
views" I lose interest in the discussion quickly. There is no purpose
in it. I don't write anything just to show off what (little :-)) I know.
I do it with the hope that others will accept what I say if it is true.
I am quite willing to recognize the possibility of my being unconverted
from any of my beliefs. If what I believe is not true I want to be
the first to admit it. (At least, this kind of open mindedness is
the ideal that I strive for).
3) Irritation isn't all bad. Sometimes it is the only thing that
will motivate us to change for the better. When God confronts me
with my sin I always feel irritated until I do something about it.
If I ignore the irritation a callus develops over my heart which
must later be ripped off (painful but necessary) if I am to be restored
to that intimate, loving relationship with my Creator that I find so
refreshing, satisfying, and meaningful. I am learning not to be afraid
of the pain that comes with constructive change. There is great freedom
in that.
I'm glad Avi took the time to conduct his recent poll. I think
I learned a lot from it. In the future I will strive to be more concise,
keeping my articles limited to one issue (something I find hard
to do since so many interest me) and to work harder on spelling and
grammar.
When I wrote my long article, I thought I would give up writing anything
substantial on the net. But I have had a change of mind. The net
contributes too much to my understanding of different views for me to
ignore it. At least here people tend to say what they really think.
(I can't get that out of people when talking face to face. They respect
my "religious" beliefs too much and are afraid they might "burst my
bubble". Netters aren't so cruel as let anyone live in ignorance :-)))
Yours Truly,
Paul Dubuc