[soc.religion.christian] soc.religion.christian postings

will@aristotle.ils.nwu.edu (William Fitzgerald) (11/09/90)

I wanted to thank you for your postings on soc.religion.christian.
It was clear that you were speaking from your heart; I hope that the
flames which are likely to come will not be taken as reflecting on
your honesty and integrity; but rather on the writer's personality.

I've felt in the middle of the same dilemma, caught between honesty
and ability.  It's clear that being intelligent isn't enough to 
solve life's problems (witness your divorce; and I could share similar
experiences).  I'm more and more convinced that the God really does
have a preference for the weak; and although I can rejoice in the
intellect He's given me as His gift - a real gift, not to be denegraded,
by myself or others, I'm called into a body where (as Paul puts it)
the "hidden parts" are of more concern.  God shows His preferential
option for the left-out ones in many ways: though the scriptures in 
the teachings of the prophets, Jesus, Paul; though the type of paradox
you've mentioned; though pouring out his Spirit on the poor in our
day.  I once thought I should be a leader in the church because I was
so smart; now I realize that it's more important that leaders be moral,
loving, open to the Spirit, etc.  

Currently, I want to use all my intellect to faithfully follow Jesus
and to support his body the church.  

May God be with you.

Regards,

Will Fitzgerald (will@aristotle.ils.nwu.edu)