(276,'bronwen.henry@newchurch.org',841,1325555887,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bronwen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI love this post. Thank you.'),(277,'rebeccamoranwv@gmail.com',842,1325607617,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Church Wife\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is a hard read for the wife of someone in that position.\r\n\r\nMy husband knows that divorce is not what God wants for us.  For me, for him, for our marriage, for our children.\r\n\r\nBut he also knows that God will forgive that sin (and any other he chooses to commit in the process).  He\'s skipping merrily about, surrounded by the forgiveness of God (and all of our Christian friends....because we all sin.  and no sin is greater than any other sin, so who are we to call him out on his or judge?) all the way to the divorce lawyer.....while the children and I are mourning this terrible loss and quite honestly....feeling destroyed. \r\n\r\nIt\'s hard for me to go to church.  To see him so happily and contently loved by God and everyone around him, while I\'m feeling hurt and abandoned....but my husband and by God.  I know that feeling isn\'t true, that God must be there, somewhere, even though I can\'t seem to connect or take comfort in my suffering.  But it\'s a hard pill to swallow every Sunday morning.'),(278,'rayrayc17@live.com',843,1325613893,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m glad you came by and commented because it\'s an issue that always needs clarification.\r\n\r\nI had a fallen pastor\'s wife email me a few months ago. Her question was, \"He\'s not repenting, am I supposed to forgive him?\" In fact, not only was he not repenting, but he was telling her that everything was her fault, she was to blame for his adultery, and that her unwillingness to forgive was a sin. The entire time, he was ignoring his own sin and not asking forgiveness.\r\n\r\nRestoring someone and walking by them also means turning them toward the right path - toward repentance. The pastor\'s wife also needs love and compassion. You are hurting and in need of care. If his attitude truly is one of \"freedom\" since he doesn\'t have to worry about his former marriage, then he\'s probably in the same situation many fallen pastors are right after their fall - denial. He does need help, but not the kind he\'s getting. \r\n\r\nPray that God will work on his heart. And your heart as well. Love your children as you know how to. Pray for godly, discerning people to rise up and restore your husband as he should be. And I will be praying for you both.'),(279,'lizdyer@verizon.net',844,1325617216,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI am a very, very, very serious student of scripture and after very, very, very much study of the few passages that address same sex relationships (studying the original contexts and original language) it is obvious that those scriptures are not referring to loving, monogamous same sex relationships and now that most Christians are aware of the error in trying to use those scriptures to condemn same sex relationships many are now trying to say that same sex relationships should be condemned because there is no scripture to condone them.  I think that is a dangerous way to use scripture as a guide or authority.  When I realized that scripture did not address loving, monogamous same sex relationships I had to ask myself how would God want me to proceed? - should I condemn something because it isn\'t addressed? what would be the just thing to do?  I came to the conclusion that it would be unjust for me to condemn anything without sufficient evidence if it doesn\'t cause obvious harm to someone.... therefore, I cannot condemn same sex relationships that are loving and monogamous - and I believe it is unjust for anyone to do so based on the fact that scripture does not address the issue.'),(280,'Buddynet02@att.net',845,1325617456,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Alise Wright\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s taken me a very long to accept the idea of same sex marriage.  I never felt I was bigoted, and I never minded what kind of sex two consenting adults engaged in within the privacy of their own homes.  I did support civil unions with all the same rights (still not aware of the 1,000 or so I have that single folks don\'t have) as marriage, but just did not want to redefine the word \"marriage.\"  I feared that it would open the door to plural marriage.  I do want equality for gays, but I wonder if those who are so strong on this issue would think me bigoted if I said I hope we can at least confine marriage to be between two people.  I\'ve been on some sites where you are considered bigoted if you don\'t support plural marriage, and I think if we are going to make it legal for any amount of people, be they a group, a cult, or whatever can be married to each other, we might just as well toss out marriage altogether and just have legal commitments for anyone who wants to be committed to however many people they want.  Like I have said many times, I do believe in equality for all, but I wonder where this is all taking us, and mainly I worry about what it will do to the strides women have made throughout the centuries.  I\'ve heard even some feminists say nothing\'s wrong with plural marriage, that they could dig it, while some of my liberal women friends say it\'s not for them, but they are okay with it for others.  I believe that no matter what people say there are some basic differences with the majority of men and women and that most women favor monogamy, while most men like the idea of \"severals\" and if it there were no laws against it, women who want to marry would not have a very strong argument against it if their beloved wanted to bring others into their home.  Not a bigot in my heart, only truly concerned.'),(281,'patkriss@aol.com',846,1325630825,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Rev. Pat Kriss\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDerek, thank you for your very thought-provoking article. I used the key points of your thoughts in my New Year\'s Day sermon to challenge the congregation to think about their claim to being Christian. We are also going to discuss your article on Thursday during our Interfaith Clergy meeting for, whether we\'re talking church or synagogue, the core of the concept is whether or not we are truly living our respective faiths in the insightful eyes of young adults. Thank you for some very rich food for thought.'),(282,'dlpenw01@gmail.com',847,1325633588,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi drdlpenwell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHow incredibly kind of you to write, Pat.  Thank you.  I\'m glad you find this stuff useful!\n\nI\'m especially interested to know how this comes across in an interfaith context.  Please do let me know.'),(283,'bluegrassrambling@gmail.com',848,1325643106,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi David Henson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhat a great comparison. You\'ve got a great thesis under the right adviser here!'),(284,'jeremylovesjesus@gmail.com',849,1325646109,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Stephens\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks! It would definitely be something worth doing the legwork of a thesis for!'),(285,'maguyton@gmail.com',850,1325652662,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBut you\'re talking about a modernist propositional account of \"belief.\" Take this argument to its logical extreme and you can apply it to language itself so that only pre-linguistic experience is authentic. Everyone lives inside a story; no one can transcend this basic epistemological foundation. For me, the Christian story has the most promise (though not necessarily as it\'s been told by Western modernity which almost destroyed it).'),(286,'maguyton@gmail.com',851,1325653285,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nOf course, the important thing to keep in mind when we apply this to Christian history is that the heretics have often been the side that was winning at the time. The Marcionites, Gnostics, Donatists, Arians, Nestorians, et all were not always fringe groups that the mainstream stomped out; some of them were the majority perspective before Nicaea, Chalcedon, etc. \r\n\r\nSo I would deploy the linguistics differently than Godin is. He\'s using \"heretic\" as an unequivocally positive term. I think that heresy refers to that part of what is generally thought to be \"orthodoxy\" that is in the process of being revealed as inadequate. Those who defend the inadequacy for the sake of maintaining the status quo are the heretics, while those who \"will not keep their peace until Zion shines like the dawn\" (Is 62:1) are the prophets.'),(287,'maguyton@gmail.com',852,1325653552,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI tend to use the terms \"good\" and \"evil\" differently (perhaps). Evil is not the opposite of good, but rather describes my need to claim whatever good passes through me as my private property rather than the product of my participation in God. I would say that we are good insofar as we are vessels through whom God moves, but good never originates in us.'),(288,'jb@thriven.org',853,1325661602,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMorgan, you said, \"I think that heresy refers to that part of what is generally thought to be “orthodoxy” that is in the process of being revealed as inadequate.\" \r\n\r\nI don\'t know if history agrees with you.  Jesus was a heretic and was crucified for it.  He was on the losing side but ended up winning. I think a heretic is often (although not always) exactly what the prophets are in their time, only vindicated later on.'),(289,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',855,1325689369,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is a functional misnomer. While the words in the Greek typically refer to an older man and a younger boy, they also were applied to men of the same age in comitted relationships. Likewise, the Greeks played on the idea of female same sex unions (the Isle of Lesbos is where we get our word Lesbian from). They had these ideas and they applied them. While it is popular nowadays to read into the culture a condemnation only of the adult/child homosexual relationship, this is only possible if it is read into the scripture, rather than extracted from scripture. Likewise, looking at the Greek fails to address the Hebrew basis (OT) for the Greek usage (NT). In Leviticus, there was no pattern of adult men/boy relationships to be paralleled. From a biblical basis, the pattern of behavior has to be understood from the earlier basis rather than viewing this strictly as a Greek discussion. Remember that Paul was a Hebrew first, a Pharisee second, and a Christian Apostle third. His understanding would be derived from the Hebrew Scriptures.\r\n\r\nWhile the word used in Leviticus can be debated, the understanding is difficult to reverse. The List of sins decried in this list is all sexual sins, and homosexuality is included. The idea of homosexuality being openly allowed in the society is difficult to accept... The committed relationship is not talked of because the committed relationship is only allowed in marriage which is by implication between a man and a woman. The idea is to remove sexual sin - which includes sex outside of marriage. Since marriage is between a man and a woman (there are innumerable marriages listed in scripture and not one of them is homosexual in nature, the creation was a man and a woman, the institution of marriage is between a man and a woman - for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they will become one flesh, the language has words for bride and groom seperate than man and woman, and they are used in complementary text - I could keep going), committed homosexual relationships cannot be called marriage in a religious sense, therefore, they still fit the category of sexual sin.\r\n\r\nIf we as a society want to look beyond the biblical definition of marriage, I have serious issues with using the religious word marriage, or claiming that it is based off religious understandings (that is, allowed to be instituted by clergy). If this is the case, it becomes merely a legal institution, which is fine.'),(290,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',856,1325689866,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think it sounds a bit presumptuous to say that one´s Bible study has to be considered the most serious like our friend Liz inferrs above. So I throw the glove down and ask her to show how she has come to her conclusions based on very (very, very) serious study of the Bible. I don´t wish to knock, this is an open forum of ideas and i am learning as I go along from everyone else so its the wrong scenario to push everyone against the wall and make us think our own opinion might not be as kosher as someone elses. I know Liz doesn´t say that but I suggest it would help the forum to avoid being too categorical about our opinions or be prepared to be challenged. Having said that, I am also glad that Liz seems to take this seriously and so can we benefit from what Liz has discovered please? I would really appreciate the data as this is a controversial subject and we need as much input as possible. But I would ask one thing. Please don´t keep using love as the main reason for acquiessence. God´s love is on a par with His total, out and out determination to extinguish our fallen nature. For some that may be a real shock. God´s love delays His judgement. But judgement on sin will be carried out, dare I say \"whether we like it or not\", so best be sure we got our lifestyle right!\r\n \r\n\r\nOne last comment: If I stand the risk of being called \"bigoted\" because I do not think same sex partnerships or relationships are allowed by God then please call me bigoted.  I´d say another example of my possible \"bigotry\" is about abortion. Where I live I am anti abortion and that puts me in the male chauvinist bigotry crowd for the majority of my fellow countrymen and women. It doesn´t bother me. I don´t think even Hitler killed as many innocents as the democratic and \"free\" Western civilisation has done since abortion was legalised. Sorry to digress, it was just an example of acquiessence to fallen nature that I won´t go along with.'),(291,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',857,1325690977,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIf sin hurts the individual, then sin always hurts someone.'),(292,'joe@rijenterprises.com',858,1325692864,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joe Machuta\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Wiskers,\r\nHave you ever stopped to wonder if you could be wrong? Could mainstream evangelical theology be wrong? I think that it is, and quite frankly substantiate it by using the bible and the writings of the first century believers. Jesus and his followers redefined the term word of God to mean either him or the gospel. I think it was to avoid the worship of the book that evangelicals are victims of. He also gave scripture a *solely* redemptive focus that points to God\'s unconditional love and grace. So then, what if the bible is not the word of God per se, and is not a rule book that God judges anyone by? What if we arrived at this error by insisting on *sola scriptural* to overthrow the bad theology of the Roman Catholic Church?\r\n\r\nBelieve me when I say that if one spends some time in study and begins to use the hermeneutics of Jesus instead of the hermeneutics of the scribes and Pharisees one gets a very different picture. A picture where God does accept loving monogamous same sex relationships. \r\n\r\nThink of the thousands, perhaps millions of miserable hetrosexual marriages, that remain intact year after painful year solely based upon the misreading of the book.\r\n\r\nI have written 150 blog posts that if you read them over time you can see that there is some substance to what I am positing. The minute you see that I have a scriptural viable hermeneutic then your certainty is gone forever.\r\n\r\nBlessings,\r\nJoe'),(293,'ptaceks@hotmail.com',854,1325693825,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi John Ptacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMorgan,\r\n\r\nIt is indeed possible to breech one\'s story by becoming thought\'s witness. To understand that thought is limited is the beginning of intelligence. Surely Jesus, who transcended the realm of thought, pointed to this truth.\r\n\r\nJohn'),(294,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',859,1325694376,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWiskers, you said above that if you divorce reproduction from marriage, it makes it possible to agree to anything.  You said that men and women can have \"natural\" children to cement their bond, while same-sex couples can\'t.  So would you suggest that couples who don\'t want any children, or couples who go into marriage knowing that they don\'t possess functional reproductive organs should not get married?  What if couples simply fail to produce offspring?  Is their marriage bond weaker?  How about couples who adopt--that\'s not \"natural,\" it\'s a way around the natural reproductive process.  Is the non-biological child preventing a deeper bond in the marriage?  How about when one person has been married before and has kids, but the other hasn\'t, and they don\'t end up having kids together?  Or how about the elderly, long past their reproductive years (and do NOT quote to me about the unusual late-life pregnancies in the Bible).\r\n\r\nI\'m not going to argue about same-sex marriage with you, we would just have to agree to disagree on that one.  But I do take issue with your reduction of the marriage bond to biological children.'),(295,'don@thecompanyofjob.com',861,1325701671,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Don Harris\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAnd you wonder why so many people are rejecting the idea of going to church? This is truly sad, embarrassing, absurd, and all the other things people have said it is. What is is NOT is uplifting and beneficial to the body of Christ. Who was it who said \"Christianity would be wonderful if it weren\'t for the Christians\"?'),(296,'Buddynet02@att.net',863,1325702698,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Alise Wright\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI don\'t know how to get a name and picture on here, but this comment was made by Buddy AKA Beverly, Alise.  I was hoping to get a response to my post from someone, if not you.\r\n\r\nI want to add that I don\'t think we Christians or any other religion have the right to make laws based on what we view as sin.  My fears about plural marrage are not based on sin or if I think \"severals\" in a mutual sexual relationship is sinful because polygamy was practiced in biblical times, but purley as something not good for our culture and that could reduce many strides women have made.  I do not see same sex marriage in the same way, as they are two people, a couple, which comes a lot closer to my view of how marriage should be and less chance for exploitation.\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure that I buy the idea that the homosexuality \"do nots\" in the Bible were purely about temple prostitutes or older men with young boys, although I\'ve heard that a lot.  I also do not believe that the sin going on in Soddam and Gormmorah were just homosexual acts, but people wrapped up in all forms of sexuality to the point where they had forgotten lost their humanity to their own lusts.  However, I believe that scripture is up for intrepertation, and I respect others to have their own views and interpretations.  And my feelings about all of this aren\'t really biblical anyway, but based on concerns for society and for the impact on the female sex especially.\r\n\r\nI am aware of different cultures both ancient and more recent, and there have been some where same sex is okay, but people married opposite sex partners to reproduce.  That said, I\'m not sure reproduction is a necessary function for all persons in today\'s world as we are already overpopulated, and some people cannot reproduce and some choose not to.  I would not base any opposition to anyone marrying based on that.  In fact, it could be said that homosexuality is a built-in evolutionary response  our burgeoning overpopulated world.\r\n\r\nWith all the things we have to worry about, people without work, caused by greedy corporations moving their factories to other countries to exploit foriegners while denying their fellow Americans a way to support their families, with people dying because they cannot get health insurance or afford it, with a war going on where children and civilians are often maimed and killed by our own soldier children, with our own laziness poluting our planet, who people love and marry is the least of our problems.  And that said, I think same sex marriage is way healthier than group marriage, and I do support it but hope in my heart of hearts that it doesn\'t open the door for something I do not see as a good move for feminie equality which I believe would be the outcome of legiticizing plural marrage\r\n\r\nGod bless us and help us,\r\nBuddy aka Beverly.'),(297,'lindabaley@aol.com',864,1325704696,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Linda B.\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI am 53. My hair is graying. I\'m looking older all the time. I\'m good with that. I am the only one of my friends who doesn\'t color my hair. I don\'t have a problem that they do. But it does make me sad that so much of our conversations revolve around them trying to look younger... different clothes... different makeup ... special diets ... now there\'s talk of plastic surgery. Yet to me the things they are doing don\'t make them look any younger. It\'s just making them look more and more like a distorted version of themselves.  I say embrace the gray. Other than the health issues that come with aging I\'m enjoying the process.  I feel like I have so much more to give. I have a wealth of life experiences. I appreciate my time on the planet so much more. I\'m not dead yet... I\'m just older. Here\'s to the next set of adventures life has to offer.'),(298,'ptaceks@hotmail.com',865,1325704906,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi JohnPtacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDeana, you had me at nature but lost me at God. As part of the natural world  we are governed by natural law. We are an infinitesimal yet sacred part of life\'s manifestation. Life comes coursing through us from the day we are born until the day we die. Any idea that we are the authors of our actions is illusion. We\'re all doing the best we can with what we\'ve got. \r\n\r\nUnder God\'s laws, however, we are permitted to judge ourselves and each other unmercifully. This stems from the concept of free will, which assumes that we are apart from nature rather than part of it.\r\n\r\nOne set of laws permits us to live in a permanent state of forgiveness, the other requires that we have to qualify for it - which strikes me as rather unnatural.'),(299,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',867,1325707491,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLinda, I love your line,\"It\'s just making them look more and more like a distorted version of themselves.\"  As you can tell, I embrace the gray.  It saddens me to see how many older women have bought into our culture\'s demand for \"perpetual youth\". I\'m glad you live authentically as yourself, and hope the day will come when your friends do, too -- whatever authenticity means for them.  Thanks for your response.'),(300,'warrenaldrich@hotmail.com',869,1325712788,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Warren Aldrich\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat.  Nice and clear.'),(301,'jmcrouch@gmail.com',870,1325713610,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Crouch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Warren. Yours is the 1st comment I have received ever on this site.'),(302,'justin@itsjustjustin.com',871,1325718814,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Justin Scott\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTotally agree, marriage equality, not gay marriage.'),(303,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',872,1325719729,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nResponse to Joe Machuta;  I respect what you are saying and if you reread my comment you will note that my mind is more open than you may think. But I can´t easily get away from Bible based discussion. You seem to suggest (and forgive me if I have misunderstood your view) that we can dispense with the Bible as the Word of God. If that is what you are saying then we have not much to base any discussion on because I happen to believe firmly in a generous interpretation of Scripture certainly not from a Scribe or Pharisaic view (which was exactly what Jesus was opposing) but more based on His forgiving attitude. However, may I make the point that although Jesus forgives, his advice is 2 go and do not sin anymore\". So I don´t think anyone can show plausible proof for Jeus´theology on accepting same sex marriages in any way. In fact, his disciples and the writers of the New Testament develop his teaching and this makes clear that any sexual relationship outside of marriage is not in God´s plan and can not therefore be blessed by Him. \r\n\r\nMay I also make the point that God forgives ONLY when there is repentance from sin.  If the New Testament does not condone any sexual relationship outside of marriage then I cannot honestly be inclined to think that He is condoning as good same sex marriages either.Very sorry but I remain unconvinced although open to more comment, of course.'),(304,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',873,1325720726,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nFor amy Mitchell: You have probably misread my intention which was to state clearly that the natural way of God is to marry man with woman. Ask any biologist if that isn´t the 100% natural way. But you are right about other possibilites and i haven´t suggested that couples who don´t want to have children shouldn´t get married, nor if they can´t have kids, for some reproductive problem,  not be able to adopt. And hey, how many unsual births are recorded in the Bible (Isaac´s mum, Samuel´s mum, Jesus´mum! But the point I was making was that God´s norm is man + woman= child.  That is something that can´t \"naturally happen with same sex couples. I can´t equate sterility or adoption with same sex marriage. The fact that there are many hiccups in \"normal\" marriage doesn´t invalidate God´s plan. I´m saying that normal is a guideline to knowing what God intends. It is also a guideline to God´s intention that sex be kept within the marriage bond of male/female. The fact is that sin has brought about a total move away from God´s plan so I don´t see we can use current practice (extramarital sex) as the norm because that is called situational ethics. If we begin to use situational ethics then it will be difficult to get anything straight here. \r\n\r\nIf God had intended same sex marriages then would he not have said so or given even a miniscule indication to open the door? What I see in the Bible, correct me if I am wrong using the Bible please, is that any sex outside of man woman and marriage is not God´s plan. Maybe you can prove that it is. If so I will gladly discuss that with you.'),(305,'arb06@alum.dartmouth.org',875,1325728668,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Arbie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTo wiskers, Austin, Ken, and Marni:  I\'m sure glad so many people know what God intends and what he considers \"normal.\"  Whew!  What would I possibly do with myself if I didn\'t have an enlightened elite to tell me exactly what\'s best for my life?  I wouldn\'t have known that the golden rule wasn\'t a good enough principle upon which to model my own thoughts and actions.  I don\'t know where I\'d be if I didn\'t have them to craft and pass laws that try either to outright prohibit me from being intimate with someone to whom I have committed my whole life and being, or at least to confer upon themselves the right to stick their noses obsessively, authoritatively, and creepily in my bedroom and make me suffer and feel ashamed and stigmatized about whatever I do there with another consenting adult.  What would I do if I didn\'t have all this helpful \"moral\" guidance to gently persuade me that I desperately need to return to the Christian faith?\r\n\r\nWhy, without all of these things, maybe I would have never left the faith in the first place, or at least not have shaken the dust off my feet on the way out.\r\n\r\nI regret coming here and naively hoping that I would encounter arguments different from what I expected (although there were a few comments that inspired gratitude and hope).  I\'ll leave you all to quibbling about what the holy books say about this, that, or other, or what word to use to describe a wedded couple of which you don\'t approve, or how/whether Leviticus is to any degree relevant to our modern society.  I think I\'ll stick to trying to live my life by having a realistic view of human nature and aiming to help and not harm others.  Not because God or a book told me I should, but because it *just makes sense.*  Not because I\'ll get a reward in heaven, but because we all need a real, helping hand when we\'re down, without anything being expected in return.  Because life is tough and short, and the last thing we need is people tying up monstrous burdens to place on other people\'s backs without lifting a finger to help.'),(306,'joe@rijenterprises.com',876,1325731770,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joe Machuta\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWiskers, I don\'t think you read what I said. I said that Jesus and his followers redefined the term/phrase word of God from scripture/Torah to Jesus/gospel. If there is one thing that I have proven by a preponderance of the evidence over two years of blogging it is that Jesus and his first century followers did not refer to scripture as the word of God. My question is this if Jesus and his followers changed the definition as they did, why is it that 2000 years later his followers have bought the Scribe and Pharisee definition. Please check it out at http://www.paradigmshift-jmac.blogspot.com. \r\n\r\nFurther, when the New Testament was written there was a transition period going on where the Old Covenant/Temple and the New Covenant Church were limping along side by side. That changed at the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem.. Jeremiah stated that Leviticus, et. al. was obsolete and the writer of Hebrews quoted that and explained that though it was obsolete is was soon passing. It passed.'),(307,'delosworld74@gmail.com',877,1325745733,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Colby Chambers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMaybe Nietzsche meant that as truth can be interpreted as \"subjective\" it cannot be absolute...however by using the phrase \"there are no absolute truths\" he does indeed contradict himself. Nicely written as always Jon.'),(308,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',878,1325748816,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nArbie;  I am not so sure from your comments above that you want to hear anything different from what you have already made your mind up about. Perhaps this is the problem. Stay with the conversation and extract what you can find of good in it and decide later whether this conversation is helpful or not. People have different views. Ours tries to include what we understand as God´s leading in our lives. You seem to be rejecting submission not to us but to what we see as guidance in God´s word. And Arbie, God´s word was sent not just to tell us that we can do anything we like cos God loves us but also to instruct and guide us towards His way of thinking and doing. It is a sincere search for us all and the fact that you don´t feel happy about our ideas is perfectly understandable. Keep questioning and we may all learn more but be sure about this, for those of us who believe in God, His Word is paramount, we may get it wrong or we may get it right but our motives are to learn for ourselves what we should submit to. And in the end the crux of the matter is submission to God or not. That is where the cookie crumbles. I don´t judge anyone for not submitting to God´s Word. It is their personal and private decision but at least can we continue to talk about it? Conviction is of the heart, not just the mind. The mind is coninced and the heart convicted and by love. That´s when you learn to submit. And believe me, noone, Christian or not, can expect to please God if we reject living in the power of His Spirit, sent to us precisely to empower us to live getting victory over the root of sin in our lives. That is the essential message of the Gospel for me. That is my conviction. Blessings.'),(309,'warrenaldrich@hotmail.com',881,1325767348,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Warren Aldrich\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSad.  When you\'re not being completely f\'in enigmatic, you\'re brilliant.  Ok, even your enigmaticness is brilliant...but I\'m not sure how I know that.  \r\nAnyway, I\'m trying to get you out there.'),(310,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',882,1325775667,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoe Machuta: I have no doubt that the OT has passed away and none of my thinking is based principally on that although one has to take into account God´s \"weaning off\" period of OT revelation to mankind to then understand the basics of Jesus´teaching. \r\n\r\nI am sure that neither the OT or NT were considered Word of God until much after they had been written but there are indications in the NT that show an acceptance of the Pauline and Peter letters that were already widely accepted at least as testimony to what Jesus taught. So, for you and me in the 21st century, the debate about what is WOG is rather sterile given that most evangelical scholars now accept that the Bible as we know it contains (in its original texts) the revealed word of god and testimony of Jesus, sufficient for our `present and eternal salvation. At the present we are \"saved\" progresivelly from the root of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit (if we continually submit to Him) and eternally we are saved by grace so that we can enjoy Jesus in heaven directly. In my understanding which can be challenged by all means, the NT collection of writings we have today contain enough of Jesus´life and teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit to be enough to go on. No scribes and Pharisees for me, just W.O.G and Holy Spirit. \r\n\r\nI hope this helps a little. I don´t always manage to explain myself correctly and please forgive this.'),(311,'Buddynet02@att.net',880,1325779267,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Buddy aka Beverly\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nOkay, I think I figured out what I\'ve been doing wrong here.  Alise Wright\'s name has been showing up under my posts.  Sorry Alise, I didn\'t mean to do that.  I just wanted to ann another comment about biblical condemnation of same sex relations.  I guess I\'m still a Christian, but I know that as we learn from science, our ideas on many things change.  I\'m thinking that in biblical times there was a concern about the human race surviving and reproduction was the main reason for marriage.  Nowadays we marry for love and other reasons as well, but not necessarily to have children.  Our world is overpopulated and in addition to a lot of people having fertility problems, there does seem to be more homosexuality as well.  Could this be evolutionary nature taking over to correct so that we don\'t overpopulate ourselves out of existence.  Just a thought.\r\n\r\nBuddy aks Beverly'),(312,'ian_stephenson@hotmail.com',879,1325779268,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ian\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Deana for sharing a snippet of your journey.  I can identify with much of what you wrote.'),(313,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',883,1325779442,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt is dangerous to say that People redefined words, and therefore, we can do the same. If the Bible is the Word of God, then the meanings intended by the original authors (or speakers if you hold to the theory that many of these were spoken at one time, and written down later) to the original audience. If we are willing to add/change the meanings of words, grammar, etc, then the Word of God changes over time. While that may be what you are intending, it is concerning to me. If the Word of God changes over time, then we end up with the possibility of Scripture saying very different things tomorrow than it did yesterday - Jesus wasn\'t really God (He himself said that he was the son of God and the son of man, so clearly, he was just a man like all of us who are called sons of God), there is no afterlife (we know better now, this was merely a cultural artifact), etc.\r\n\r\nI think you are also mistaken in some of your details. Jesus didn\'t reinterpret scripture to be SOLELY redemptive, but to be leading to the redemptive climax. He Himself said \"I have not come to change the law, but to perfect it\". It\'s a question of highlighting the redemptive nature of God, which only has an effect in the context of a sinful world. The 1st century Christians may have reinterpreted the word of God to apply both scripture and Christ. That\'s not the same as reinterpreting marriage to apply to both heterosexual and homosexual couples (in contradiction to the Bible), or reinterpreting the words that decry homosexuality to apply only to what we currently view as clearly inappropriate homosexual relationships (men and boys or temple prostitution as have been mentioned here). It seems like we are ignoring the judging, holy, awesome God we see in the Old Testament and in Revelation (and Acts - Ananias and Sapphira had an experience with Him) who played out the drama of judgement on His son as a substitutionary sacrifice so that He could eliminate the obstacles that we have built between God and ourselves in favor of the loving self-sacrificial God who in love and mercy accepted this judgement knowing full-well what the cost would be to Himself. We are in danger of ignoring the Father because we like the Son so well. Not only that, we are ignoring the difficulties Jesus raised for his disciples to come to Him (let the dead bury the dead -you must eat my flesh and drink my blood, and it is true flesh and true blood - You will indeed suffer what I will suffer - you must daily pick up your cross and follow me).\r\n\r\nThe Christian walk is a hard one, and will ask something of each one of us that we don\'t want to give.\r\n\r\nAs to whether my hermeneutic is wrong... It\'s entirely possible. Acknowledging that doesn\'t overturn my beliefs. It\'s merely acknowledging the human nature of understanding. We are still responsible to come to the best conclusion that we are capable of. As Saint Anselm said so well, we are [people] of faith seeking understanding. While I might acknowledge my potential wrongness, you must also. If we disagree on a point that is not fundamental to salvation, I\'ll call you brother and we\'ll talk. If we still can\'t come to an agreement, I\'ll call you brother and I\'ll go away praying for greater enlightenment for both of us so that we can continue to love and pursue God in the best way possible. If we disagree on an issue fundamental to salvation, I might not call you brother, but I\'ll still talk to you. If we still don\'t agree, I may call you heretic and walk away praying for greater enlightenment so that we can continue to love and pursue God in the best way possible.\r\n\r\nOn this topic in particular, I think we have a peripheral issue that may affect core issues. The Bible must still be authoritative, or the basis for Faith is overthrown.\r\n\r\nAustin'),(314,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',884,1325780286,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYour hermeneutic seems to be driven by your theology. You are assuming the New Covenant replaces the previous covenants, but looking at the OT, each covenant builds upon the previous covenant. We don\'t have to worry about God destroying the Earth with a flood anymore, and we have the proof in the rainbow.\r\n\r\nIf instead, the New Covenant builds upon the previous covenant, then the law reveals our sinfulness, and the new covenant allows a path for redemption from that sinful nature. If Jesus\' followeres did not refer to the scripture as the word of God, that doesn\'t necessarily mean anything... it\'s an argument from silence. They may have been trying to distinguish the climactic revelation of Jesus, they may just have used other words (the law and the prophets, the torah, the law of moses, the writings, the scripture, etc) which were equally important and useful for description. \r\n\r\nThe idea of the OT covenants and the New Covenant existing side-by-side until the destruction of the temple is interesting and attractive, but to imply that replacement theology allows for the removal of the law itself (or the condemnation from disobedience) contradicts many passages of scripture (including Hebrews).\r\n\r\nI agree that we tend to idolize the Bible over God, and we should seek to correct that as the Bible is the guidebook to salvation, not the means of salvation. We can also talk about replacement theology, but that\'s peripheral to the discussion of Gay/Equal marriage.'),(315,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',885,1325781111,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI find it interesting Arbie that you describe our comments as dictating to you. This is the first time that I\'ve been called elitist, thank you. I\'m not arguing against homosexuality, or even against the state recognizing homosexual unions to the same degree that it recognizes heterosexual unions. Nor am I saying that because (I assume) you are homosexual, you are any more sinful that myself (who is heterosexual). I\'ll admit that I am a liar, I am a hater, I am a theif, an idolator, I have been, and probably still am a sexual sinner. I could probably agree with Paul that I am the foremost of sinners, but that is because I recognize these things as sin.\r\n\r\nI am not saying you have to change your lifestyle to be Christian, or that you should desire Christ because of your sexual identity, or even that your identity (sexually or otherwise) needs to change UNLESS you are not recognizing yourself as a sinner in need of the grace God provides. My concerns have to do much more with Scripture, grace, and life.\r\n\r\nIf I\'m offending you because I am saying that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, then it\'s a failure to recognize sin that offensive, or a failure to accept the Bible as having the authority to identify sin, or a belief that my interpretation is so far off that I\'m offending the truth by proclaiming it to be so. If it\'s the last, then let\'s talk about it. If it\'s the first 2, I\'m almost certainly not going to change my mind after having spent the last 10 years in theological study to come to that understanding. If the Bible isn\'t the authority, then I have no hope of salvation, and I have no reason to believe that God is, God is personal, God is loving, or that there\'s a heaven. \r\n\r\nI absolutely agree that we all need a helping hand, but we can\'t give it to each other. That\'s the story of the prophets to me. Trying to help people live rightly, and failing miserably. God is the only one who can help us, and I pray that he does. I have no intent to pile burdens on others, and I would hope that I help, although I am certain that I do not help as much as I could.\r\n\r\nI may be wrong, and I\'ll acknowledge that as a possibility, but God helps us wherever we find ourselves. If we have to be perfect then only God is in heaven, and we\'re all going to hell. If he comes where we are to help us where we are, then we have hope. But all that comes from the Bible.'),(316,'lizdyer@verizon.net',886,1325781565,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for the post - I believe in living authentically even when we have to struggle past the cultural pressures to do it!  I can relate to a lot of what you said as I am also a 57 year old woman.  I do color my hair and wear light makeup but that has nothing to do with my age - that is just what I have always done as an adult and I do it for the same reason you said you wear the lingerie ... \"I like the way it makes me feel\" ... but I will admit that I get frustrated with some of my aging family and friends when they seem so against current stuff - whether it is music or tech or politics or religion or movies or books.  Some of them seem to think that anything that young people think or anything that is current or new is inferior or silly or maybe even bad. I don\'t think that getting older means we can\'t also be interested in and enjoy what is current.'),(317,'lizdyer@verizon.net',887,1325783267,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAs I grow older and as men and women get older I see less and less difference in the male and female genders ...  that leads me to think that maybe most of the differences come from cultural biases.  For example - I used to think that my husband was very different than I am but over the years as we have continued to reveal ourselves to one another the truth is that at the core of ourselves we are very much alike and a lot of what we were \"being\" for so many years came from what we were taught we should be because of our gender.'),(318,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',889,1325783365,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell, I know that I am very late in commenting on this, but I see a distinct lack of men commenting and I would like to add my own 2 cents here.\r\n\r\nI love this article because it states very well what I have tried to inculcate in my own marriage (and to a lesser extent the larger culture). It is very difficult, and very rewarding. However, I think the gender roles still have a part to play in marriages and in the church. My wife and I by and large operate in this manner, although there are of course times when one or the other (or both) of us fail to live up to this ideal. However, I have found the defined gender roles to be useful. In the home, there has been exactly one time in the last 10 years when I believed that I knew what God wanted for us in a situation and my wife was \"uncertain.\" Because of her uncertainty, I went back and prayed for an additional 3 months, and I came only under a greater conviction, a greater certainty. I shared this with her and (I believe appropriately), she said, I still don\'t know. In further discussion, I said, this is one I\'m going to put my foot down on, and I started forward, still praying that God would make things clearer. In the end, God was gracious to remove the problem, so that it ended up not being only my decision. I still give thanks for that.\r\n\r\nThis is where I think there is the benefit - In the case of indecision/lack of agreement, there still needs to be a decision made (in some cases). That\'s why government by consensus fails. We aren\'t always going to be on the same page, and when we aren\'t, how do we move forward? I have always viewed this as the reason for the \"man is the head of the household.\" When things need to move forward and because of the fallen state of mankind, we still have that capacity. As a man, this terifies me, and I struggle to minimize or eliminate the times when this has to be applied. I haven\'t been able to completely eliminate it, but clearly minimizing has been somewhat effective.\r\n\r\nIn the Church, the same situation applies, although I do not  believe that it is a gender role. Regardless of who the leader is in the church, they should have the same fear, and the same responsibility. Women in the pulpit are not fundamentally different from men in the pulpit. Where I get completely stuck is understanding how the marital roles would play out if the husband were in the church his wife was the pastor of, but fundamentally disagreed (after the serious consideration and prayer that should occur) with her on some question that directly affected both the church and his family.\r\n\r\nAnyway, I thought I\'d chime in and provide a male voice in fundamental agreement.'),(319,'jmcrouch@gmail.com',888,1325783365,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Crouch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI follow the Inner Path the allowing Truth to emerge as obstacles are exposed as illusions. One of the main obstacles is the mind. \"It is the mind that tells you that the mind is there.\"'),(320,'jmcrouch@gmail.com',890,1325783629,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Crouch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Colby. The brilliant thing about the Absolute is that it is not arbitrary or relative. Grace gives Truth permission to shift our subjective experiences into alignment with the nature of Divinity.'),(321,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',891,1325783902,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI absolutely agree with you, Liz.  A common thing that happens with older people is they might authentically live as who they are, but they fail to grow and recognize significance in current things.  My mother died two years at age 89, and she still lived in the 1950\'s.  However, my dad, who is 90 today, keeps current on learning new computer programs, and visits my comtemporary church when the grandchildren are in town.  He has found a balance between what he likes - which includes current things - and still loving Big Band music, for example, and he\'s active in World War II reunions.\r\n\r\nI choose to respect middle-aged - older people\'s opinions, even if they don\'t respect mine.  Personally, I wish, for their sakes, that my peers didn\'t shut themselves off from current things, but that\'s their choice, just like my choice is an integration from what I love of my past and what I love of the present.  Many of them don\'t understand how I can love Bach, Led Zepplin, and Adele all at the same time.  Well, I do.\r\n\r\nI celebrate that you both accept and recognize the assets that come with age, and that at the same time you enjoy the delights of current events.  Rock on, friend!'),(322,'lizdyer@verizon.net',892,1325783902,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m speechless.  This is powerful and something I think we need to examine and consider.  Right now I can\'t move past dealing with being angry at the church and Christians because of the way we have historically glossed over stuff like this.  I am going to share this on Facebook.  Thanks!'),(323,'jmcrouch@gmail.com',893,1325784652,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Crouch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nA Truth in the greek mindset of the time of Christ is the same word for Reality. Used when Jesus said, \"You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free.\" Truth is subjective, therefore viewed differently from people\'s perceptions. The Truth Jesus spoke of is the state experienced when one gives up trying to right the wrongs of the world. One no longer needs \"beliefs\" to feel secure, one is secure because one has experienced The Presence of God as complete security. Tebow is pointing to something, the problem is everyone is looking at Tebow.'),(324,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',894,1325786111,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou honestly pinned it well with this, \"...the problem is everyone is looking at Tebow.\"\r\n\r\nThis alone, therein, lies a big problem. The distortions of people\'s lenses is. \r\n\r\nBut while Tebow reveals these public displays of pointing to God through his life, I just have to wonder lately...how could he be doing it differently to truly penetrate those distortions two \"the truth\" (Christ) is truly seen...and in turn, He penetrates hearts to transform them? Be ause this far...his efforts seem to be \"falling on deaf\" ears too much? Or...does he need to adjust his methods and simply stay the course and leave it in everyone else\'s court to handle the responsibility to have them make the choice to put on some corrective lenses?'),(325,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',895,1325786204,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nPardon my typos...I am on my iPad and it autocorrects on a whim and I miss these at typos times.'),(326,'joe@rijenterprises.com',897,1325786935,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joe Machuta\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTo Austin,\r\nI am answering outside of the actual thread because I don\'t like the narrow indent that results from several replies. Actually, my hermeneutic is driven by my presuppositions as is everyone\'s.  My theology is informed by my hermeneutic not the reverse. \r\n\r\nAgain, Jesus and his followers ... not I... redefined the term word of God. (Maybe that should be addressed to Whiskers) Further, Paul stated that anything not done by faith is sin (Rom 14:23.) One could conclude then, that a loving, monogamous same sex relationship from faith would not be sin.\r\n\r\nI see more clearly where you are coming from and I will admit that it is not as judgmental as I had thought. Having said that, Christ did away with sin. To one of faith in Christ there is no sin. That is the state of the new covenant. Now, practically, does my anger, jealousy, lust or any other such sinful practice affect me and others? Of course. However, if one by faith concentrates on their sinless status... it automatically produces peace with God, love for God and love for God is the catalyst for our transformed living. That is not affected by what we do with faith or who we are partners with. \r\n\r\nThere is no room in the new covenant for a legal mentality about scripture. It is not a rule book that makes one right with God. Using the scripture to condemn all homosexuals is legalistic and there is no way around it. The law of the spirit of life which is the law of the New Covenant does not condemn. Evangelicals use the law unlawfully.'),(327,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',898,1325787642,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is where the detachment comes in...there is truly always a different lens in which to utilize to read scripture. I understand where you are coming from, Alise...I do. I used to actually believe as you do now. I have been an encouraging guest at a family member\'s union many years ago (when I wasn\'t a Christian, however)...and didn\'t understand how God wouldn\'t condone a loving union between same gender couples when He honors the man/woman union. Because love is love, right? No. It\'s not. Love is objective (Christ), not subjective (prone to different lenses being use to bring about various versions of truth).\r\n\r\nThis all goes well beyond just on the surface here that we don\'t find specfic areas of scripture to address this...but we\'re given enough examples of how He responds when human beings engage in same sex unions...and it isn\'t the kindest of responses. This leads me to believe (based on scripture) that He looks upon sex and intimacy between humans in a very holy manner...and He created man to be with woman and woman to be with man to give us an image (an example) of the relationship we are to have with Him, and it doesn\'t involve man being with man or woman being with woman.\r\n\r\nTo address  the Pagan worship that you reference as well...while it did occur frequently in scripture (the two hand in hand)...these are two very separate sins being addressed. Therefore, no...it isn\'t any greater of a sin than another. Many Christians have this all twisted unfortunately...and it is time it needs to be addresssed in such a manner. But I can\'t blame many for being upset, because it does violate God\'s example of relationship; however, how it is being addressed is far from appropriate in my opinion. For it\'s magnifying one sin to be greater than another...when in reality it is no greater than any other.\r\n\r\nThere is a fine line being played with here when eveangelicals getting into the mox politicall. One side is addressing the holiness of the scriptures, and one is keeping it some kind of balance to make it all digestible to the world. The truth is...it doesn\'t mesh. So we need to make a choice...Him or this world. Plain and simple. Not an easy choice...for this world makes it confusing...but it is one we need to make as Christians. But despite the choices we make on the level of which side we choose to be on...we really should respect one another and value others viewpoints.\r\n\r\nI value and appriciate yours and others in opposition to mine...for they are valid. They bring up very vital points...and this is all a journey. And the journey should prompt us to learn from one another. This however never means my viewpoints are going to change another\'s...or another\'s will change mine. That should never be the agenda on either side, for the only one who should always be changing us is Jesus...no one else.'),(328,'bkwilless@yahoo.com',896,1325788013,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi brian\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI am not understanding this legal ramifications point. \r\n\r\nSo we should not ever legislate morality? But isn’t defining what is criminal an issue of morals in general? Where does this lead? Where does this end? So when I say murder is wrong are you going to call me religious?\r\n\r\n What about prostitution? Like Nevada should it be legal in all states. Then there are drugs, polygamy, and ultimately bestiality (I mean how can an animal ever give communicative consent and yet at my friends house her dog tries to hump my boots each time I am there – is that consent? Should I have at it. Am I negligent to the dogs needs? [Rather I kick her away]).\r\n\r\nNow drugs and prostitution in some instances benefit from it being illegal - for it keeps prices high. Honestly I have seen the destructiveness of polygamy it lessens the relationships and causes all kinds of neglect and abuse throughout the family. I have not seen anything by my own eyes in a homosexual relationship so I cannot speak to its destructiveness. But where does it end?\r\n\r\nIf you don’t grant these and fight for these at the same time as “equal marriage” are not biased? Are you not being selfish for wanting only what you want?\r\n\r\nIt seems to me (I am not an educated man or smart) that this is the same type of logic the Nazis used for killing gays, Jews, cripples, etc.! “We were just following our law” they would say; and in order to defend that killing GAYS was wrong the allied attorneys appealed to Natural moral law.\r\n\r\nJust because it is legal or illegal don’t make it write. The majority may rule but that does not mean the majority is not wrong.'),(329,'jmcrouch@gmail.com',899,1325789304,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Crouch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTebow does not need to do it differently. He is doing it from what he is. The only way that would change is if what he is changes. Look at his upbringing and what he was told was important. From that he displays the Truth as he knows it. The people who do not like Tebow simply put, do not like themselves. It is one thing to disagree with an expression, another to attack a person.'),(330,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',900,1325789904,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nRay...what a refreshing article! Refreshing in that is relates such a \"dirty\" truth that we all need to be constantly aware of to address it appropriately! I especially appreciated your takeaway here,\r\n\r\n\"Let us rise together to walk with those who need restoration, because one day it may be one of us who needs the grace of the community.\"\r\n\r\nPastors...leaders...new believers...all Christians alike need this encouragement, because at one time or another, we all break.'),(331,'rayrayc17@live.com',901,1325790152,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Marni. I used to be one who was harshly judgmental of sin. I had zero tolerance of it when I was a pastor. Then suddenly, I found myself in a place where I needed grace and restoration. I had only two close friends left in the world and of course, Christ, who never turned his back on me.\r\n\r\nIt was during that time that I learned what compassion really was.'),(332,'kristenrosser@hotmail.com',904,1325791947,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kristen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAustin, I don\'t see that the Bible gives a husband a \"trump card\" to get his own way-- though I appreciate that, since you believe it does give you one, you exercise it with \"fear.\"  That said, in the situation you describe, I think my husband and I would have handled it just as you did-- except that we wouldn\'t have said it was because he was the male; rather that it was because he was the one who believed he had a clear leading from the Holy Spirit.  Conversely, if I had been the one with a clear leading from the Holy Spirit, and my husband was uncertain, he would have gone along with me, trusting my relationship with God as I trust his.  We believe that is what \"submit to one another\" in Eph. 5:21 is all about.\r\n\r\nIf we had a situation (which has never arisen) where I felt strongly led in one direction and he felt strongly led in the opposite (not just uncertain), then we would pray some more and not act until we were sure why we felt so differently and what could be done about it.  We simply don\'t believe one spouse has a God-given right to override the other, however carefully and fearfully.   However, when a couple does believe the husband has that right, it\'s wonderful when he is as careful as you are.  When he is not, the wife is up a creek without a paddle.  Many wives find themselves in this situation when a husband is not mature enough to handle the power the church tells the wife she is required by God to give him.   \r\n\r\nI think the Holy Spirit, through Paul, was leading first-century Christian marriages in the direction of empowering wives who had been little more than slaves, to be raised up to be beside their husbands.  We misunderstand that now because our marriages start out looking very different.  We have to be careful not to go backwards towards that first-century norm, thinking that that culture is endorsed by God simply because it\'s the culture first-century Christians had to live with. \r\n\r\nWith regards to church leadership, the New Testament shows that a plurality of leaders was the norm in the early church, so I don\'t think it\'s a good idea to have one sole person, man or woman, leading the congregation.  In short, I think leadership by consensus is not only <i>not</i> inherently a failure, but is anticipated and expected (under the leadership of the Holy Spirit) by the NT, and there\'s no reason why one person should be able to impose his or her will over the whole congregation. \r\n\r\n However, if a church decision were going to be made that affected one church leader\'s family, and not any other family in the church, I think it becomes a family matter and not a church matter and is for the affected family to decide.  If it affects all families in the church, then the church leaders should take that into consideration but not allow one family more say than another in the congregation just because they\'re the family of a church leader.'),(333,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',905,1325793358,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI agree absolutely that using the scripture to condemn all homosexuals is legalistic and against the spirit of life. But this doesn\'t necessarily mean that condemning homosexual activity or gay marriage is likewise legalistic.\r\n\r\nThe New Covenant says not that we are sinless, but that when we acknowledge our sins, repent, and confess, that we are deemed as not having sin AND that we are no longer slaves to our sin. If we were perfectly repentant, we would be sinless, but then we would be perfect in some way anyway, so kind of a sidestep :). Further, the grace that Jesus revealed, and is made more explicit in the NT eschatology, is that we can be/have been reconciled with God - that the effective barrier of sin has been removed. This is one area where I do and probably always will call \"MYSTERY\" - meaning I can\'t explain it. That when we accept the call of Christianity, we are at once eternally perfected, and temporally still flawed. Our eternal state is more of less set (I don\'t really want to go down the once save, always saved route - I think there are exceptions but it would be a serious rabbit trail), but we still have to live out the temporal world and the consequences of a fallen state in that world. I am still a sinner from my own perspective, and that is freeing. When seeing the eternal (which is a part of the struggle), I am not a sinner, and that is awesome, but I\'m still temporal and still flawed.\r\n\r\nThe law is what reveals to us our sinfulness, the grace of Jesus is that that sinfulness no longer has an eternal consequence. The new covenant doesn\'t discard the law, or it\'s imputation of wrong, but rather allows for that wrong to be passed on. The problem is that when we actively refuse to accept that there is something wrong, when we deny that we are in sin, or when we deny that something is sin that the law reveals as sinful. Then we are unwilling to release that, and have to deal with the consequences of that sin. We can\'t ignore the law simply because we don\'t like it, but we can put aside the death sin brings because God has overwritten that consequence and allowed us to attain the life He desires.\r\n\r\nI would say that there is room for a legal mentality ONLY to convince ourselves and each other of our first and ongoing need for salvation, not to conemn anyone out of hand. If I am no longer a sinner because of Jesus prior intervention then what do I do with my ongoing struggle with sin - that part of me that, as Paul says \"does what I do not want to do\"?\r\n\r\nI think the only way to make sense of the whole issue is to say that I am a sinner at the same time I am redeemed. I can not explain it any more than that, which is why I call \"MYSTERY\".'),(334,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',906,1325795270,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"The people who do not like Tebow simply put, do not like themselves.\"\r\n\r\nExcellent insight! Something I have heard in snippets throughout my life...but it honestly hasn\'t sunk in. I believe I need to really need to immerse myself in this understanding...because this truly reveals the whole aspect I blog from on my own blog...brokenness. When something rubs up against us that is counter to ourselves...a brokenness (a wound) is revealed that needs addressing and healing.'),(335,'ellenmurphy99@gmail.com',903,1325795630,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ellen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWe live in a culture that has a real problem with sexuality. Sinful sexual practices abound from things that nearly everyone can agree is wrong to things that some people won\'t agree is sinful.\r\n- adultery, sex with someone else\'s spouse\r\n- sex outside of a lifelong commitment \r\n- pornography\r\n- sexual slavery\r\n- vivid depictions of a sex act in non-pornographic movies\r\n- stripping, exotic dancing\r\n- prostitution\r\n- homosexual sex\r\n- furries\r\n- fetishes\r\n\r\nSex is a beautiful and powerful drive with the primary biological purpose of propagating the species. Like any drive for a good thing, it can be twisted into something bad or simply made into something less than it could be at its best. Homosexual practice misses out on all the great things that the opposite sex has to offer. No matter how feminine a man nor how butch a woman, same sex pairing misses out on the union of male and female that makes a complete whole. The ideal in sexual expression is the life-giving, love sharing union of a man and a woman who know only each other for their entire lives. Any homosexual union, no matter how committed, falls short of this ideal. Nearly all heterosexual unions will fall short of the ideal. However, any heterosexual union has a greater chance of achieving the ideal because it starts out with both different pieces that are made in the image of God.'),(336,'lucasmkramer@gmail.com',902,1325795666,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Lucas\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAnother interesting and applicable and referenced article.  \r\n\r\nhttp://www.christianity-revealed.com/cr/files/whensamesexmarriagewasachristianrite.html'),(337,'kristenrosser@hotmail.com',907,1325796763,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kristen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nComing to this conversation late-- but I can hear your respectful, honoring voice, Jonathan, and I think part of the pushbacks are a result of miscommunication.  When you said, \"I don\'t want women to be equal in the traditional sense,\" the context in which you wrote that leads me to believe you meant, \"I don\'t want women and men to be exactly alike or for women to have to act like men to get ahead in this world or in the church.\"  But \"alike\" and \"equal\" are two different things, and I, too, found myself bristling at the idea that you don\'t want women to be \"equal\"--  that is, to have the same rights and opportunities that men have.  However, I don\'t think that\'s what you meant. \r\n\r\nI agree that there are no good qualities of character that are \"pink\" or \"blue\" -- for Jesus embodied all the virtues, including strength and nurturing, assertiveness and gentleness, and we are all called to imitate Him.  The differences between men and women seem to me to be related to our biology.  Men can be fathers but not mothers; women can be mothers but not fathers; women have more estrogen and men have more testosterone-- all of which leads to different experiences of, and ways of approaching, the world.  But Christianity is not about the spiritual only.  It is a faith that considers the physical to be good, and our physical bodies are gendered.   So we do have differences and should celebrate them.  We are not all alike and should not try to be-- but it is the stereotypes of \"gender roles\" that really try to make us all alike (all the women one way, all the men another), not the notion of true equality in which we can all be who we are, with our individual differences, and yet have the same powers, rights and opportunities.'),(338,'levitt.mike@gmail.com',908,1325797234,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Michael Levitt\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is why I\'m so passionate about your book, Ray.  We are called to accept and give grace to others.  We all fall short, and stumble.  No one should have to go through their struggles alone, nor be cast aside.  Thankfully, Jesus hasn\'t  (and won\'t) cast us all aside.\r\n\r\nBlessings!'),(339,'aleikenberry@yahoo.com',909,1325798067,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Austin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTo be fair, Boswell\'s hypothesis (the basis for this article) has been repeatedly repudiated, and the historical basis for these saints is questionable (as no evidence of them or their activities exists for more than a hundred years after their deaths). Regardless, the precise nature of their relationship is not known and not even really indicated until 600+ years after their death. Also, the Vatican\'s position should be explored using their documentation rather than the potentially aberrent behavior of priests in the Catholic church. \r\n\r\nThis does bring up interesting ideas though, as it seems at least possible if not likely that there were groups of Christian leaders who have been debating this for millinea. At the very least we join in the conversation. I have not been able to find any of these documents online and I don\'t have access to the libraries that are likely to hold them. I would be very interested in finding the documents themselves if you know where they can be found.'),(340,'rayrayc17@live.com',910,1325798513,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Mike. We know that with Christ we are never alone. But He has also given us the gift of the church so that we might walk together in our weakness.'),(341,'dannywickham@yahoo.es',911,1325803750,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wiskers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nEllen: Thankyou for that and agreed fully. Sin distorts, if sin is the norm then it gets harder to refute. The Word of God points us in the right direction. Biology confirms the uniqueness and suitability of male/female reproductive and pleasure organs. Paul´s letter to the Roman church clearly spells out a series of results of the fallen nature. Amongst them, not exclusively, is the opposites of heterosexual relationships. I take the NT as Word of God. Its difficult for me to extract from what I read any indication that anything outside of matrimonial sexual relationships are God´s plan for us, especially when we are given the best tool ever to defeat our fallen nature as I have mentioned before. \r\n\r\nIf anyone can find for me any reference in the Bible which points toward a God approved sexual relationship outside of marriage please let me know. i´ve studied the Bible most of my life now and new things strike you each time that you didn´t see before. Will those in favour of same sex partnerships please show me where they get biblical approval for it? Someone mentioned Sola Scriptura as being a little narrow. Its an interesting theory. What other sources have we got that teach us about God or reveal His will for our lives? He is the Creator and therefore I reckon we do well to listen to everything that reveals Him to us. \r\n\r\nThis is a very stimulating blog, thankyou everyone!'),(342,'jb@thriven.org',912,1325805752,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Kristen.  You have heard my heart.'),(343,'wayne@rumsby.ca',913,1325857014,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wayne rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI would just like to add, that there are many paths in christianity that don\'t lead to God either. It is my humble opinion that all religions are just attempts to construct our own towers that reach toward God. Rob Bell calls it Brickianity. The Good News is, He doesn\'t live in the tower. Won\'t we all be shocked when we get to the gate, and find a fat guy sitting lotus and saying, \"Welcome, my name is Jesus, I am the gate, I\'ve been dying to see you.\"'),(344,'wayne@rumsby.ca',914,1325859386,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wayne rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThe first 40ish years of life is like the climb phase of a roller coaster, then it\'s over the top and the fun begins. I\'m 53 and so happy to be in a phase of life that is more about who I am, rather than who I\'m going to be. \r\n\r\nGuys may not have to contend with the makeup thing, but we have our trappings too, we\'re all about toys and power.'),(345,'outofcomatose@gmail.com',915,1325867487,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Deanna Ogle\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJohn,\r\n\r\nI don\'t think I quite understand what mean, though I would love to hear you elaborate on this. I\'ll pop over to your website and send you an email!'),(346,'outofcomatose@gmail.com',916,1325867570,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Deanna Ogle\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Ian! And thanks for stopping by. The best part about opening up and sharing your journey is finding that I might not be as alone as I imagine myself to be. I\'m glad you can relate!\r\n\r\nDeanna'),(347,'ptaceks@hotmail.com',917,1325875795,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi John Ptacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDeanna, if we can agree that God and nature are interchangeable, then I understand your point. Each is a term we reach for to describe the indescribable. However the God that many hold dear is one that punishes, one that sends people to hell, etc. This is not the God I refer to. This is a God created by man, a complete illusion. The God I refer to is the source of all things natural, a life force not a moody person with an agenda. The philosopher baruch Spinoza put it nicely when he said: \"Nature is everything. There is mass, energy, atoms, molecules, life, thought, people, societies, galaxies and perhaps multiple universes (pure speculation). But there is nothing outside nature, including spiritual visions and other phenomena we don\'t yet understand. If they exist, they are part of nature.\" If you do stumble onto my site and read the essay filed under CHOICE, I go deeper into this concept. It has cocked a lot of heads, and I would be interested in your feedback.'),(348,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',918,1325886065,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"What you have and do is who you are, and indicates what you are worth.\"  God have mercy....who made these \"rules\" anyway?  Hooray for men like you, Wayne, who don\'t play the game when the game is unhealthy.  I\'m glad you responded.  Love your last sentence.'),(349,'kglethean@gmail.com',919,1325891144,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kevin Gonzaga\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\njeremyers,\r\n\r\nI can relate to a lot of what you said.  There have been many times where I felt certain passages of scripture were bold faced lies because of my personal experience or what was going on in the wider world.  For example, when Jesus talks about bringing life and life to the fullest, I had a hard time reconciling that with a Jesus who would allow people to be sexually assaulted or for my own painful descents into depression.\r\n\r\nThat being said I think you are ultimately right in that many times it is how we use the Bible that is more the issue.  I am so tired of people using \"verse-bites\" of the Bible to support their own agenda and attack other people, usually other followers of Jesus when read in context, or when the Bible is read as a whole, these are usually not justified.\r\n\r\nAt the end of the day I think we need to wrestle with the whole Bible, even when parts of the Bible are difficult to accept or difficult to reconcile with our experiences of life, but we should never use the Bible as a weapon or it (or faith in general) as a way to control people and stay in power.'),(350,'marni@relevantbrokenness.com',920,1325903823,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Marni Arnold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI have few words...but those few words are...\r\n\r\nI agree. I relate.\r\n\r\nThank you for this!'),(351,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',922,1325912689,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Marni, \r\n\r\nAnd thanks for sharing this post on Facebook also!'),(352,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',921,1325912690,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKevin, \r\n\r\nYes, we need to wrestle with the whole Bible, even (and especially) the difficult parts. The brightest gems lie under the hardest surfaces. So keep digging!'),(353,'bronwen.henry@newchurch.org',923,1325951839,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bronwen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nA great reminder, that communicated truth and made me smile. Thanks Wayne.'),(354,'staucody72@gmail.com',926,1325959804,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cody Stauffer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMorgan, this is a terrific, succinct distillation of these questions. Well done. I notice your author description gives a little bit away about which of each of these stances you lean toward. :)\r\n\r\nQuestions are far more engaging than debates and propositions, and these questions are exactly the questions I have asked and been asked this past year.'),(355,'maguyton@gmail.com',930,1325968525,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYeah I\'m a Wesleyan and the way I framed the questions is probably reflective of my Wesleyan bias as well. Thanks.'),(356,'sarahboote@hotmail.com',931,1325975526,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sarah\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI reacted to two phrases: \"the fathers of the faith were male\"... yes, and the mothers of the faith were female, and there were many of them.  Also, \"Jesus chose men to be the twelve\" yes, and the women were right there along with them from the beginning. Here is where I suspect the writers have deliberately chosen to overlook the role of women in the gospels and the early church, either because it was unfathomable to them, or on purpose to uphold the societal norms of their culture..'),(357,'kristenrosser@hotmail.com',932,1325981011,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kristen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you for making us think-- and for consolidating the issues to make them easier to think about.'),(358,'travklassen@me.com',933,1325988965,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nRay-thanks for this article. Your book is at the top of my must read list!'),(359,'maguyton@gmail.com',934,1325998097,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHonest question: Are millennials really leaving church or is this only true on the mainline side of things? I guess it\'s hard for me to believe that, because I see enormous \"Bible\" churches under construction everywhere I look. People in postmodernity starve for community. I worry more that millennials are going to end up in ginormous churches with bad theology that have \"strong, successful singles programs.\"'),(360,'bramc777@hotmail.com',936,1326039580,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi brambonius\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHmmm; some very good and importanty point here, but I would go further...\r\n\r\n1) why either/or, I would say both, but the second one is very important indeed and something we miss. We should pay more attention to the church fathers of the eastern orthodox sometimes...\r\n2) I\'m not John Piper, so I go with the first one..\r\n3) primiraly restorative, and this is a very important point missed by a lot of protestants. \r\n4) I wouldn\'t frame it in either terms, but I go with your description of the second option, which reminds me of Sadhu Sundar singh and of the eastern orthodox. Very powerful paradigm shift if contemplated in combination with the first one...\r\n5) I think there\'s more to it than changing minds. I would say there also is an ontological change in the universe due to the incarnation, cross, and resurrection (death, evil and sin being defeated Christus Victor-wise). But again the second option...\r\n6) the second option, but again there\'s more to the subject. Maybe associated with the ontological changes I see in Christ (see 5)\r\n\r\nI would add\r\n\r\n7) is the scope of salvation focussed on saving single persons of on saving the cosmos as a whole\r\n8) Is the gospel centered on the saved person or in the Reign of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. \r\n\r\n(these are the same comments as I made on the CA group on FB)\r\n\r\nbut thanks, these conversations are much needed!\r\n\r\nshalom\r\n\r\nBram'),(361,'maguyton@gmail.com',937,1326046125,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your responses, Bram. I\'m recognizing that there\'s a particular kind of conversation that is driving the way I\'m framing these questions. Holiness is of course more than just \"intolerable.\" It\'s also awe-inspiring, beautiful, wonderful, etc. In the context of describing hell as a product of God\'s holiness, the question would be whether God cannot tolerate sin or sin cannot tolerate God. I like to say it the second way because it preserves God\'s sovereignty and perfect benevolence. God doesn\'t need to \"react\" to sin with wrath. Being entirely self-sufficient, God\'s God-ness simply IS wrath to sin, which cannot survive its encounter with His holiness.\r\n\r\nAs far as the ontological question about God\'s relation to our being, I really think that the problem with Western Christianity is nominalism, the idea that God is just another being in the universe which is held in place by His externally-imposed will, instead of the sacramental view from the first half of Christian history that God is the only \"real\" thing in the universe and all other things are contingent upon God for their being. \r\n\r\nAll of the arguments about free will vs. determinism, etc, disappear under the sacramental ontology, because if God is the source of our existence, then following God\'s will for our lives is not submitting to some arbitrary omnipotent bully completely outside of us, but instead connecting fully with the source of our being instead of getting tossed around by idolatrous fetishes that don\'t represent our true desires. Augustine\'s definition of free will occurs within a sacramental ontology and thus has a completely different meaning than the nominalist definition of free will. Calvin read Augustine with a late-medieval nominalist lens rather than a sacramental one. Hence TULIP.'),(362,'maguyton@gmail.com',937,1326046125,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your responses, Bram. I\'m recognizing that there\'s a particular kind of conversation that is driving the way I\'m framing these questions. Holiness is of course more than just \"intolerable.\" It\'s also awe-inspiring, beautiful, wonderful, etc. In the context of describing hell as a product of God\'s holiness, the question would be whether God cannot tolerate sin or sin cannot tolerate God. I like to say it the second way because it preserves God\'s sovereignty and perfect benevolence. God doesn\'t need to \"react\" to sin with wrath. Being entirely self-sufficient, God\'s God-ness simply IS wrath to sin, which cannot survive its encounter with His holiness.\r\n\r\nAs far as the ontological question about God\'s relation to our being, I really think that the problem with Western Christianity is nominalism, the idea that God is just another being in the universe which is held in place by His externally-imposed will, instead of the sacramental view from the first half of Christian history that God is the only \"real\" thing in the universe and all other things are contingent upon God for their being. \r\n\r\nAll of the arguments about free will vs. determinism, etc, disappear under the sacramental ontology, because if God is the source of our existence, then following God\'s will for our lives is not submitting to some arbitrary omnipotent bully completely outside of us, but instead connecting fully with the source of our being instead of getting tossed around by idolatrous fetishes that don\'t represent our true desires. Augustine\'s definition of free will occurs within a sacramental ontology and thus has a completely different meaning than the nominalist definition of free will. Calvin read Augustine with a late-medieval nominalist lens rather than a sacramental one. Hence TULIP.'),(363,'bramc777@hotmail.com',938,1326049438,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi brambonius\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\ninteresting, and I think I agree... In Him we live, in Him we move, in Him we have our being... Or like the orthodox say, the energies of God sustain all of creation and we would not \'be\' without them. This is close to the panentheism of some in the emerging church, but faraway from most of protestantism. Deism could never have emerged from the older view, and in a way this absent God of much protestants (which is only te be found in the bible) is a precursor for the non-existent god of atheism...\r\n\r\nI would never have made the connection with nominalism; I have to reread and rethink some stuff, I hope I find the time for that, because this seems like something very important.\r\n\r\nSo we have 2 aspects of hell, none of which have to do with being tormented or actively punished. The C.S. Lewis view of getting our own Kingdom and getting cut away from God, which may result in non-existence or at least ceasing to be the imago dei (as NT Wright says somewhere) and the intolerable holiness of God (an idea I first encountered in Sundar singh, and later found again in the orthodox tradition, but might also be implied in the end of Lewis\' great divorce, when the ghostly narrator seems to get dissolved in the breaking light of the morning) which makes it impossible for an unreconciled person to be in Gods presence. (which is why in the OT people who encountered YHWH were surprised that they had not died)\r\n\r\n\"All of the arguments about free will vs. determinism, etc, disappear under the sacramental ontology, because if God is the source of our existence, then following God’s will for our lives is not submitting to some arbitrary omnipotent bully completely outside of us, but instead connecting fully with the source of our being instead of getting tossed around by idolatrous fetishes that don’t represent our true desires.\"  \r\n\r\nYESSS!!!\r\n\r\nshalom\r\n\r\nBram'),(364,'jb@thriven.org',939,1326089105,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMorgan, Mark Driscoll asked a different six questions on hell. \r\n\r\nhttp://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/149639-mark-driscoll-to-hell-with-hell_part1.html'),(365,'travklassen@me.com',940,1326119504,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is right on, Ray. Church is about being who we are and who we are called to be, in relationship with one another and with God. It\'s about being intentional with our faith. Another awesome read.'),(366,'ray.hollenbach@gmail.com',941,1326122903,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Hollenbach\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Travis. Imagine what could happen if we were all \"intentional with our faith.\"'),(367,'christian@homebrewedtheology.com',943,1326134597,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Christian Salafia\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIMO, in the non-denom community, yes, they want the unchurched to come but there\'s this expectation that they will conform to what that community\'s version of \"churched\" is.\r\n\r\nIt\'s been my experience that the mainline denominational churches, or at least the ones I\'ve been to, tolerate, at a minimum, or welcome kids who are active during the service.  Where I\'m attending now, the Pastor sees it as part of what makes being Christian a \"beautiful mess\".\r\n\r\nNow, on the poopy diaper, yeah, that probably should have been changed.  I do agree with you, though, what if they just weren\'t aware of what to do and were scared of getting up and possibly causing a scene.\r\n\r\nI just feel that the service is an hour of my time, one where I\'m responsible for how I respond to God, and that any of these inconveniences are just that... and temporary.'),(368,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',944,1326142212,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'ve been there many times, too.  My nemesis is a self-destruct mode that kicks in sometimes, and by the grace of God I\'m still around.  God\'s intervention is pure love and grace whenever we want to be dead more than live.  In that passage, God agreed with Elijah that the journey was too much for him, but he offered a solution:  nourishment and rest, not only for the body, but for the soul.\r\n\r\nThank you for your blunt honesty.  We\'re not alone like this, are we.'),(369,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',945,1326142664,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTravis, I\'ve been there many times, especially when my self-destruct mode kicks in.  In that passage, I note that God agrees with Elijah that the journey is too much for him.  God\'s solution?  Rest and nourishment for both the body and the soul.  God provided for his needs and reminded him that his life wasn\'t over and wasn\'t pointless.  Best of all, God showed up so Elijah wouldn\'t think he was all alone in the mess.\r\n\r\nThank you for your blunt honesty.  It helps that not only is God with us no matter what, but there are other people willing to share who have struggled with death, too.'),(370,'hornmike@sbcglobal.net',946,1326152899,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi M. Horn\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHave you checked out the stats posted on the internet today?  All 316, 31.6, 3.16 stats.  More superstition or coincidental?  Not sure what to make of it, if anything.'),(371,'shrry604@gmail.com',947,1326163980,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sherry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThere\'s a part of me that wants to say something profound. But instead, I\'m just going to say that I truly appreciate your voice.'),(372,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',948,1326173208,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cam\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou had me wanting to stand-up and cheer at, \"Hope is the real fuel of the church, but too often we are met with hype.\"  That is SO true and I see it repeated over and over again in so many churches. As a musician and one who loves great production, ironinically I find myself far more drawn to simple, soulful, even rough-around-the-edges worship art than slick, perfect, and recycled worship. Similarly, I\'d rather hear a humble person with a broken past proclaim the depth of God\'s grace in stammering words than someone who\'s isolated themselves in a world so exclussively religious that, while never having to confess one of \"those\" sins, they end-up with an arrogance that makes them incomparable and unapproachable by others. \r\nThank God He sees us for what He made us to be, for His image, and not necssarily for what we allow ourselves to become. Inside or outside the church, it isn\'t necessarily pretty. But there is great beauty in a community of imperfect people seeking to know and pursue the God who first loved them. '),(373,'rayrayc17@live.com',950,1326210160,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGood points, Christian. I\'m in a denominational church that acts very non-denominational. It really comes down to the attitude and love of the pastor.\r\n\r\nYour last comment was great and I think the heart of the message. \"What are we willing to do/put aside for the hour of worship?\" I don\'t know the whole story. Maybe it was this couple\'s last diaper. Who knows? Maybe they were lazy. But we don\'t know. It\'s intriguing for me to think about.'),(374,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',949,1326212267,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi csobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHonestly, I have a different take entirely. Not argumentative of either position really, and not to say there\'s not value in the conversation. But throughout the last year as the debate has continued acorss the bookshelves and the blogosphere, my thoughts have more and more come down to this:  Heaven, regardless of what, how, and where it is, is immeasurably good. It\'s of God, and it\'s His desire for all His beloved to be with Him there.  Hell, regardless of what, how, and where it is, is immeasurably bad. It\'s not of God, and it\'s His desire that none of His beloved will be there.   I would just like to see the church rally around wanting what God wants — for as many as possible to experience the goodness of God, starting now, and in progressively greater measure. But to hear the passion in some as they speak about Hell, I\'d swear they\'re secretly looking forward to seeing many sent there. I\'m with God on this, I\'d like NONE to perish.  I\'m going to focus on that.'),(375,'christian@homebrewedtheology.com',952,1326223291,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Christian Salafia\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat\'s a good point, that it\'s comes down to the attitude and love of the pastor.  \r\n\r\nLike most \"organizations\", so to speak, the members are a reflection of the leadership.'),(376,'vika.99@gmail.com',954,1326223684,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Victoria Cooper\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nre-reading, perhaps not so \"opposite\"... ok... you get what I mean though LOL... squalling babes &amp; all...'),(377,'vika.99@gmail.com',953,1326223684,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Victoria Cooper\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHaha, well, I am told I am always contrary &amp; unfortunately, my experience in the non-denom realm is the exact opposite. My ex-husband &amp; I were on staff at a non-denominational church for several years &amp; frequently had discussions about how Christ himself would not be let in this church because they would be afraid that he would bleed on the carpet. There was a time when my middle son was an infant when I never went to service if I wasn\'t serving because proper accommodations were simply not made for nursing mothers &amp; I was constantly shooed from the sanctuary for the stupidest of reasons, such as him babbling during the musical portion. This led to an old blog of mine I titled, \"The Value of Incoherent Praise.\" I don\'t know if this is different elsewhere, but every \"non-denom\" ministry I have encountered thus far has extreme doctrines which place a lot of guilt on the imperfect, regardless of repentance, and invent prophecies or otherwise make feel unwelcome the \"different\" sorts (ie: goth). They might say they want the unchurched, but that wore on me, and I finally left at a time when I needed church more than anything as a result.'),(378,'ray.hollenbach@gmail.com',956,1326239963,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Hollenbach\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your kind words, Cam. I\'m also reminded of the passage that tells us, \"Hope does not disappointment because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts.\" Churches fueled by hope are supplied by God, and as such will never run out of supply. Churches fueled by hype will, eventually, come to an end.'),(379,'maguyton@gmail.com',958,1326240955,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSounds reasonable. I think the only reason to question the (very recent) \"traditional\" evangelical understanding of heaven and hell is because so many non-believers get hung up on it.'),(380,'maguyton@gmail.com',957,1326240955,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"There are degrees of punishment in hell like there are degrees of reward in heaven.\" In other words, atonement doesn\'t change anything about his capitalism-derived understanding of justice as equivalent to retribution. It\'s all just about rewards and punishments. No transformation whatsoever. Yeah that\'s pretty much everything that I\'m against.'),(381,'maguyton@gmail.com',959,1326242231,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nPaul is instructing husbands on how to treat their wives like Christ treated the church. I don\'t think there\'s any hierarchy that\'s supposed to be part of that. Here\'s my own two cents on the issue: http://morganguyton.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/why-gender-hierarchy-makes-no-biblical-sense-to-me/'),(382,'levitt.mike@gmail.com',960,1326251308,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Michael Levitt\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m concerned that too many churches have turned into faith-based country clubs.  \r\n\r\nI recommend everyone in their lifetime visit a street mission-based church, where you will likely encounter homeless parishioners, and other \"unchurched\" individuals.  \r\n\r\nPraying our churches will be filled with the unchurched, not so we can get them to speak \"Christianese\", but so they can learn to walk and grow with Jesus.'),(383,'jb@thriven.org',962,1326330673,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDonal, thanks for the local knowledge.  The choice of images was inadvertent.'),(384,'donal.storey@gmail.com',961,1326330673,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Donal\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGeeez... OK I know this sounds trivial but really if you want to put a picture of a Dublin pub on your post put a picture of a \'genuine\' one what ever that might be. Temple Bar (the street where the Temple Bar pub is located) is just a drinking den for English stag and hen nights. Sweep up the vomit and piss the following morning. Maybe that is what the Irish pub has become? \r\n\r\nThe pub is made to look like an \'old pub\' but it is not.\r\n\r\nBut then the type of pub it is supposed to represent only ever existed as a mythology anyway - kind of like the church I suppose'),(385,'jeevesths@netscape.net',963,1326349188,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ryan M.\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHuh.  As a scientifically-minded guy, I run into a different problem.  I\'ve seen enough of the cold equations that the universe as I see it is a cold and heartless place.  The weather doesn\'t care that your favorite flower is dead now.  Bacteria don\'t care that you wanted to go to an event, they just make you sick.\r\n\r\nIt\'s mercy that puzzles me, grace that surprises me.'),(386,'staucody72@gmail.com',964,1326478452,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cody Stauffer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTo be 100% honest with you, a lot of the people I know who\'ve shared it don\'t really buy it. It\'s a talking point they like to nod with, but of course it really means (gauging by the their actions at other times): \"what I believe is Jesus, but everything else that I don\'t agree with is merely religion.\" They have just as strict boundaries as anyone else I know, and it really is just another version of the \"in-out\" game.'),(387,'jb@thriven.org',965,1326478986,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nCody, so is the tension (he got over 1,600 dislikes on Youtube) that its disingenuous?'),(388,'maguyton@gmail.com',966,1326483075,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Morgan Guyton\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHere\'s what I wrote in response to the video. The problem in the American church is not an obsession with \"religion\" but an idolatry of \"doctrine.\" http://morganguyton.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/why-i-hate-doctrine-but-love-jesus-response-to-a-similarly-named-video/'),(389,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',967,1326491512,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'d like to do this synchroblog, but I\'ve got a couple of questions. 1) If I sign up to write for Provoketive, how often would I be expected to do so? (I have limited writing time and try to concentrate on my fiction.) \r\n\r\n2) If I sign up for the synchroblog but cannot get the post written by the 17th, can i just forgo being a part of it? What I mean is, that I have something I can write about but I need to get some advice from others about whether it is wise to write about the situation or not. If they read what I\'ve written and say \"no, please don\'t post that\", am I still obligated to post something, just because I\'ve signed up? (I hope that makes sense! I can answer more fully in an email, if need be.)'),(390,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',968,1326492217,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGot a couple of questions. 1) I\'m not currently a write for Provoketive. How much of a time committment is it? \r\n2) I want to write on the topic of hope and I have an idea that i can develop; however, I\'d need to get the okay to write about the situation from other people. If I sign up to write and then they say \"no, please don\'t post this piece\", am I still obligated to post something?'),(391,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',968,1326505828,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGot a couple of questions. 1) I\'m not currently a write for Provoketive. How much of a time committment is it? \r\n2) I want to write on the topic of hope and I have an idea that i can develop; however, I\'d need to get the okay to write about the situation from other people. If I sign up to write and then they say \"no, please don\'t post this piece\", am I still obligated to post something?'),(392,'staucody72@gmail.com',971,1326506413,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cody Stauffer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI would guess that\'s probably a part of it. Growing up in a conservative Evangelical background, the popular saying at the time was : \"Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.\" But it didn\'t take me very long to learn what that really meant was \"Only this specific group of people have that relationship\" and, shock of all shocks, it just so happened to be the group I was in. Everything else was just religion, and they were all missing out on the relationship- and most often, because they didn\'t sign on to some doctrines (inerrant Bible, etc.). My experience has been that the people who say this stuff the most have some of the strongest boundaries for who actually has that relationship with Jesus.'),(393,'staucody72@gmail.com',976,1326520060,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cody Stauffer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMorgan, I think that\'s a good call.'),(394,'travklassen@me.com',981,1326646280,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think the opening phrase of each statement says it all: \"We want to \'be\' a church...\"  It says, we want to intentionally engage via these well articulated principles. Thanks for sharing!'),(395,'williamawalkeriii@gmail.com',982,1326669867,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bill\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Travis.  Yeah, I just noticed your post on churchburned about \"being or going\" - very good stuff.  I especially like the \"Understanding Ministry\" excerpt.'),(396,'williamawalkeriii@gmail.com',983,1326673215,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bill Walker\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"What nerve has it touched in people that it would generate 6 million hits in two days and countless responses?\"  \r\n\r\nI\'m in agreement with what you all have said so far I think - especially the \"idolatry of doctrine\" aspect.  In addition, It seems to me the nerve here is in part the same nerve that kicked off the Reformation and that still defines so much of American evangelicalism in a one-sided way - namely, \"salvation by grace through faith alone.\" And when you add the alleged bipartisanship (i.e., Christianity ~= GOP) while also getting tough on sexual sin, this strikes a chord with the same millions of people that podcast Mark Driscoll\'s sermons (and in turn don\'t mind the gender-exclusive language). And still further, most 20\'s and 30\'s will strongly identify with the expressed disapproval of highly adorned church buildings and a lack of social justice initiative among many religious folks.  \r\n\r\nThe biggest shortcoming of this brand of Christianity in mind, however, is that it\'s still individualistic to the core.  It\'s a \"personal relationship with Jesus,\" as Cody indicated, so much so that even concern for the poor and the common good is necessarily relegated to the periphery - despite being mentioned as a kind of important accessory.  It\'s \"It is finished\" theology, in other words, with \"why have you forsaken me\" left conspicuously absent.'),(397,'dxt1157@gmail.com',984,1326732039,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi David\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt is interesting that the person initiating the comments about the 2 yo did not want to leave because she was afraid of offending the family, but is is okay to kind of \"kill\" them with her words on the radio after the fact. Either you want these uncomfortable families in your church or you do not. Seems to me that the person making these comments about the family could have offered to assist the family with a way to take care of the problem instead of letting it linger. Maybe this is a harsh response, but it seems hypocritical to not want to offend the family in church, but yet it seems okay to discuss them on radio later.'),(398,'steve.martin37@aol.com',986,1326732482,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Steve Martin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nInteresting piece.\r\n\r\nI think the \'Rosa Parks\' moments, or the Mahatma Ghandi moments can eventually break through in decent (not perfect) societies.\r\n\r\nBut the human heart and will has a much tougher time in a brutal society led by truly evil people.\r\n\r\nOne wonders how many Rosa Parks, or Ghandis were snuffed out by the Mao\'s, Stalins , Hitlers, and Pol Pots of the world.\r\n\r\nAs my pastor says, \"In this world there is no rest, no peace, and no victory\". Not lasting, anyway.\r\n\r\nThanks, very much.'),(399,'jb@thriven.org',987,1326732564,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSteve, I think that\'s what makes the human heart idea so powerful.  For every sense of oppression there is an equally powerful story of courage.  In sitting on that seat, Rosa Parks created an idea that was more powerful than her oppressors.  But it took someone to first speak it out loud for others to hear it.'),(400,'janegardner33@gmail.com',988,1326736843,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jane Willis Gardner\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSo practical ... so \"simply\" Divine.  Thank you for sharing.'),(401,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',989,1326744371,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI appreciate your comment, Jane.  I learn how to hear from God through many resources, most of which involved practical experience.'),(402,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',990,1326745107,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGod taught me to hear Him through a variety of ways so I would understand.  \"Practical\" is the only way God can get through to me!'),(403,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',991,1326745108,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\ntest'),(404,'tracychiara@gmail.com',992,1326750401,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tracy\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAppreciate this post as it echos the atmosphere in my own mind.  I\'m grateful to be 51 years old.  Grateful for the life I have today, grateful for my sons and the young men I get to watch them become,  grateful for what I\'ve learned from the mistakes I\'ve made (and that I don\'t have to do that again!), grateful for decades of blessings I look at to build my faith for the future, grateful for the more complete sense of self that I enjoy today, grateful for the life ahead of me.  I tire of the you\'re-not-good-enough messages that our culture abounds in, no matter what your age.  I remind myself of truth on a regular basis; one truth is that God has a plan for my life where ever I am.  Moses did not lead the children of Israel out of Egypt until well after he was 40 years old.   In 2009, when I was 49yrs old, I lost a career job for a company that I\'d worked for the preceding 10 years.  It was scarey, but I knew God was in control of my life.  For 10 months I even went  back to working at something that I\'d done 17yrs prior.  Then this past August I started on a new career path and I am currently challenged by a whole new work world where I\'m looking forward to a substantial promotion this coming July that the company is currently grooming me toward.'),(405,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',993,1326751401,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAmen and Amen, Tracy!  It\'s interesting how many women God continues to put across my path who are yearning to know this message of hope.  It had never occured to them that they could start new careers in their fifties and sixties, or that some of the most meaningful times of their lives were yet to come.  Keep telling your story to others, Tracy.  Women AND men of all ages need to hear it.'),(406,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',994,1326764691,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you, Laura. :)'),(407,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',995,1326765454,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'ll reply here to both Austin\'s comment and Kristen\'s response. \r\n\r\nAustin, thank you for providing a male\'s perspective here. It\'s most appreciated, especially since you take such loving care to maintain equality in, what would seem, all your relationships. \r\n\r\nIn large part, I absolutely agree with Kristen\'s points about how you handled you and your wife\'s predicament, and what a husband should do if he disagrees with his pastor wife. \r\n\r\nI\'ll add that I place a very firm emphasis on the unity brought forth by the Holy Spirit. This is key for marriage and churches. If people operate and abide by this power, I\'ve found that there is very little disunity when it comes to spiritual (or practical) matters. \r\n\r\nGod desires unity; it\'s what Jesus prayed for in the Garden (\"...that they would be one.\").'),(408,'tiaank@gmail.com',996,1326837555,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tiaan Kruger\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat article! I am curious - why are you saying \"...this is an authority structure that many groups of Christians believe is biblical and ideal\". Our Pastor teaches that if Christians are working within the will of God they will be like-minded and even though having someone \"lead\" they are not given dictating powers. He often explains this when talking about the vision for our Church and the way the leadership opperates. I am curious if there is scripture that points to something else and would love to hear what Pastor would take from it.'),(409,'brooke.eikenberry@gmail.com',997,1326839112,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brooke Eikenberry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTiaan,\r\n\r\nThanks for the comment and opportunity for further discussion! \r\n\r\nIf I am being completely frank and not just trying to be diplomatic or provoke discussion, I agree with the premise that, if Christians are following the will of God, they will be like-minded (for the most part) and that leading does not include dictatorial powers. In my experience, those who follow a more dictatorial approach to leadership also agree... So the problem comes when there is disagreement, as there will be. For, we all still fall prey to sin, and I think we can agree that means everyone falls out of the will of God on occasion. What then? In the dictatorial churches, it is assumed that leadership is never wrong and should always be followed. So, the member or lay person is assumed to be always wrong. That is a dangerous set-up, much like the belief that the Pope is infallible. \r\n\r\nEven if they will admit that leadership can be wrong, dictatorial churches will still say members must always \'submit\' to leadership-- for the leadership will be accountable to God in that case, not the member. They tend to extrapolate on verses about women submitting to husbands(Colossians 3:18, Ephesians 5) general verses about submitting to earthly and church authority (Romans 3:1-7, Hebrews 13:17,1 Peter 2: 13-14) and Old Testament references, like when David refused to harm King Saul, because he was the Lord \'s anointed. They also go so far as to suggest that disagreeing with leadership is always rebellion, which allows for clobber verses like 1Samuel 15:22-23, which states that rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft. These are verse that I\'ve personally heard used for such purposes, and I am sure there are many more. In my opinion, it\'s QUITE a stretch, yet it is not that uncommon. \r\n\r\nIn the end, we are all accountable to God, and I doubt \"but my Pastor/minister/whatever told to do it this way, so I did it even though I knew in my heart that was wrong\" will fly.'),(410,'brooke.eikenberry@gmail.com',998,1326839316,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brooke Eikenberry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nOops, need to qualify my statement that dictatorial church leaders would agree..... I meant they would agree that if Christians are in God\'s will, there will not be disagreements. The agreement ends when the ideal falls short and disagreements do arise.'),(411,'tiaank@gmail.com',999,1326854241,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tiaan Kruger\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWow. I am glad you got out of that situation. Definitely understand what you mean about leadership not always being right - but in a healthy Church I would hope that the people in leadership is aware of their clay feet and can acknowledge it. Far too many times though that is not the situation, truly sad. I really do appreciate your open honest sharing in this piece and definitely gave me a lot of food for thought!'),(412,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1000,1326906745,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJohn - I have also been learning about abandoning hope and how to be fully present in the moment and learn from and savor what the present has to offer.  So I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to read your contribution to the synchroblog on Hope as  I was a little concerned that no one would get what I was writing about. Now I have \"hope\" (LOL) that at least one person can relate :&gt;)'),(413,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1001,1326907053,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWayne - what a beautiful and moving piece!  May we all be able to see \"possibilities through the magnifying lens of God\'s imagination\"'),(414,'Ptaceks@hotmail.com',1002,1326907181,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi John Ptacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell, I guess that makes two of us, Liz. Clue me in if you write anything in this vein.'),(415,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1003,1326907577,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMike - Thanks for writing such a transparent piece.  I too was surprised a few times in the last year by the presence of God and it was most certainly a significant moment of encouragement to me each time!'),(416,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1004,1326908032,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJonathan - thanks for this!  I also have some things that I feel confident enough about that sometimes make me wonder if I haven\'t moved from one box to another but like you I believe that this time things are different!  This time (like you) I am not putting my hope and confidence in what I believe as much as I am putting my hope and confidence in the love of God ... and when I say \"the love of God\" I am not just talking about the love that he has for me ... I am talking about \"THE LOVE OF GOD\"'),(417,'amaris.kress@gmail.com',1005,1326909566,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi amaris\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI never know what to write as I comment on your essays. \"Love this!\" \"So prolific and profound.\" \"Thank you for sharing!\" Renee, your words are calling out to deep and rising echos in the heavenlies. I love you, friend. Thank you for sharing ;)'),(418,'torconbooks@gmail.com',1006,1326910855,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tor Constantino, MBA\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nScathing, true, blisteringly funny - it doesn\'t get better than that! Fantastic post, Matt!'),(419,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1007,1326910856,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s challenging to try to live hoping in God\'s love, when it\'s so habitual to hope for future events. I suppose my hope in God is that he will guide my steps, understanding that no hoped-for event in this life is the definitive fulfillment of hope.'),(420,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1008,1326910861,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI believe that\'s the most hopeful, clear-headed rant I\'ve ever seen online!'),(421,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1009,1326911188,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI was unemployed briefly in 2010, and remember both the anxiety each morning as I faced another day, and the lack of a sense of purpose. Worse than that was 2005, when my father died, I quit full-time ministry and spent the year and then some underemployed. Those were the darkest of my dark days, and I couldn\'t see God in it. In retrospect I\'ve come to understand it as a wilderness period. He wasn\'t apparent, but God was there with me through it all.'),(422,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1010,1326911382,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI can understand people\'s pessimism and doubt that those ideals can be realized on a global scale in this age, but they are certainly central to the high calling of the Gospel. People will be won over if they see it in action, rather than simply here about it.'),(423,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1011,1326911628,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m terribly curious as to whether either of the church splits you\'ve seen were over teaching or egos. In general I\'ve found it\'s always the latter, sometimes dressed up as though it were something more objective.\r\n\r\nIn any case, it isn\'t fun. I once served a church that had gone through several splits and was assured that the fighting was over, that everyone remaining was on the same page. This was true, but it was a deeply dysfunctional bunch, and it was that church that got me out of full-time ministry and nearly broke my faith in the process.'),(424,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1012,1326911881,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nVery nice post. My wife and I decided when we got married that \"someday\" we\'d adopt a child. Just the other night she repeated once again her intention to get our names on the adoption list as soon as we move back to Brazil. All the best with yours!'),(425,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1013,1326912134,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou\'ve made me glad I don\'t watch much TV. Then again, I\'m not sure how well Perry\'s message would have played here in New Jersey. Keep that girl dreaming. One of the worst things I see in life on a regular basis is young people becoming adults and settling for less.'),(426,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1015,1326912375,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nNice close. The only part of the problem I have any possibility of changing is me.'),(427,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1014,1326912376,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWe didn\'t talk about New Years resolutions in my family when I was a kid. It was only after I became a Christian that I started setting goals for the New Year. Last year was perhaps the most depressing, when I realized how much I hadn\'t accomplished. This year was considerably better. Not all the goals were realized, but some things worked out better than expected. I couldn\'t plan most of the great things that have happened. It\'s been the work of God.'),(428,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1016,1326912665,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThe thing about genuine hope is that it is disruptive and deeply subversive. Slave owners do all they can to eliminate the hope of those they have in bondage. Politicians tell us to put our hope in them, thus making us feel at least somewhat dependent on them or \"the system\" to have our hopes realized. The hope of God turns the world on its head and leaves the powers exposed for the fraud they are.\r\n\r\nWe seek stability and contentment, only to find a hopeless status quo.'),(429,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1017,1326912858,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAdam, \r\nIn this case, I\'m not sure. The situation is getting better, though; the leadership is dedicated to bringing unity and peace to the situation. The first split I saw, when I was a preteen, involved moral issues about deception (over finances) and sexual immorality. I\'m sorry you had such a horrible time serving at that church; being affected by a split is heartbreaking. Thank you for reading.'),(430,'travklassen@me.com',1018,1326913859,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Adam! Be blessed on your journey.'),(431,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1019,1326914035,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThere are 7 billion+ of us now, so it\'s bound to get more interesting....'),(432,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1020,1326914262,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHeartfelt and beautiful. Thank you for this post.'),(433,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1021,1326914591,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBeautiful. Thank you for sharing.'),(434,'outofcomatose@gmail.com',1022,1326917208,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Deanna Ogle\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHeh, absolutely!'),(435,'leighkramerblog@gmail.com',1023,1326917208,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi HopefulLeigh\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"hope can be a precursor to disappointment, but it can also be a gateway to joy and excitement.\"\r\n\r\nI\'ve lived with the first part of that sentence for so long. But in choosing hope as my #OneWord365, it\'s time for me to embrace the second part of that sentence.  Let\'s hope together, friend.'),(436,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1024,1326917802,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nif you were talking about yourself how come I felt so convicted ?'),(437,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1024,1326917802,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nif you were talking about yourself how come I felt so convicted ?'),(438,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1025,1326917863,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nif you were pointing to yourself how come I felt so convicted?'),(439,'lizdyer@verizon.net',1026,1326918979,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nif we represent the love of God well we just might bring Up There, down here this year!'),(440,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1028,1326919704,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI have trouble with that, too.  Sometimes, I have so many future hopes that I forget that right now is a moment I should be living.  May God guide our steps and remind us that He is the fulfillment of our hopes.'),(441,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1029,1326919767,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI sure hope so!'),(442,'Ptaceks@hotmail.com',1032,1326920910,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi John Ptacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Kathy,\r\n\r\nI enjoyed reading your essay. Interestingly, your bolded text sort of turned hope on its ear. You referred to it in the present tense, so in a way it wasn\'t hope at all, but rather an uncomfortable collision with the present moment (until you got to the part about God\'s help and hope). In my view, and in my interpretation of your description, the present moment contains everything we need even at its most uncomfortable. Don\'t mean to be putting words in your mouth here, this is just my interpretation.\r\n\r\nJohn'),(443,'miheekk@gmail.com',1027,1326921535,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is so incredibly expressive and honest, and just so real. Thank you for sharing it. Hard and beautiful.'),(444,'ptaceks@hotmail.com',1033,1326921698,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi JohnPtacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Mihee. Look forward to getting to your essay.'),(445,'ptaceks@hotmail.com',1034,1326922494,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi JohnPtacek\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou have a rough and tumble relationship with hope, Mihee, but in the end it lights your way. So interesting to learn how differently we all frame this elusive concept.'),(446,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1035,1326922608,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think you speak to an underlying fear in all of us. I choose to be content with you.'),(447,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1036,1326922611,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou are so beautiful, Amaris, and any words you have for me would be perfect. You\'re welcome and thank you.'),(448,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1036,1326922611,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou are so beautiful, Amaris, and any words you have for me would be perfect. You\'re welcome and thank you.'),(449,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1037,1326926674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nsorry about the duplicate comment.  My browser went haywire and I didn\'t think my comment posted.'),(450,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1037,1326926674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nsorry about the duplicate comment.  My browser went haywire and I didn\'t think my comment posted.'),(451,'miheekk@gmail.com',1030,1326926674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSo courageous and inspiring. Thank you.'),(452,'miheekk@gmail.com',1030,1326926674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSo courageous and inspiring. Thank you.'),(453,'miheekk@gmail.com',1031,1326926674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThe photo takes my breath away. Your words are brave and honest and true - thank you for the reminder to be mindful of those small things.'),(454,'matthew.zadow@gmail.com',1038,1326930122,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi matthew\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhy is it so haunting?\r\n\r\n1) because it\'s a song about someone who was voted off one particular show, the show being the romantic life of someone she cares about\r\n\r\n2) because Adele is a fat chick crying about it in song, and \r\n\r\n3) because it\'s a record of a voice destroyed by a parasitic industry that doesn\'t care a bit about the vocal health or the long-term success of its \"host\".\r\n\r\nIt\'s not a fabulous voice at all; it\'s a voice damaged beyond repair, that has bled itself out twice in the last year because no one in the industry gives a $hit about Adele.  She sings like she\'s 50, not 23.  Another one bites the dust...'),(455,'jb@thriven.org',1039,1326930326,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhy so negative Matthew?'),(456,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',1040,1326935832,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLiz, \r\n\r\nI wasn\'t pointing at you! Honestly!'),(457,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',1041,1326936076,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks. Yes, we need to change ourselves first, before thinking of taking the speck out of someone else\'s eye. Seems like I\'ve heard something about that somewhere...'),(458,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1043,1326937893,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI agree Adam. This piece is a rant because it has long paragraphs that leave no stone unturned, and should be read aloud in a voice that is half shouting.'),(459,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1042,1326941954,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell done. If you\'re going to hope it must be something with a possible margin a failure otherwise you would just go do it. Sometimes I don\'t have what it takes to gamble on the thin possibility of disappointment. I think I will also choose to be content. It is probably with that contentment as a base that hope emerges and is fulfilled. If not the contentment remains and the disappointment is staved off.'),(460,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1044,1326949569,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAdam,\r\n\r\nThat\'s very kind. Part of the post is a rant, but it is really stuff we all know. We get so used to \"living with it\" that seeing it in written form can seem both blunt and undeniably truthful at the same time. I\'m glad that you found it hopeful!'),(461,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1045,1326950100,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJohn,\r\n\r\n\"Surrender was where I stumbled into peace. I didn’t give up on life, I just stopped trying to outwit it. Surrender meant discarding the idea that life is always supposed to be wonderful; it’s just supposed to be life.\"\r\n\r\nSo well said and so beautiful! Thank you for sharing something so personal, yet real in some way, to all of us.\r\n\r\nGlenn'),(462,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1046,1326950736,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWayne - Beautiful! Thank you!'),(463,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1047,1326950898,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMike - It is so good to hear from you! It sounds like it was a heck of year for you and yet you have perspective. I dig that!'),(464,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1048,1326960008,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi everyone.  I apologize for my tardiness in getting back to you.  This was my first day back to work in about a week and I got slammed!   It is 1130 PM and I am just now getting to the post on my own blog as well as finally getting to take a look at some of the others.      I will be replying to each of you individually but I wanted to take the opportunity to put out the disclaimer first!  :D'),(465,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1050,1326960887,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Milhee.  It\'s the little things that mean the most.   Never underestimate the power of quality time!'),(466,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1049,1326960887,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Liz.   I\'m pretty certain that in those times when I was at my lowest, I wasn\'t focused on God.  It\'s been a long time since it has been.   When I left the organized church, one of the things that I felt the most free from was the belief that all of my time and energy was supposed to be toward Jesus and prayer and worship but what I found out was that when I was devoting all of that time to those things, I wasn\'t really doing what he wanted  Don\'t get me wrong, I have not lost my faith; quite the opposite\r\n\r\nWhen I am out doing my photography, I am usually secluded or out in the woods; somewhere where the white noise of civilization doesn\'t exist.  In these moments, I can reflect and that when God speaks to me.   Or is it a matter of that being when I listen???'),(467,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1051,1326960891,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Glenn.  I probably have more perspective now that in all of the years of my life put together.    Thanks for the props.  I miss it sometimes but I just don\'t have the motivation to write anymore (at least not as much as I used to anyway).   I\'m still following you though so every time you post, I\'m reading and lurking around!!'),(468,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1052,1326961497,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for a beautiful essay John.   Thanks for being so open and honest about a subject so sensitive.   A great reminder that life is simply life and what is going to happen is going to happen.'),(469,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1053,1326961866,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nA beautiful post Wayne.'),(470,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1054,1326962758,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n&lt;-----  Guilty!!     Thanks Jeremy.  You never cease to come up with something great.     I&#039;m going to go swear at myself in the mirror now!!'),(471,'matthew.zadow@gmail.com',1055,1326966176,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi matthew\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDear Jonathan,\r\n\r\nI am sorry, in re-reading my comment, I realize that I was too harsh.  I just cannot help being horrified at the tragedy of this young women, squeezed dry by a cruel and uncaring music industry.  She has unfortunately had two vocal haemorrhages and yet the only thing her agents and managers seem to be interested in is making money.  Her voice to me shows unmistakable signs of being permanently damaged.\r\n\r\nTo be given the talent to create beauty and share it with others is one of our greatest, most sublime gifts, and to see it squandered as in the case of Adele cuts me to the heart.  To me \"using\" another person is one of the greatest sins..'),(472,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1057,1326993644,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"...hope nudged me to share...\" I love this, it\'s exactly what motivated me to write my bit.'),(473,'serenasjunk@live.com',1056,1326993646,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Serena Abdelaziz\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGod is so good.  The way you write makes me feel like I was right there, in the presence of God. Even the idea of listening in as He speaks to you about your destiny in Him.  May He continue to hold your hand and speak words of affirmation to your spirit.  Love you!'),(474,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1058,1326993646,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is a great piece, I like your style. \r\n\r\nAs for hope, I think it is too often confused with wishing. \r\n\r\nAs for Kingdom Come, I grew up in a time and place, where dispensationalism was to bible study as ketchup is to fries. I am damaged goods in that area.'),(475,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1059,1326994250,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTwo authors, not present in this discussion, come to mind. Greg Boyd, Perfect Present and Tim Huff, Dancing with Dynamite. Tim get\'s into what it really means to give up.\r\n\r\nNice word ordering.'),(476,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1060,1326995352,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think hope is a very present experience. Hope is the linear connecting of the dots, those learning moments, on the messy spiral of life. Thanks Kathy.'),(477,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1061,1326995850,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGlenn - I love the idea of being actively hopeful because I often think of hoping as a passive thing.'),(478,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1062,1326998060,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWayne,  I am familiar with Boyd but not with Tim Huff.  I will check him out.  Thanks.'),(479,'rickmorganwwjd@yahoo.com',1063,1327000106,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Rick\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt is difficult for us to love what God loves, he loves the empty, the poor, the weak, the last. Good post.'),(480,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1064,1327001253,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI grew up Dispensationalist myself. In my experience, it was more like throw out the fries and drink the ketchup.'),(481,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1065,1327003588,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'ve heard his name enough now that I know I\'ve gotta get me some of that Moltmann.'),(482,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1066,1327004205,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"Not simply as optimism or a naive clinging to fantasies, but as something that would constantly transform me from the inside out even if the world around me stayed the same.\"\r\n\r\nNice.'),(483,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1067,1327004967,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWayne - I wrote the \"ranty\" paragraph a few weeks ago in an effort to to both summarize my observations and clarify the need for improvement in a few areas. I wish it weren\'t all true, but I know that we can do better. That\'s my hope. I hope that I can be as \"loud\" in dealing with solutions and improvements, as I was in describing the problems.'),(484,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1069,1327005103,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLiz - It was something that I needed to say to encourage myself, though I stand my it. We can be actively hopeful!'),(485,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1068,1327005104,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'ve spent the day wandering through each of the essays which make up this synchroblog. It\'s a little like an open stage, or maybe more like an art gallery. I\'m not thinking big fancy art gallery. In Toronto terms I\'m thinking more like Queen Street, rather than the AGO. Those galleries that occupy old store fronts from a century past, where indy artists hang their ideas out to dry. As I wander, i sometimes stop to sign the guest book. This is a lovely show, thanks all.'),(486,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1070,1327005775,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHope Activist, I like it too. I wonder if that gets you on a list somewhere ;-)\r\n\r\nIt really bothers me that hope and wish are synonymous. I like the idea that hope is grounded in belief. Wishing is for lotteries and good looks, hope is despite reality.'),(487,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1071,1327008985,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell said Adam. I think that contentment is good, but I also think that I often confuse complacency with contentment and THAT is where hope goes to die.'),(488,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1072,1327009017,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI look forward to the journey! There are some exciting days ahead, I can feel it!'),(489,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1073,1327009345,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIndeed - I think that many of us struggle with the idea that it\'s okay to hope. It\'s certainly a goal of mine to embrace that more and more!'),(490,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1074,1327009411,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIndeed - I think it\'s something that many of us struggle with. I welcome your companionship along the way!'),(491,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1075,1327009538,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat possibility of disappointment is hard, but without hope, we often don\'t DO. And since that\'s my word this year, it\'s important for me to get out there and DO. So there will have to be some hope mixed in.'),(492,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1076,1327009640,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhen I acknowledge hope, I it can open up a lot of possibilities. Thank you for your comment!'),(493,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1077,1327041651,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAdam.   Nice to hear your \"voice\" again.   I have shared some of your struggles with you and I can say from my vantage point that your patience and calm demeanor has always been something that I would love to be able to emulate.    Of course, I have to keep learning patience every day......hmm.  Wonder why??'),(494,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1078,1327041908,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI love it Glenn.   Well vented!!'),(495,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1079,1327042330,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTravis ~ I am very touched at your feelings because I once shared them; and still do.  I have a four year old boy who is adopted and he is the absolute joy of my life.  The journey toward his adoption was long, hard, stressful and expensive but I can tell you that when he smiles and giggles and calls me daddy, it was all worth it.      I wish the best for you in this journey you\'ve undertaken and I applaud you for it!'),(496,'bobbavicto@gmail.com',1080,1327042604,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mike Victorino\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Kathy.  As always, you have come up with a highly inspiring post.  Alhough I think that my spiral might be wound a little more tight!!    :)'),(497,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1081,1327084948,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you, Serena. I love you, too. May His destiny be revealed in you.'),(498,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1082,1327084953,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIndeed. But His grace (and the hope of said grace) allows us to see ourselves as He sees us. Thank you, Rick.'),(499,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1083,1327085815,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMe too!'),(500,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',1085,1327093275,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Camille Sobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"isn’t idealism the structural helix of a healthy imagination?\"\r\n\r\nTHAT is such a beautiful way of looking at it, and I believe it\'s true.  Thanks for such a beautiful telling of a personal story that demonstrates truth for us all.'),(501,'janis.purdy@provincialadvocate.on.ca',1084,1327093286,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Janis\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBrought tears to my eyes! Beautiful writing. Thank you.'),(502,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1092,1327094919,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nyeah, for me, this synchroblog was about writing what was bringing me hope right now.  this awareness is.   like so many things, hope can look so different for people, and this is just what feels hopeful to me.  thanks for sharing your perspective.'),(503,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1093,1327095027,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\noops, somehow the comment i wrote never made it there.  thanks for sharing your reflection. for me, this synchroblog was just about what was bringing me hope right now.  that\'s the perspective i wrote it from; i think hope looks so different for different people.  this is just what\'s hopeful &amp; sustaining for me at the moment.'),(504,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1094,1327095093,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthanks, wayne!'),(505,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1087,1327095305,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthanks for sharing. i didn\'t know you had twins, too.  mine are 12 now.  time flies.  i like your line \"hope can be a bitch, too..\" it makes us feel and long in ways that are scary. i always say it\'s dangerous, in a good but scary way.  it takes guts to hope.'),(506,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1090,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nwhat a beautiful piece. i am not a winter person at heart. i don\'t like it for all kinds of reasons but i am learning to embrace the bigger story of winter and how much i can learn from it.  your post reminded me of that.  (ps: super funny image, thinking about coffee going through God\'s nose from laughing about you! :))'),(507,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1088,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nbeautiful piece.  thank you for sharing so honestly.  i love what you said about finding deep peace underneath hope.'),(508,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1086,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\npeople are awesome.  so much to learn from small interactions &amp; big conversations if we just let go and enjoy our uniqueness.  thanks for the reminder.'),(509,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1089,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nwayne, what a beautiful &amp; powerful post.  thank you for sharing.   shifting our equations can change everything. i love the new ones you plugged in there, possibility &amp; imagination.  so good.'),(510,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1091,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthanks, jonathan.  i like that reminder of remembering what\'s underneath it all, really. underneath all our constructs and things we can try to articulate.   good synchroblog, clearly a really great topic for the new year!'),(511,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1095,1327095306,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nno kidding, mine come up and back around pretty quick, too, ha ha :)'),(512,'t.weinert@comcast.net',1096,1327110158,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tami Weinert\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI wiil check it out, Camille. You are so right. Check it out before you share your opinions and save yourself an awkward apology. More importantly, you could save yourself from leading someone else astray. '),(513,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',1097,1327112895,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Camille Sobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYour comments on reading really resonate with me. I find there are some books, good ones, I read through quickly and learn from. Then there are others, and you can usually know it in just a few minutes, where you\'re not in a hurry. You dread getting to the last page. Where the words are not just informative, but therapeutic. The gift reading is inspires me in writing. it\'s a gift.'),(514,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1098,1327128019,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nwhoa, that was powerful jeremy. thank you.'),(515,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1099,1327128318,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthat\'s my favorite christmas carol.  there\'s something about morning, too, a  new day that always dawns, God\'s mercies new every morning. thank you for sharing.'),(516,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1100,1327128623,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthis was a really pretty post, carol.  i love that last line of wendell berry\'s poem \"keep going toward that blessed light that yet to us is dark....\"  so good. thank you for sharing.'),(517,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1102,1327165419,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody Harrison Hanson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"people from differing theological corners have an insanely difficult time communicating effectively. \"  feel you there.  trying to talk about anything online feels divisive and tawdry at this point even while trying to be civil, and working to be intelligent, thoughtful or theological.  it\'s so hard!'),(518,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1103,1327166799,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMike! It\'s been too long. I\'m not sure how calm I am in person, but I try to stay focused. Some days are more of a challenge than others.'),(519,'pjuquezada@yahoo.com',1101,1327166862,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi PQ\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGood job, Camille.  You make great points and it was mature of you to look beyond the surface, deeper to get to the facts.  Unfortunately, we\'ve let technology move us  into a world of quick reactions rather than spending the extra time to find out the details.'),(520,'revjohnnydouglas@gmail.com',1104,1327171644,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Johnny Douglas\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat stuff here Chloe. Lovely to hear the fruit of \'less as more\' in your life..... Great to see you flourishing in 2012!'),(521,'theartofsteering@gmail.com',1105,1327171718,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Chloe Lynch\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Johnny.  Here\'s to an even deeper working out of the \'less as more\' in all our lives!'),(522,'ckuniholm@verizon.net',1106,1327173981,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Carol Kuniholm\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYour conversation with friends sounds wonderful - and what a challenging idea to play with. I\'m halfway through my sixth decade - and hadn\'t really paused to think of it like that. But I love the idea of spiritual eldering, and have been touched by how many are hungry for that, and appreciate even the little bit of wisdom I have to offer. Wisdom may not be the right word: long-term experience of God\'s faithfulness in what may appear like disaster.\r\nThanks for sharing this. It encourages me to continue in my own journey of eldering, and to invite others to consider it with me as I go.'),(523,'miheekk@gmail.com',1107,1327174416,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI like your process, and the way you discover the depth of hope in a new and simple way. Thought-provoking...'),(524,'miheekk@gmail.com',1108,1327174741,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nCrazy twist at the end, and really effective. Love the line about the gap.'),(525,'miheekk@gmail.com',1109,1327174769,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI like the way you \"play with hope.\" Lovely images and words, and very accurate; it definitely resonates.'),(526,'miheekk@gmail.com',1110,1327174971,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI loved how you bookended this with such beautiful poetry...a really thick and heady post, also poetic.'),(527,'miheekk@gmail.com',1112,1327175264,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhat a neat story, and your organization sounds amazing.'),(528,'miheekk@gmail.com',1111,1327175264,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI love that phrase \"be the miracle.\" Thinking I\'m going to hold onto that as a mom-mantra.'),(529,'miheekk@gmail.com',1113,1327175418,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nArticulate so much of what I have felt in my own life in different seasons.'),(530,'miheekk@gmail.com',1114,1327175475,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mihee\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThere\'s such music in your writing.'),(531,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1115,1327175732,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nRay, I have been one of those casualties several times, ignored because I made people uncomfortable with my depression, addiction, radical deviations from the \"Christian norm\".  But I also know I\'m guilty of feeling God nudge me to help someone else who is hurting, and I didn\'t because I was busy or didn\'t want to be bothered, or hoped someone else would intervene.\r\n\r\nGod doesn\'t call me to help every hurting person, but for those He nudges me to help, I AM responsible, and there is only a window of time before the opportunity closes.\r\n\r\nHere\'s something my 26-yr-old daughter messaged me today.  I\'m humbled and grateful for it, because she and I have been through hell together her entire life. That makes what she wrote especially sweet, because she describes the God she met through me.  I don\'t know if she wrote this or copied it, but it mirrors what your\'ve stated here.\r\n\r\n\"If I asked God to get in his car and drive 30 minutes to a random location to come have a drink with me.....just so we could talk.....would he join me at happy hour?  If I asked God to step outside.....so I could end a long day with a cigarette and a soap box.....would he cancel his prior engagements and come sit next to me on a park bench on a rainy day?  I bet he would.....I bet my life he would.....because that\'s what kind of God I know.....at the end of the day.....I\'d like to think you taught me one thing, Mama.....judgement is as evil as any other crime the human race can achieve.....and I\'d like to think that understanding that we are all human would benefit anyone.....my best friend would do the same for me.....my true best friend.....you\'re one of my best friends.....I love you.\"'),(532,'jb@thriven.org',1116,1327175996,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLiz, the love of God just feels so much better than my own belief.  Do you feel that way too?'),(533,'jb@thriven.org',1117,1327176172,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your kind words...as you always give. Hope is such a great and intangible but life-giving thing.'),(534,'jb@thriven.org',1118,1327176225,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Mihee.  Simple it was not but it was life giving.'),(535,'janfischer66@gmail.com',1119,1327179145,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jan Fischer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAs the investigations reveal further details of the accident it looks like that the captains behavior and consequent failure cannot be regarded as a one persons fault or a singular event. The captain was part of system where it was known and tolerated that ships again and again took a route that brought them dangerously close to the island. In my humble opinion it is therefor to simple to just blame the captain for the catastrophe.\r\nLikewise with the church. It is not mainly the fault of the individual church member to neglect those who go overboard but a flaw in the way many churches are set up and run: mainly concerned with their own salvation, busy with subcultural activities and with no real connection or concern for the world, people and culture it is surrounded by.'),(536,'rayrayc17@live.com',1122,1327184045,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy, great reflection. And I\'m so glad that God doesn\'t forgive and love like we tend to. That\'s why we\'re told to be imitators of God, I suppose. Great text by your daughter as well.\r\n\r\nJan, excellent observation and addition. The problem is one of the culture within the church. Many times I don\'t think that we realize we act that way. In fact, we think it\'s normal to treat those who go overboard in that manner. Honestly, many of the behaviors we show in church, which are downright un-Christlike, have been ingrained into us not by any lesson of Scripture, but by our tradition. A lot of the way we do things is very similar to the way the Pharisees and Scribes - the \"blind guides\" who thought they were perfectly fine and thought Christ was the fanatic.\r\n\r\nGreat stuff by both of you, thank you.'),(537,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',1123,1327184804,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Camille Sobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI love cruise ships. I also love the church. For the most part cruise ships do a pretty good job of keeping people on board, and they rarely push anybody off on purpose. In churches however, I\'d say it\'s not uncommon that people with certain kinds of wounds (or just differences) are not only not helped back on board, but they\'re actively pushed out into the open sea! We need better rescue services available!'),(538,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1124,1327185251,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI share your misgivings about seeing your children endure middle school (and all the other stages of adolescence that make life less worth while). Perhaps with the hope we inspire in them, they\'ll be less susceptible to any naysayers of culture or creed.'),(539,'reneeronika@hotmail.com',1125,1327185639,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Renee Ronika Klug\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you, Mihee. I\'m married to a composer. :)'),(540,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',1127,1327188590,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Kathy. I have had a crazy, busy week, so haven\'t had a chance yet to get around and read everyone else\'s. Hopefully in the next day or two.'),(541,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',1126,1327188590,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDon\'t be too hard on yourself. And watch that bad language! Ha!'),(542,'jmyers@tillhecomes.org',1128,1327188624,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Myers\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Mihee. \r\n\r\nI do think we need to show grace and forgiveness even to ourselves. All change begins with wanting to change, and the actual change sometimes lags behind a bit...'),(543,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1130,1327201995,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMe too!  I loved it when I heard it.  It has stuck with me all these years.  That\'s what I want my life to look like--to be the miracle.  Thanks for the reminder that it begins at home, even with our own kids.'),(544,'a.2.refrain@gmail.com',1121,1327208870,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi melinda\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHey Amy \r\nThanks for this.  My education was as a youth minister and I have always felt uncomfortable with the way modesty and sexuality and our embodiment of each, are given to our young people in particular (and then used to create foundations for the way we view these things as we get older).  \r\n\r\nI\'ve been doing a lot of re-framing of things, finding just how far I have to go to deconstruct the things (spoken and non) that impact how I view and express my sexuality and that of others.  Your article serves as a perfect way to start people thinking about there, through the door of modesty.  \r\n\r\nThanks for writing and for asking for more of us.'),(545,'casperdenck@gmail.com',1129,1327208870,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Casper\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIsn\'t the real issue then less a case of Church\'s losing their tax exemption rather than the failure to forsake it? \r\n\r\nIt\'s certainly not a US issue alone, in the UK we have the sme challenge.'),(546,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',1132,1327257603,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Camille Sobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'ve struggled with the idea of denominations, church plants in areas with lots of churches, church splits, and all the other things that cause the number of congregations to sometimes seem to mirror the number of congregants ;)  I\'d contend there are lots of bad reasons that have contributed to the 30,000+ denominations we have today. But I really don\'t think it\'s all bad. The deeper I go in faith the bigger God becomes, but people stay small. And while God is infinite, we are very, very finite. Because of that we are also all very different from each other, and that\'s okay... In fact it\'s good. It\'s by design. So it actually seems quite right to me that, as different as we are, diversity in style, in emphasis, even in understanding is necessary as we seek to know an infinite God in our finite capacities. Some people need the structure of liturgy. Some people need the systematic theology of Calvin. Some people need the emotional freedom of Pentecostalism. Where we run into trouble perhaps is in our desire to say we are right to the exclusion of others. Rather, perhaps we are right with the inclusion of others.'),(547,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1134,1327258319,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMike - I feel some better. Now to do something about it.'),(548,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1133,1327258319,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Wayne! I am sure that I must be on some lists somewhere, but they are most likely \"naught\"y lists.'),(549,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1135,1327258418,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat means a lot to me. Thank you, Mihee!'),(550,'janfischer66@gmail.com',1136,1327268978,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jan Fischer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nmaybe we need to ask why so many go over board...'),(551,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1137,1327270031,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLiz - This really hit home with me and was something that I needed to hear. It is an old message about being true to your heart and enjoying the journey, but it is so easy to forget. Well said!'),(552,'kristenrosser@hotmail.com',1139,1327297971,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kristen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBravo!  Well said.'),(553,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1138,1327298636,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m fairly certain Jesus <i>does</i> visit all those 30,000+ plus denominations every day; at least every place where two or more are gathered in his name.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think he likes all of them. It\'s not the liturgy or lack thereof; he could care less about those things per se. It\'s the authenticity of the people there. Are they participating in the forms of worship because they\'re pursuing a closer connection to God? Or are they doing it because their church is right and all other churches are wrong? Jesus is no fan of spiritual arrogance; the parable of the Pharisee and publican comes to mind. Those who come to worship with a sense of \"Christ have mercy\" are the folks he delights in and can work with, whatever their stripe.'),(554,'jb@thriven.org',1140,1327298748,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKW, I\'m very inclined to agree with you.  I think the tension is when we try and make our denomination that \"right\" one.'),(555,'andrew.kukla@palmschurch.org',1141,1327341860,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Andrew Kukla\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think that is a very good question.  And I certainly cannot \"answer\" it.  But here are some thoughts in response:\r\n\r\nIf - the question itself is based on a previous reply, does God actually send people to hell?  I know people will answer this in radically different ways, and many - if not most - will use the Bible to arrive at those responses.  But three quick pieces jump to mind as important thoughts on that BIG IF.  \r\n\r\nIn Hosea 11 God \"remembers\" that God is not mortal but God, and that God can decide to forgo retributive justice for mercy and redemptive love.  So God, prepared to \"reign hell\" in a way, stops God\'s self from doing so out of divine mercy.  \r\n\r\nSimilarly when Jesus greets \"doubting\" Thomas post-resurrection Jesus tells us (through the foil of Thomas) that he would like that we would have believed without needing to see, but that won\'t stop God from getting redemptive faith by any means necessary - even if it means needing to touch wounds, or descending into Hell itself.\r\n\r\nThirdly that Psalm 139 builds on that thought, blend in a bit of 1 Peter 3 if you read it that way, and you get the idea that perhaps hell isn\'t any more final judgement than a mid-term grade in school.  The Psalmist says, that regardless of ascending into heavens or lying in Sheol, God is there.  So maybe we need to rethinking what exactly hell is anyway.  It doesn\'t seem to me that hell is any more able to limit God\'s forgiveness than retributive justice is, and that the constant abiding story is that no depth can separate us from love - not even the depths of hell.  \r\n\r\nIs it true that there are other stories that can demonstrate non-forgiveness in God? Yes.  This is part of the challenge of Christian faith - ambiguity abides and flourishes.  \r\n\r\nBut if the Cross and Resurrection stand at the center of our faith and the self-revelation of God than the story through which all other Christian rhetoric, story, and truth needs to be viewed is one of a God who descended and emptied God\'s self of divine separateness, descended to the point of humiliating death on behalf of the world, descended into Hell on behalf of healing and wholeness for all. And then rose again in a testimony of abundant life.  \r\n\r\nGod invites us to do as God has done for us, not a command of something God was unwilling to model in God\'s own life, but to share in that overflowing life that is wrapped up in humility, love, forgiveness, healing, and blessing of the brokenness that abounds but is nevertheless not the end of the story.  \r\n\r\nAnd I could be absolutely and completely off track... but I do not believe so - whether I have seen it or not.  Love to you my anonymous friend.'),(556,'thirsty40@gmail.com',1142,1327363342,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for sharing this. I grew up as a good-Christian-girl with many of those messages and had a real complex about my appearance and dress because of my fear that showing any part of my body would cause some man to sin.  I felt completely powerless to control what men think and do while at the same time completely responsible for it.  It\'s true that we can\'t control what other people think and do, but they are responsible for their own thoughts and actions, just as we are responsible for ours.'),(557,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1143,1327371427,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nFirst of all, God offers us forgiveness <i>now</i>. He\'s not putting it off till Judgment Day, when he has to determine once and for all whether we\'re to head to heaven or hell. He\'s decided <i>now</i> that humans are not irredeemable, that grace is extended to everyone, that we can embrace it and live in his Kingdom and pass forgiveness forward to one another and the world. Talking about God\'s lack of forgiveness at the End is like a homeowner whose parents have sent him $10,000 a month for years to make mortgage payments (and then some), but he spent all that money on crack, the bank foreclosed, and now he\'s furious at his parents for not being able to bail him out... and incidentally, keep the crack money coming.\r\n\r\nBut okay, let\'s discuss forgiveness on that day. Say someone came up to you and said, \"I forgive you for bathing every day, even though in my religion, my god says we\'re only to bathe on the Sabbath.\" Your reasonable (though unkind) response would be, \"What kind of weird god do you follow, and why do I need your forgiveness? Buzz off.\"\r\n\r\nIf we don\'t know God, or don\'t care to; if we have no relationship with him, then forgiveness is neither offered nor accepted. If God bothered to offer it, we\'d blow it off. Even if we were expecting heaven. Of course, the heaven such people would expect would have nothing like forgiveness in it: We\'d still expect to live however we wished, with no changes to our behavior, and with nobody judging us. Now, considering the different tastes and interests of everyone on the planet, how realistic is that idea? For any such world to work, we\'d <i>need</i> forgiveness. But pagans don\'t consider that; their vision of heaven is one where everything conforms to <i>them</i>. That doesn\'t sound at all like heaven. That sounds like a fascist dictatorship. Or hell. Wicked either way.\r\n\r\nHence Jesus teaches that if we don\'t forgive others, God won\'t forgive us. If we can\'t live <i>now</i> like people in the Kingdom ought, we can\'t live <i>then</i> like people in heaven ought. God doesn\'t put the wicked into hell just to punish them; he puts them there to spare everyone else the hell that they will turn heaven into. And frankly, they won\'t want to live in God\'s heaven anyway. Too many rules. They never followed God\'s rules anyway. Hell has no rules; that\'ll suit them just fine.\r\n\r\nI\'d like to believe, as brother Andrew speculates, that hell isn\'t the end of it; that they might repent someday and get out of it. But in my experience people, unless something huge changes them, become more and more like the idealized version of themselves that they\'ve invented (or, if they\'re dysfunctional, they\'ll sabotage themselves and become less and less like it). If they like to think of themselves as right, they\'re <i>never</i> gonna accept that God is in fact the one who\'s right. They\'ll never forgive God for putting them in hell, and never leave hell. Sad, but human. Still, far be it from me to preach that God can\'t make exceptions if he wants.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the Kingdom we\'re to practice living in heaven, and forgive. Any unforgiveness on our part is usually based on evil: Bitterness, anger, self-righteousness, greed, covetousness, and impatience. Any so-called \"righteous anger\" that we use to excuse unforgiveness is rarely righteous. When God withholds forgiveness it is entirely based on fairness, justice, and rightness, and we have no business trying to practice what he does because it can\'t be done without prejudice or self-interest -- which in God\'s hands is no problem because he has no prejudices, and his self-interest is nothing but love. In our hands, it\'s a huge mess.'),(558,'csobalvarro@gmail.com',1144,1327383892,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Camille Sobalvarro\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nClassic line, \"If we can’t live now like people in the Kingdom ought, we can’t live then like people in heaven ought.\" Very well said!'),(559,'stephanie.patterson@asu.edu',1145,1327389100,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi stephanie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI have been mulling over your thoughts (and a hopeful interpretation of your intention...) for a week now. I’m new to this site, and I hope I haven’t come too late to this comment string.\r\n\r\nYes, the conversation needs to happen. But, unfortunately, I was quite put off by a lot of what you said. I found myself physically reacting to many of the words above, especially when folks would comment and you chose not to listen from your position as an outsider to the situation (i.e., you are not a woman in the church), but chose instead to figuratively dig in and defend your opinion, even using the formulaic “but I can’t be ____, I did ____,” with regard to the image of God in your published work. It\'s that obstinate stance that evokes in me a torrential history of disappointment regarding the topic of equality in general, not just specifically within the (United States, Christian, Protestant, etc.) church. If what was written was not your intent, then how about a “part two” post? The topic surely is important enough for more airtime, even if your call to action is littered with “maybes.” Or have I missed your part two? I would love to carry on the conversation, and I am now reading through other articles on your site.\r\n\r\nThere are so many pieces of this conversation that must continue, but, for now, I will branch off in one direction and ask if you’ve seen or heard about the documentary \"Miss Representation.\" It’s about women in the media, but I am interested in your thoughts on it. It recently was released in its entirety on YouTube, which you can find here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlSkdKzolo. I bring up this film because it highlights how pervasive gender inequality is in this country. As for your question of the point of gender…well, that could be part three.'),(560,'jb@thriven.org',1146,1327389674,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nStephanie, this was a process of me being honest, but I have never been more misunderstood in six years of blogging than in this post.  But I take responsibility for that because they are MY words. They were not well said. You don\'t know me so you can\'t know my history with standing up for and with women.  I created this space (Provoketive) to give voice to these types of conversations.  They are not always kind, or fun, and perhaps more awkward.  There is a tremendous amount of tension between the sexes that can stir with a single word. Yet I agree we need to talk about them.\n\nPerhaps you are right and this content deserves another post to share some of my deeper thoughts. And perhaps you\'d like to contribute to the conversation as well.'),(561,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1148,1327429498,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Mihee!'),(562,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1149,1327429821,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHumility is essential, but I wouldn\'t be part of a church fellowship unless I was inclined to think it was more \"right\" than others. Not only in theory, but in practice.'),(563,'jb@thriven.org',1150,1327430973,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAdam, is there a difference between \"right\" and life giving?'),(564,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1151,1327433495,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBy \"right\" I mean in faith and practice equally. Expectations of discipleship individually and the congregation as a whole. I\'ve been down the road of preoccupation with theory and failure in practice, and don\'t care to go there again.'),(565,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1152,1327433618,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI also don\'t mean to imply that any congregation is perfect or that one denomination is the best for everyone. I know sisters and brothers in different branches of my own movement that would not be comfortable where I am, but who do well where they are.'),(566,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1153,1327476938,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI don\'t know whether you\'ve read Ronald Enroth\'s <i>Churches That Abuse</i> (<a href=\"http://www.ccel.us/churches.toc.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">found in its entirety here</a>) but it was quite an eye-opener to me, back in college, about how destructive authoritarian churches can be. Thank God I\'ve never stumbled into one.\r\n\r\nChristians go on and on about the \"cults\"--the heretic churches--but simply not enough is said about the <i>real</i> cults, the churches that may totally have their ducks in a row with their basic theology, but have completely crossed over to the dark side when it comes to control and coercion.'),(567,'stephanie.patterson@asu.edu',1154,1327477580,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi stephanie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you for your response, Jonathan. I would love to continue, and contribute to, the conversation.'),(568,'i.mcna.ught@gmail.com',1155,1327500764,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ian\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat post. I was involved with a \"5 fold\" church similar to what you describe (though definitely not as extreme). A friend of mine was involved in an African \"church\" that was a full on cult (leader sexually abusing young women in the church, my friend threatened at gun point when he said he was leaving, unexplained deaths of significant people in the church). We were sharing our experiences, and were surprised at how many of the underlying characteristics each group shared. In his they were 100 times more matured, but the roots were strikingly similar.\r\n\r\nDespite seeing this similarity, and having many serious misgivings about the teachings of my old church, I\'ve never come close to calling it a cult. It\'s a bit of a strange analogy, but I think you could liken this to consuming alcohol. At what point is someone drunk? There comes a point where someone is so under the influence that there is no doubt you can describe them as drunk - but on the way there are gradations of intoxication ranging from harmless to steaming. Power in itself is not wrong, but as you begin to become intoxicated on it, you become out of control and dangerous to others. My friends group was full on drunk, maybe my group were just mildly tipsy.'),(569,'brooke.eikenberry@gmail.com',1156,1327503913,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brooke Eikenberry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt really is sad how common this situation is, isn\'t it? Glad to hear you and your friend are both out from your respective situations. Especially your friend-- wow! \r\n\r\nYour analogy works well with how cults and non-cults, as well as spiritual abuse, works more on a continuum, rather than a pure \'black\' and \'white\' mentality. I think that ministries and churches can start out at the lower end and then slowly inch their way towards the other end -- or take leaps and bounds-- if left unchecked. The trouble is finding someone whom the ministry will listen to and willing allow to speak into the situation.'),(570,'brooke.eikenberry@gmail.com',1157,1327504380,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brooke Eikenberry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI had not read Ronald Enroth\'s <em>Churches That Abuse</em> -- thank you so much for the link to the book in it\'s entirety. From my precursory skimming, it looks like an excellent read, especially for anyone who has found themselves within an abusive church structure or cult. I encourage other reader\'s to check it out!'),(571,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1158,1327510097,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThe more we walk and talk with Jesus, the more we become like him.  I believe that\'s something Christ does IN us, resulting in the transformation of our hearts.  But it\'s still our choice to live that out in our actions. If all I do is rant and rave about injustice, but fail to extend mercy to others, I\'m simply a \"noisy gong\" as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:1.  But when are actions match our words, it can make a difference in someone else\'s life who then might show mercy to another person.  I know that when I treat other people like I want to be treated, it has the potential of changing the world one person at a time.  And if nothing else, it changes my world.\r\nI\'ve known cynics who refused to vote or volunteer in a soup kitchen because, \"What difference does it make?\" Then someone did a random act of kindness for them that made their day, and I saw a spark of hope light their hearts that, just maybe, being generous DOES matter.  Then they passed that spark on to someone else.\r\nI worked in the drive-through window at a Starbucks for eight years.  Several times a week, a customer would pull up and say, \"I\'d like to pay for the car behind me.\"  When the next car came to the window, I always said, \"You have just been visited by the Coffee Fairy.  The person in front of you paid for your order just to do something nice for you.  You can repay them by doing something kind for someone else today.\"  Reactions ranged between shock and tears.  And frequently they said, \"Well, I want to pay for the car behind me.\"  One time that first act of generousity was passed from person to person eight cars in a row.\r\nJust one act of love, justice and kindness at a time CAN change our world.'),(572,'travklassen@me.com',1161,1327513414,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI used to be attracted to Mark - not to his message, but to his boldness. I think we could all use a little more assertiveness and a lot less passive aggressive conversation when it comes to major life events such as sex, marriage, love etc.\r\n\r\nThanks for the reminder to open up about what we\'ve traditionally left people to figure out on their own in the dark privacy of their bedrooms.'),(573,'travismamone83@gmail.com',1162,1327515053,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Mamone\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhen I first saw your name under the words \"Mark Driscoll is right,\" I immediately thought, \"You?  You think he . . .?  But . . . what . . . how . . .?\"\r\n\r\nBut you\'re right, we do need this conversation.  We need a better way of talking about sexuality, marriage, and relationships.  Maybe not the way Driscoll does, of course.'),(574,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1164,1327533901,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody Harrison Hanson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy,  I completely and utterly understand.  It is hard to be honest especially when people really are not at all certain they want to know.  Hang on sister,  Melody'),(575,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1165,1327534603,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat\'s true for us all, isn\'t it.  I appreciate your comment.'),(576,'memweh@hotmail.com',1166,1327535395,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Billy Higgins\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGood article. All of us with clinical depression or major depressive disorder understand what you are talking about. I was that way for many years. 14 to be exact. I had people that tried to get me into positive thinking and I didn\'t listen or think it would help. I was just too depressed. I still have hope that some day it can click for some of us. A little bit of working on changing my thoughts went a long way. Of course there is many reasons for depression. Physical, chemical. But then there is the me factor. What does my own mind do to me. Does it make me better or worse. There is also the comparison factor as you said, and the one that used to kill me all the time&gt;&gt; That is, that I want to function at a high level and have dreams and aspirations. BUT. BUT. They always seem to have had to take a back burner, because you just never know when depression or tiredness or whatever will hit. Then we can\'t be as regular as other people and fall short.  I do pretty well now though, and don\'t get that depressed. But the dreams and aspirations. It would be nice if we could do things we want to do and be more successful. \r\n\r\nJust kind of rambling. But good article. (Billy H. - Memphis)'),(577,'seasickdoctor@gmail.com',1167,1327536255,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Christine Sine\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy, I love the story you share here. Simple acts of kindness can bring hope in the strangest places. I feel sorry for people who see Jesus\' vision as unattainable idealism. They are probably the ones who would break the kindness cycle by not paying for someone else\'s coffee.'),(578,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1168,1327536549,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nA combination of things helps considerably:  support from people who understand, meds, staying connected in social activities, prayer, work, and thinking positive thoughts.  But nothing makes it go away.  As you said, it\'s hard not to make comparisons and be jealous of people who don\'t have a disease like this.  When those feelings come up, I work on accepting it as the way things are, and not let it tie me down.\r\n\r\nThanks for your post, Billy.'),(579,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1169,1327536842,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWhen I first heard of him, I wasn\'t sure what to make of his Very Manly Christianity.  I think his methods are distasteful, but I do believe that you\'re right about passive-aggressive conversation.  I\'m more interested in Driscoll\'s subject matter than in his personality.'),(580,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1171,1327537090,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHa!  Well, I did my job, then; I got people\'s attention.\r\n\r\nI\'m not entirely against being so...bold about it.  I just wish he would sound less like he\'s putting everyone else down for not being, well, him.'),(581,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1170,1327537090,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYes, but there is still hope for them that one day the miracle will happen for them.  I\'ve seem some amazing transformations, and most we never see.  I bet many people who didn\'t pay for the next guy in line emptied someone else\'s waste basket along with their own at work that day.'),(582,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1172,1327537207,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThose are great points.  So maybe the place to open it up is with Jesus\' words on the Greatest Commandment: Love God, love others.  So how do we begin to talk about relationships under that banner?  I think it would be great if we could get the conversation going about that.'),(583,'seasickdoctor@gmail.com',1173,1327542148,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Christine Sine\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYour right. I have been amazed too by what God can do. I have just been reading Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr and he talks about how God delights in transforming death into life and calling into being that which does not yet exist.'),(584,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1174,1327548164,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWe have tandem thoughts on this, Christine.  Here\'s a quote from an article I finish writing this afternoon:\r\n\r\n\"How important it is for us to act when our hearts are stirred with compassion, rather than just sit on the sidelines and think about it.  Each of us has a unique place in God\'s universe.  We are made in His/Her image to fulfill a special part for the redemption of us all.  God loved us into being, and when we pass that love along to someone else, we are literally the hands, feet and heart of Jesus and have the transformational power to change someone\'s life for the better.  Just like God did for us.  Just like someone in our lifetime did for us.\"'),(585,'seasickdoctor@gmail.com',1175,1327548349,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Christine Sine\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAmen'),(586,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1176,1327550445,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTrue, Driscoll is right to bring up the subject. It\'ll definitely get folks talking.\r\n\r\nMy worry is that most of the talk will be about how Driscoll\'s conclusions are wrong, sexist, and authoritarian to a degree that isn\'t Christlike; that there will be a brief corrective on how Christian sexuality <i>should</i> work... and then the topic will be dropped like a hot potato. What will be left is Driscoll\'s book, and a bunch of counter-Driscoll books, and anyone seeking some information will wind up reading Driscoll\'s book simply for a lack of anything independently substantive.\r\n\r\nHere\'s hoping I\'m wrong.'),(587,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1177,1327554299,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDoes anybody think he looks like Joe Rogan? Is there a connection between the MMA community and the Neo-Reformers? Maybe it\'s a quantum thing, he\'s the same guy in parallel universes. Just thinkin.'),(588,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1179,1327592791,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI don\'t know if there\'s a specific connection, but I think his theology is in line with the Neo-Reformed movement.  To be honest, I don\'t spend more time thinking about him than I have to.'),(589,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1178,1327592791,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat seems to be what\'s happening already.  It\'s why I chose not to simply write about what I think is wrong with his brand of Christian marriage.  I hope that instead of playing point-counterpoint with his book, people will start getting to the heart of the matter.'),(590,'janfischer66@gmail.com',1180,1327599156,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jan Fischer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nvery powerful.'),(591,'thebud99@bellsouth.net',1181,1327600086,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bud\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Jan. I hope it spurs me (and others) to doing more to effectively end the use of the death penalty. I do not understand why after 2000 years people of faith haven\'t connected it\'s use to Jesus\' fortelling of the judgement of the nations in Mathew\'s gospel. \"I tell you the truth, when you do it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.\" Mathew 25:40 NLT'),(592,'jb@thriven.org',1182,1327601862,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAndrew, how would you respond to someone who would use the verses about Jesus separating the sheep and the goats?'),(593,'jb@thriven.org',1183,1327601931,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKW, what do you say to someone who has never heard about the grace of God?  Will they be prepared for it in the Kingdom?'),(594,'bronwen.henry@newchurch.org',1184,1327607923,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bronwen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n(like)'),(595,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1185,1327638215,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI believe people are saved through Christ Jesus... whether they know they are or not. Moses, for example, was saved through Christ, despite not knowing a thing about Christ\'s sacrificial death, how atonement works, about the Trinity, about the creeds.... Regardless, he had a relationship with God, and responded to the grace and revelation given him.\r\n\r\nAnd if someone in the present day likewise responds to whatever grace and revelation given them by God, I expect they likewise will be saved through Christ. The Kingdom might surprise them -- as it likely will surprise most Christians whose best guesses about what it will be like will fall far short of the reality -- but a part of them will react, \"Well, of course; my entire existence has been leading up to this, and it fits perfectly.\" If they\'re where God wants them, he\'ll have them ready enough for it.'),(596,'ljoneill@gmail.com',1186,1327642255,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI skimmed over your review and viewed your interview with Jim over at www.resignationofeve.com (will read more carefully when I\"m more alert.) Thank you for reviewing the book and for some very thoughtful comments about who will and won\'t read it. If nothing else, I hope that the interviews lets women \"out there\" know they aren\'t alone as they relate to one or more of the stories. I am looking for a different expression of church these days... and finding her (the true church) in many unlikely places, where power isn\'t the game but grace, love and service really do define her. Sometimes, I even find this in the traditional model of church... even when those in \"power\" aren\'t listening.'),(597,'sonnylemmons@yahoo.com',1188,1327697944,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sonny Lemmons\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank YOU for reading - and yeah, that\'s my favorite carol as well. I think i have somewhere around six different arrangements of it. :)'),(598,'sonnylemmons@yahoo.com',1187,1327697945,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sonny Lemmons\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Mihee - and I loved your idea of \"playing with\" hope. Sometimes, we do kinda paw at it like a cat with a string, and we may not know what the heck to DO with it when we catch it (just like a cat).'),(599,'brandnewday1@eplus.net',1189,1327730123,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Steve Brannon\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBud, this is a powerful article.  And, oh yes, in my estimation you are a writer.  Thank you for telling your story with your heart felt desire that the system change.    Blessings . . .'),(600,'brandnewday1@eplus.net',1190,1327731424,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Steve Brannon\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy,  thank you for your courage to be soooo real!  I understand where you are coming from. Keep up the good work.\r\n\r\nlove and prayers . . .'),(601,'thebud99@bellsouth.net',1192,1327735968,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bud\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Steve.\r\n\r\nI appreciate your taking the time to read and comment.\r\nI have a great deal of respect for you. \r\nI didn\'t set out to write, but have found it is a way to wander through my though processes as I question everything about my faith, beliefs, and how I relate myself to God and others.Like I told Joy, it helps me wrap my brain aroud ocncepts and questions too big for my human mind.'),(602,'TheWhitedove2000@yahoo.com',1193,1327761402,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kirk Nolen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHey Joy,  this is a very good and courageous article.  For over forty years, I\'ve been on-again / off-again with prescribed anti-depressants, various doctor\'s therapies, assorted religeon therepies, and the self-medicating route (beer, wine, whisky, and my old favorite: \"Here try this!\").  I vividly remember the 1st psyciatrist\'s diagnosis &amp; prognosis:  \"He\'s just got a little mild depression and will be over it within a couple of weeks.  No big deal.\"\r\n  I\'ve got no big complaints. Just wanted to lay a little foundation for my comment:  Overall, education of the general public is lacking.  They know the difference between having a little \"heartburn\" and having a major \"heartattack\", so most people respond accordingly.  They just don\'t know that the difference between being \"depressed\" and having \"Clinical Depression\" is just as expansive and serious, so most people respond as if, \"depression is depression\" and either seem to condescendingly pat you on the back and say \"awe...\" or want to give you a pep talk to snap you out of it.\r\n  Anyway, (trying to make the comment shorter) improving our educational system concerning this topic would make a more understanding world and better relations for our children and their children.  Peace, love, &amp; meditate.  ~Kirkn'),(603,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1194,1327761578,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Wayne Rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nRay I don\'t know your story, other than what you\'ve shared here, but it\'s clear to me that it\'s changing you, in a restorative way. \r\n\r\nI\'m not so sure I agree with the bad leadership (sometimes maybe), I think it\'s more often bad followership. Too often we go to church and judge the experience relative to our expectations.'),(604,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1195,1327761717,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your support, Steve.  It did take courage to place this article where anyone in the world can read it.  I know you work with depressed people  You keep up the good work, too.'),(605,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1196,1327763038,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKirk, it scares the hell out of me to admit this in public -- something I never would have done a few years ago.  But God has given me the courage (at least in print) to tell the truth about my disease in hopes of educating the general public about emotional and mood disorders that are just as debilitating as cancer and diabetes.  In fact, many people are afraid of people like us because \"we\'re crazy, and who knows what we\'ll do.\"  Lovely, huh.  An automatic stigma.\r\nI\'m tired of it, and you are, too.  And I simply can\'t admit it face-to-face in social situations, because I\'m terrified of rejection.  But I\'ve become willing to take a stand in this kind of format, because we tend to isolate, thinking we are all alone, and if only a few people who have misunderstood clinical depression gain compassion for us, it\'s worth it to me to risk criticism to gain some respect for people like you and me.'),(606,'lethmpsn@comcast.net',1191,1327771121,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melanie Thompson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIs there an agency that you would recommend for a Christian couple looking to adopt.  We are just starting the process!'),(607,'travklassen@me.com',1197,1327772183,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Melanie, congrats on the start of a beautiful journey. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. We live in Canada, so we went through the Ministry of Children and Families, adopting a child from the foster care system. I am not sure about private agencies, though I know they are out there and I\'m sure they are good.  Be blessed!'),(608,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1200,1327779227,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nUnderstand the feeling. I\'m bipolar (type 2, with more depression than mania), and it\'s really difficult to have someone greet me with that question. And I also identify with the comparison-trap as well. Excellent post, Joy.'),(609,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1201,1327779589,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSo do you think our expectations for good fellowship are too high? Just wondering.'),(610,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1202,1327779610,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat post, Ray. I appreciate your vulnerability in talking about your past.'),(611,'jb@thriven.org',1203,1327779711,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLaura, I think that is a great question.  Is our problem that our expectations for what fellowship is, too high, or should we hold those high expectations?'),(612,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1204,1327780508,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you, Laura.  I\'m in a support group for people with mood disorders like ours, and have become friends with a number of people diagnosed with bi-polar.  I hope you have access to such a support group.  It has really helped me.'),(613,'justinglobal@gmail.com',1205,1327792499,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi justin\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBrooke,\r\n\r\nYou did the right thing. Don\'t question it.\r\n\r\nOf course its natural for all humans to look at the past, recognize mistakes and try to change them. This is different because it was a borderline cult (i\'m being fair i think).\r\n\r\nI spent 18 yrs in baptist education from K-3 thru my undergrad. I understand cult churches and cult-like organizations.\r\n\r\nOne of the problems we have, in my experience, is staying away from the \'cult\' aspects of religion but also avoiding taking a plunge to far in the other direction.\r\n\r\nBalance is key! Jesus deals with us on a day to day basis and doesn\'t expect perfection. This is Biblical.\r\n\r\nThe implications of having your whole social existence be revealed to be a borderline cult is jarring to say the least, however its well trodden territory. Religion has been used as a tool of control since the beginning, more or less. Its the status quo in the Church Age and will be our struggle in this reality. Of course the Holy Spirit helps us have joy throughout.\r\n\r\nIn other words, you\'re not alone. In fact, now you can empathize with non-Christians in a whole new way. A way that people who are still bound by cult-ish teaching cannot. You can see them from both sides. The point is, you can be a bettter Christian in spite of what they have done to you! Hooray!\r\n\r\nFreedom isn\'t a license to sin, obviously. But its a license to live an authentic life, rising and falling on your own choices, as God intended. We will sin, and go astray at times. This is horrific and we don\'t have to accept it...we can fight it! We just have to know that WE ARE NOT PERFECT and always try to be better! Results!\r\n\r\nGod does the rest...Jesus was perfect for us...He just wants to know us...the REAL us! So my friend, I congratulate you!\r\n\r\n_justin'),(614,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1206,1327854575,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(TheBarba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI have to tell ya the title grabbed me because I had written a piece a few months back about being a Christian serial killer. You have a different approach to a similar subject of killing Jesus. \r\n\r\nGood words. To follow Christ  is to allow Him to permeate your entire being, not compartmentalize Him to an area.'),(615,'kglethean@gmail.com',1207,1327869323,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kevin Gonzaga\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nCasper,\r\n\r\nCould you explain your question a little bit more.  I think I know what you are saying but do not want to mis-respond to your comment.\r\n\r\nCertainly, this is not just a U.S. issue alone and it is certainly not even an issue that has arisen since the concept of nation-states.  This is a rather timeless question always faced by followers of Jesus living in this world under and in political, social and cultural structures of power.'),(616,'casperdenck@gmail.com',1208,1327870349,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Casper\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSimply put talk of \'losing exemption\' point towards state action. However, my question is shouldn\'t the church refuse to classify itself as exempt and thereby limit its witness (it would only need to refuse to make a profit - which seems reasonable to me).'),(617,'cdowdy77@yahoo.com',1209,1327874370,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Chris Dowdy\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy, Thank you for this lovely article as I can relate in many ways.You see I am Bipolar type 1 and right now fighting the depression many times over.You see 5 weeks ago I had a baby boy and 2 weeks ago he came home.I was out of a job and 2 weeks ago got a job running Over The Road truck driver as I was used to being home every night.There was many times my girlfriend called me at 1 or 2 a.m. crying and depressed and me trying to be strong for her emotionally but it makes me depressed that I can\'t be there for them except for a phone call or a text msg.I also attend the support group with Joy and Billy.I have been going for 2 yrs now and I can tell it has helped me in many ways because I can relate more to people who have the same illness as me but also learned more about depresion and bipolar that has helped me be a better person.'),(618,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1210,1327931089,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your comment, Chris.  I can imagine how rough it is for the two of you right now, wanting you to be home and needing you to work.  That would greatly increase both of y\'all\'s depression.  Know that I\'m praying for you.  Please let me know if I can help any other way.  I\'m also grateful for our support group.  It makes all the difference being able to share similar issues and feelings with people who suffer with the same things.  I, too, have gained greater understanding of diseases I don\'t have -- like Bipolar.\r\n\r\nI wish there were support groups for people who live with someone who has depression -- similar to an Al-Anon group.  I was talking with a woman yesterday about my article here, and she asked if there was such a group.  Her brother has clinical depression and she\'s clueless how to help him, and could use the support of other people like herself.  Do you know of such an organization?'),(619,'lerowell@comcast.net',1211,1327942294,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Edwina R.\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nRay, You have given me a moment of closeness with our Lord today.  Thank you for sharing your \"hound of heaven\" encounters.  I have been encouraged.   EMR'),(620,'independent739@yahoo.com',1212,1327942295,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adrian W.\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think what it will take, sadly, is the dying out of a couple of generations. I think we\'re (VERY) slowly moving in the right direction on this matter, but I think some things are so finely ingrained in the  minds of those who are older that it\'s difficult (and maybe even impossible) to change. \r\n\r\nOf course, I have my own habits and opinions that I suck at changing, so who am I to speak? =)'),(621,'kw.leslie@gmail.com',1213,1327944958,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi K.W. Leslie\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHumans are selfish, and regularly twist things to suit our needs. The reason for the sexism in the church is that there are a lot of sexists in it who have no motivation to change things for the better, to be more Christlike, unless it benefits them.\r\n\r\nI\'d <i>like</i> to think Adrian\'s right -- that we\'re moving in the right direction, and that all we\'ll need is a generation of poor leadership to pass away -- but I dunno. Backsliding happens, and sometimes the older generation are the reformers, while the new generation are the reactionaries. The New Calvinists come to mind.\r\n\r\nSome years ago there was a local meeting in my own denomination, which has had women pastors since its founding last century. Some of the younger pastors in the meeting objected to women in leadership on the grounds that it\'s \"not biblical.\" This went on till one of the leaders, one of older gentlemen in the group, stopped the debate and pointed out that they were out of order: As a denomination, this was a decided issue. If they wanted to make it one, they were in the wrong place.\r\n\r\nNow, what are the chances these young men will repent and conform, as opposed to leaving and starting a new chauvinistic sect? Depends on how right they think they are -- which in the end depends on how much they think they\'ve overcome (or Jesus has overcome for them) their innate total depravity. Or whether they even believe they suffer from it in the first place. That\'s the <i>real</i> issue. Sexism is the symptom.'),(622,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1214,1327952775,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI know that my local NAMI chapter has support groups and offers stuff for families of the mentally ill. I don\'t know if they have support groups just for family members, but they do offer classes to help teach the families how to cope with the financial/mental/emotional drain of dealing with their loved ones\' illness.'),(623,'ray.hollenbach@gmail.com',1216,1327953114,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi RayHollenbach\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks, Edwina: any time we draw closer to the Lord that\'s a good thing. I\'m honored.'),(624,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1215,1327953114,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for the info, Laura.  I will pass that along to people.  If there aren\'t support groups for families, NAMI might help one be created by requests from people in the family support classes.'),(625,'pamhogeweide@gmail.com',1217,1327954919,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Pam Hogeweide\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat questions and I address all of them head-on in my new book, Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church. \r\n\r\nThe taproot for gender inequity is patriarchy and power. \r\n\r\nJesus did have women disciples. I devote an entire chapter examining how Jesus treated women (which does not match how the church treats women!). \r\n\r\nI sent you a copy, yes, Melody?? Message me if I overlooked doing so!!!\r\n\r\nWhat will it take to change?  In my opinion, it will take women like you and me resisting gender inequity and inspiring other women to do the same. For some women this will mean making difficult choices like leaving their faith tribe. For others, it may mean speaking up as you do with your questions and blogging, and me with my book and writing.  Each woman has to find her way in how she will resolve to respond (and resist) the injustice of gender inequity in the church. \r\n\r\nRead Unladylike. I cover all of this!!'),(626,'rayrayc17@live.com',1219,1327968151,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat question by both of you. I think the real question is, \"do we really have authentic fellowship?\" When we have authentic Christlike fellowship, I think it\'s a natural reaction to chase after those who fall. When we are just disjointed people in church, we tend to not care when people fall off the radar.'),(627,'rayrayc17@live.com',1218,1327968151,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWayne, thank you for that. And as far as leadership or followership, I think it\'s a combination.  The followers will often respond to how the leadership reacts. If a church member falls and the leadership distances themselves, people follow. Then again, we are all responsible for how we treat our fallen brothers and sisters regardless of how leadership responds.'),(628,'rayrayc17@live.com',1220,1327968296,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLaura, thank you. It hasn\'t always been easy. When I did it in the beginning, I did it by blogging under a pseudonym. But I\'ve found that people are helped. But I\'ll tell you who I really admire. Joy Wilson. She\'s one of my heroes. Her story is transformative and amazing and she has amazing grit.'),(629,'rayrayc17@live.com',1221,1327968497,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGood point Camille about the need for rescue services. It\'s a job for the community of faith that for some reason we have not fully grasped. \r\n\r\nJan, great question. Many go overboard, falling into sin. We should seek two things. First, their restoration leading to repentance. But along the way, we have to have an open heart to listen to why they went overboard in the first place. Great observation.'),(630,'travklassen@me.com',1222,1327970145,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJust read a great blog post by Frank Viola about Jesus &amp; women. http://frankviola.org/2012/01/30/godsviewofawoman/\r\n\r\nLooking forward to reading Unladylike, Pam.'),(631,'ed@inpulsearts.com',1223,1327979580,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Eddy Damas\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThe greatest fear that man has is that of commitment. I for one, do not find anything wrong with couples living together before marriage, just as long as both understand that sex is totally off limits, but the marriage is definitely in the future such as Gene and Shannon have shown us.'),(632,'kristenrosser@hotmail.com',1224,1327994045,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kristen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMale domination of the female is entrenched in human nature, according to Genesis 3:26.  Also, a view of the universe in terms of hierarchical authority became entrenched in the church in the Middle Ages.  Ths view actually came from mixing Plato and Aristotle\'s ideas into Christianity; but once a teaching becomes part of church tradition, it is very, very hard to change.  The church as a whole is by nature resistent to change, which is both its great strength and its great weakness.'),(633,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1225,1328028100,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody Harrison Hanson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for writing this.  I particularly needed the reminders. One, that realizing our dreams requires lots and lots of work, even hard work, sweat and perhaps no small amount of tears.  And two, get out there and live.  I live too much in my head, especially as a writer/thinker (duh) but I think sometimes this limits my creativity and passion.  Bravo to you and thanks.'),(634,'thebud99@bellsouth.net',1226,1328040138,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bud\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for your comments Ken. I use my writing to clarify my thoughts, and to get my pea brain around theoligical Ideas and concepts that are to much for me to grasp. The thoughtful comments of others helps in further understanding and refinement.'),(635,'katwalker@gmail.com',1227,1328159135,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kat Walker\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think the best thing the church can do is stop devaluing femininity, stop treating womanhood as inherently weak or lesser than manhood, and stop pushing such a narrow, stereotyped, superficial definition of femininity to begin with.  \r\n\r\nOf course most women will reject femininity if they are constantly sent the message that it is all about being pretty, quiet, helpless, passive, and boring.  I think a lot of women are naturally feminine, but they also posses qualities of strength, ambition, intelligence, and drive.  It\'s not so much that they aren\'t being \"womanly\", but that we don\'t allow our definition of womanhood to have any interesting, active, or dynamic characteristics.\r\n\r\nIn short: women will be more comfortable being women once Christians (and secular society, too) get over the idea that girly stuff is stupid and lame.\r\n\r\nWe also need to stop shaming women who naturally embody tougher characteristics.  So what if she\'s a tomboy and looks like one?  Biological sex isn\'t the main thing that determines one\'s personality (your reproductive organs are not the same thing as your gender qualities).  Also, women don\'t exist to be your ornaments or to make you feel comfortable by fitting in a non-threatening little box.'),(636,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1228,1328205414,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody Harrison Hanson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou are a brilliant clear writer.  Your honesty is beautiful.  \r\n\r\nI still don\'t exactly know what being bipolar means - is it different for everyone, or are there symptoms like with depression that are classic and easily identified?  But I do know that the more people who are willing to talk about it the more we will all learn from their stories and example.  \r\n\r\nIt is hard to live with mental illness.  It\'s hard to not to seek after being considered \"successful\" in the terms of the world.  Much less to believe in our minds and souls, when we simply want to make a contribution that is worthwhile and precious to God.  And on those days, frantic and anxious as they are, the Holy One ministers to me by forcing me to be still.  Forces me to accept that I am nothing and I am everything to him .  (I wrote about that recently on my blog, in a poem that title.)  The point is that we\'re so precious to him, our stories are precious and we should value them!  \r\n\r\nGod values your story, your experience, your desire to help others, and he\'ll do a good work in it and through you.  We just can\'t imagine it yet!'),(637,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1229,1328214733,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHey, Melody--\r\n\r\nThanks so much for the encouraging words! In answer to your question, bipolar disorder is characterized by extremes in moods: depression on one end of the scale and mania (high, elevated, unnaturally energetic mood) on the other. Sometimes there is psychosis along with the mania. There are two types. I have type 2, which has \"hypomania\" rather than classic \"mania\"  (it\'s a step down from mania and doesn\'t last as long), and horrible depressions. Oddly enough, it\'s kind of hard to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even though the definitions sounds clear enough on paper. I kept getting diagnosed with depression because that was my main symptom. \r\n\r\nI love what you wrote about how God values us and our stories. Simply beautiful. Thank you for reading.'),(638,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1230,1328278061,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLaura, I am a fellow contributor to Not Alone, and suffer from clinical depression and PTSD.  It was very difficult to go public about that, but my book Uncensored Prayer brought it to the forefront.  Now I\'m a public advocate for mood disorders and mental illness, because we DO tend to suffer in silence.\r\n\r\nA big part of the reason I kept silent so long was because people were afraid of what I might do or say.  They labeled my disease as my identity.  I can\'t change anyone\'s belief about that, but I do refute it by what I write and sometimes verbally.\r\n\r\nI really appreciate your article and support you 100%.  God created us just as we are, and saw no fault in that.  To live that out in the best possible way is for us to accept and cherish who we are, utilizing our gifts and not focusing on what we can\'t do.  One of the worst things about depression is it can steal my greatest strengths from me because I get sucked into the comparison trap and/or can beat myself on the days when the best I can do is cope.  I\'ve dealt with that pain this week.  Then I ran across a quote from Charles Dickens:  \"The writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.\"  When I write and live authentically, it\'s a blessing even when it feels horrible, because trying to be someone I\'m not is worse.\r\n\r\nRead my article in this magazine posted last week: \"How Are You?\" \"Depressed.  How Are You?\"  I applaud Jonathan for printing articles like ours, because it allows fellow sufferers to know they are not alone, but hopefully we can also provide education for those who don\'t understand our diseases.'),(639,'gonnerman@burntmail.com',1231,1328288424,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Adam Gonnerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nOh...that was GOOD! Thank you for sharing it.'),(640,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1233,1328289173,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nA pleasure, Adam. Thanks for reading.'),(641,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1234,1328289787,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI just wish I could do it without getting burned. Alas, it is necessary. Hopefully I won\'t need it so much from now on.'),(642,'stephenhaggerty@gmail.com',1236,1328304664,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Stephen Haggerty\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI love the honesty in the moment you admitted your trust was busted.  It seems to me that God would much prefer that than someone plugging away for years pretending to trust God and missing out on all of the intimacy He wants us to benefit from.  Great piece of writing, Ken.'),(643,'eknowles@embarqmail.com',1235,1328304784,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Eileen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKen, great thoughts.  I know in my own journey the most  life changing/growing times with God have been when I\'veI chosen to talk to him/yell at him about things I didn\'t understand or like.  God says come to Him...even if we come kicking and screaming.  He somehow changes our heart in the process!'),(644,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1237,1328304907,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat is exactly what I\'m finding. I am so glad He knows I\'m a whiny kid and can overlook that to bring where He wants me.'),(645,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1238,1328305023,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s funny I thought I really did trust Him. But, I guess our walk ebbs and flows and we need to ever be ready to change.'),(646,'ed@inpulsearts.com',1239,1328318110,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Eddy Damas\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s strange how much the big things that are above our understandng can lead us back to trusting God.'),(647,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1240,1328318830,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHe knows what we need to motivate us in the right direction. Thanks for reading.'),(648,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1241,1328321552,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody Harrison Hanson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell, I cannot believe that you haven\'t received a single word on this.  It is profoundly true.  Thanks for writing about something that actually matters and is so dear to Jesus.'),(649,'kathy@therefugeonline.org',1242,1328324858,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi kathyescobar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nthanks melody, i kind of thought it was weird, too, but sometimes i think are better topics aren\'t ones that anyone says anything about and ones i think aren\'t that big of a deal get a buzz.   i am not sure provoketive really shared it was even out but still...crickets always stink.  glad that you connected with it &amp; i do think we don\'t talk about this reality enough.  peace, kathy'),(650,'kris@overtooms.net',1245,1328376965,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi tandemingtroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIsn\'t it interesting how we can let the \"big\" issues roll over us and we think we are stepping out in faith and trust that \"God works all things out for the good of those who love him\", but let some little irritant follow and it seems to cause everything to crash, like the butterfly in Veggie Tales\' \"Madame Blueberry\" that causes a tree-house filled with stuff to crash. (As a father of older kids, please tell me that I will eventually stop using kids animated shows as analogies!).\r\n\r\nI went for quite a while praying \"I believe, Lord.  Help me in my unbelief.\"   I wrote about the initial conditions that started that prayer  in a blog:  http://www.tandemingtroll.blogspot.com/2010/08/like-being-involved-in-rear-end.html.  That period of time has ended now, but I am sure there will be some other barrier at some point in time that will require me to rest and re-build my faith.\r\n\r\nHang in there, Ken!  So many people are praying for you.'),(651,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1246,1328377409,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt is these type of comments that are encouraging. You know, I think my letting the big issues roll over me was a false response. I was acting like I had given it to God but in reality it was piling up until that small thing \"tipped\" it over.'),(652,'eapaz14@gmail.com',1247,1328384497,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Edgar\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBeautifully written article.\r\n\r\nI find it amazing how so many people are still for capital punishment despite -- at least for me -- the apparent obviousness of the hypocrisy of looking at a murderer and saying \"You know what we can do to teach people not to murder? Murder him!\"'),(653,'thebud99@bellsouth.net',1248,1328388423,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bud\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you Edgar.\r\n\r\nI will never be OK with state killing in any form. For me it is always the worst moral choice. I claim to follow Jesus, and for me that means taking his teachings seriously. Those who have ears hear Jesus repeatedly teaching against violence in any form, and always seeking reconciliation and restoration over vengeance.'),(654,'casperdenck@gmail.com',1250,1328396905,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Casper\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n@ Spirit Manslaw. I\'m really struggling to see how a church can, if it is faithful to the gospel, ever not be what has been termed political - I don\'t mean in a party political sense but political nonetheless. \r\n\r\nIt was precisely in its confession that Jesus is Lord that the early Christians called time on the State\'s pretensions of sovereignty. The political form may differ but the core conviction remains the same.'),(655,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1251,1328405249,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThose are some of the questions. Trust enough to be obedient even when I don\'t know why is exactly it.'),(656,'harold.johnson@gmail.com',1253,1328458338,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Harold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nForgive all my grammatical errors in my previous comment.'),(657,'harold.johnson@gmail.com',1252,1328458339,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Harold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLaura, you are courageous for disclosing your mental illness. Possibly because I grew up in a dysfunctional family and encountered mental illness in family members from a very early age, I don\'t believe I\'ve ever been all that uncomfortable with being telling people I suffer from depression. But bipolar \"disorder\" gave me an awful fright when I began to seriously consider that I may be \"suffering\" from it. Whether or not I fall within the bipolar spectrum or not I still don\'t know, but I believe I\'ll be prepared if I ever receive the diagnosis.\r\n\r\nPart of the reason I believe I\'m more comfortable with it now is due to the candidness of writers and authors such as yourself. About ten years ago I began reading a blog written by a young woman who was quite candid about her mental illness. Sometimes I wondered if she ever worried how her writing might affect her writing career, but she wrote beautifully -- much similar to what you\'re doing -- and though I must admit haven\'t read her blog in a long time I check in once in awhile and it seems she\'s succeeded quite well. I have a hunch her honest blogging has even helped her in her career.\r\n\r\nIf you ever want to check that blog out it\'s at http://annecentral.blogspot.com.\r\n\r\nI\'ve long been honest in my own writing but it wasn\'t until relatively recently that I began to allow myself to speak more about my own mental illness. I\'ve even changed the name of my blog to Unstable Mind. I\'ve blogged under my own name but sometimes I fear the potential consequences of putting myself (and the problems I face with my  own mental illness) out there. Just yesterday, in fact, I removed my name from the blog and even changed the email address it\'s associated with. This may seem cowardly but I\'m trying to land a job I really want and don\'t want any Google searches to bring up something that might discourage an employer to hire me.\r\n\r\nThen again, if an employer is that ignorant about depression, perhaps it would be best for me not to work for them.\r\n\r\nThere are some good books -- some of them great -- that have provided me with some consolation on this matter. One of those books was Manic: A Memoir, a relatively recent book written by Terri Cheney, a very successful Hollywood attorney. \r\nAn older book, Darkness Visible A Memoir of Madness, was written by William Styron was a Pulitzer prizewinning author. A book that is considered a classic by many (though if recall correctly, I haven\'t finished reading yet) is  Kay Redfield Jamison\'s An Unquiet Mind; Jamison is a UCLA psychologist who has treated and written about bipolar disorder and inflicted with the disorder herself.\r\n\r\nI hesitate to use these words \"disorder\" and \"inflicted\" and \"suffering\" because, though most will certainly agree that bipolar certainly seems like a disorder when they\'re in the depths of despair and may find it insulting for anyone to say they are not suffering, there are, in some cases, some benefits to being uniquely affected by bipolar. No, I\'m serious. A recent book I read, authored by one of the earliest and most influential proponents of lithium, Dr. Ronald R. Fieve, filled me with such joy because it seemed to describe my experiences with depression. The book is called Bipolar Breakthrough: The Essential Guide to Going Beyond Moodswings to Harness Your Highs, Escape the Cycles of Recurrent Depression, and Thrive with Bipolar II.'),(658,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1254,1328469592,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks so much for commenting, Harold. I really appreciate all the support I\'ve gotten from posting this blog post! I\'ve read Jamison\'s book (or at least parts of it) and her book about bipolar disorder and the link with creativity. Facinating. I\'ll have to look up Cheney\'s, Fieve\'s and Styron\'s books. I love to read. (Imagine that: an author that likes to read!)'),(659,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1255,1328469625,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nForgiven! (I don\'t always notice grammatical errors, even though I guess I really should, and I didn\'t notice any in your comment.)'),(660,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1256,1328469936,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy, thanks for your support. I appreciate it. I read recently that the majority of mentally ill people tend to go it alone--a national study proved it--and not only don\'t get social support but don\'t even get medical support. Very sad. Hopefully, by sharing our stories, we can help others know they\'re not alone!'),(661,'harold.johnson@gmail.com',1257,1328473128,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Harold\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDr. Fieve is the only author I\'ve cited who doesn\'t struggle with mental illness him himself but he seems to have spent a good deal of his life studying bipolar disorders. \r\n\r\nHere\'s a mention of the book I just found on bipolar-lives.com which provides a taste of what Fieve\'s book contains (the quote is at http://bit.ly/18ko1L):\r\n\r\n\"Dr Fieve introduces a new label - Bipolar IIB - the \'B\' is for \'beneficial\'. This is his term for the form of manic depression in which the bipolar person uses their highs to benefit themselves, their family and society.\"'),(662,'janegardner33@gmail.com',1258,1328575131,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jane Willis Gardner\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWonderfully honest article/prayer poem and therefore wonderfully encouraging.  I was just wondering a day or two ago if God gets tired of my same old, same old when it comes to confession and asking forgivenes.  While God\'s grace is not something I want to take for granted and step on-- by repeating a \"pet sin\" yet again seemingly without caring, and then blithely asking for forgiveness--I needed to hear what your prayer poem from God says.  I do care: 1. I recognize it still as sin; and   2.  I do \"bother\" to ask for forgiveness .  God wants to be my best friend and as long as I\'m still engaging not only about the beautiful stuff in life, but about the ugly junk, too, like sins, He\'s gonna keep listening, keep teaching me what to do, and drawing me closer.  And that\'s the Love I need.  The kind that never fails.'),(663,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1259,1328581168,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou\'re right, Jane.  We and God want the same thing for and from each other: love and a deeply intimate relationship.  That is only possible for us if we are willing to wrestle with God through uncensored prayer, just as we are.  I\'m so grateful our God makes that possible, extending unending grace, forgiveness and love.'),(664,'wayne@rumsby.ca',1260,1328594319,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi wayne rumsby\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks.'),(665,'wjkampe@comcast.net',1261,1328643200,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jake\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat words, Joy.  Thanks for sharing.'),(666,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1262,1328644206,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou are one for this one, Jake.  Thank you.'),(667,'janegardner33@gmail.com',1263,1328648963,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jane Willis Gardner\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI am so thankful that Mike found your church and you.  What if he hadn\'t?  May each of us fine-tune our sight to see the \"Mikes\" all around us.  And God, on the days when I\' m hurting and wounded and numb from the pain of life, give a Christian brother or sister eyes to me as \"Mike.\"'),(668,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1264,1328653219,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou\'re welcome, Wayne. Thank you for reading!'),(669,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1265,1328705563,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAmen to that, Jane.  In my book, Uncensored Prayer, I revealed a lot of personal things about myself that left me open to attack.  Increasingly, my writing addresses discrimination based both on prejudice and ignorance.  I have been on the receiving end of discrimination because of my addictions, clinical depression, views of God, sexual history, and age as a woman over fifty.  So I have real empathy for all \"Mike\'s\".  But I can be just as blind and/or intolerant to someone not like me, especially if they attack me.  \"Love your enemy\" isn\'t one of my strongpoints.  But God is working in me about that.  My heart\'s desire is to treat people the way I want to be treated.  To put that into practice takes more than heart.  I need God\'s help and those of others to live like that.'),(670,'travismamone83@gmail.com',1266,1328713672,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Mamone\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGuess I\'m more faithful to God than I thought!'),(671,'travismamone83@gmail.com',1267,1328714492,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Mamone\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLove me some Leonard Cohen!  His voice sounds like Tom Waits now, but still a heck of a songwriter.'),(672,'wjkampe@comcast.net',1268,1328722837,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jake\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreat blog, Travis.  I blogged on this as well for Rachel Held Evans blog.  Enjoyed digging into this and how the gender issue really is equal.  Nice work!'),(673,'sevans@mindspring.com',1277,1328724401,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Susan Coppage Evans\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nTry using the word \"it\" to reference G-d.  When someone calls you to the door or the phone and you don\'t know the gender, you say, \"\"Who is it?\"  But our anthropomorphic focus repels the idea of \"it\" as if \"it\" is less than human and human is supreme. If all of creation is a reflection of G-d, than “it” is a good word to use and avoids gender/human bias towards something that is more than human and gender.'),(674,'travismamone83@gmail.com',1278,1328724771,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Mamone\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSusan,\r\n\r\nI just edited the article.  Instead of using a pronoun, I just used the word \"God.\"  Thank you for your feedback.'),(675,'travismamone83@gmail.com',1279,1328724817,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Mamone\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Jake!'),(676,'sevans@mindspring.com',1280,1328726926,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Susan Coppage Evans\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI tend to do that too AND some people still resist and say the word \"God\" is masculine. Language can be powerful!'),(677,'ed@inpulsearts.com',1281,1328731487,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Eddy Damas\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nUnfortunately, or actually fortunately, a real prophet won\'t be found online these days.'),(678,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1282,1328736137,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s in the same catagory as God\'s grace towards us about everything.'),(679,'undercovernun@gmail.com',1283,1328884637,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Undercover Nun\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAh, a common error appears here.  When talking about the bible, a prophet is one who speaks with the voice of God.  Predictions come from an *oracle*.  A prophet can be an oracle, but an oracle isn\'t necessarily a prophet.  While there seem to be predictions in the prophetic literature, a close read will show that these are almost all in the form of if-then statements.\r\n\r\nPeace be with you!'),(680,'jeff@hometownprophetbook.com',1284,1328884739,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi HometownProphet\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks...good distinction.  That would explain the Oracles of Delphi and, of course, the Oracle in the Matrix.'),(681,'richard.goulette@gmail.com',1285,1328904610,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Rich Goulette\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Jonathan, \r\n\r\nI think it\'s pretty common that we think of worship/glorifying God in grandiose ways:  Big music, martyrdom, things that make the big ticket.  Your allusion to Peter is interesting, because he thought the worshiping at the transfiguration was by building tabernacles for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus.  But really Jesus\' ultimate ways for Worship are in serving others as he served us.  The more I see the way he interacted with the marginalized, broken(although he did allow a little crooning from Mary while Martha was busy and he did allow the pouring of the expensive Nard later on)is that our greatest Worship of him comes especially when no one else even notices.  And that\'s the hardest thing to do in my opinion'),(682,'lauraknowlescavanaugh@gmail.com',1287,1328939935,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Travis, thank you for sharing your thoughts. This has certainly been a hot topic in the last week, and I\'m encouraged by your perspective.  Regarding the use of pronouns, I shared a little of my journey on my blog recently.  Here\'s the link to the first part, if you\'re interested: http://bodytheologyblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/gender-inclusive-language-gender-inclusive-god-part-1/. I\'m planning to feature your article on my blog tomorrow. Check it out!'),(683,'alvinrapien@gmail.com',1288,1328939948,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Vince\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGreetings Jonathan, \r\n\r\nIn light of God\'s mercy, the proper response, according to the Apostle Paul, is to be a \"Living Sacrifice\" - \"this is your true and proper worship\" (Romans 12:1, NIV 2011).  If we connect this with what Jesus says are the two greatest commandments, it is \"To Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength...  The second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself.\"  (Matthew 22:37 - 40).\r\n\r\nTo be a Living Sacrifice is to follow the two greatest commandments - to Love.  God is not demanding praise - but rather He wants relationship with His people and His people to be in loving relationship with everyone else.\r\n\r\nPS:  I know this isn\'t the most exegetical argument, but I don\'t think the connections are off the wall.'),(684,'bobfulmer@cox.net',1289,1328986264,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bob\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAnother excellent column! My prophecy is that this blog will attract many readers and that \"Hometown Prophet\" will be a huge success. So be it.'),(685,'jb@thriven.org',1292,1329171970,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nVince,\n\nThis question is not mine, but I think you\'ve provide a good answer.  Worship is actually following.'),(686,'jb@thriven.org',1291,1329171971,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think you are on to something Rich.'),(687,'tamaraoutloud@gmail.com',1294,1329238026,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Tamara Lunardo\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI have not seen the video; it breaks my heart just to read about it here. I think you\'re dead-on, my friend. We have to do better than teaching shame.'),(688,'travklassen@me.com',1295,1329239622,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi Alise, great piece. My wife Brandee &amp; I believe in respecting our kids and being \"un exemple\" (they\'re in french immersion). We both grew up in homes where we revered our parents and showed respect in all situations, regardless of our personal opinions and feelings. We chose teach the concept of honor in a way closer to that of Jesus, honoring them first, instilling the principles and watching them return to us as they get the idea for themselves.\r\n\r\nAs far as the public shaming thing - I\'ve been hoping it\'s just a stunt - because that\'s just wrong, and a perfect way to push your child to never want to trust you again.'),(689,'rslatt74@gmail.com',1296,1329241328,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bob Slatt\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMy dog keeps pooping in the house. I told him that if he did it again there would be dire consequences.\r\n\r\nI plan on posting the video I made of me shooting Charley\'s doggy dish. Maybe then his butt sniffing, nad-licking buddies will show some respect!'),(690,'Faithruluv@yahoo.com',1297,1329241966,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brenna\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAs a parent I feel it\'s my honor to model God\'s grave and love. I can\'t comprehend how parents who claim they feel the same way seem to celebrate this video. You can discipline and give consequences without degrading your child. Shooting this video may have made the father feel better, but did it actually make her respect him, which seemed to be the issue in the first place?'),(691,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1298,1329247374,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt sucks, because I think the important lessons that he likely needs to teach got lost in (now) 22 million youtube views. I\'m all about parenting as part of a village, but this might be too much.'),(692,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1299,1329249524,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI hope that it\'s a stunt as well, though from the follow-up and everything, it seems to be legit. Regardless, I\'m surprised how many people think it\'s okay to take to the internet to do our parenting. I think that was my biggest issue with it.'),(693,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1300,1329249708,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'d be on the lookout for other \"gifts\" if I were you. ;-D'),(694,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1301,1329250035,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThat was where I was sitting. My issue isn\'t so much with the content (I don\'t like to critique how other parents parent), but the means. I really have an issue with posting something like that out there for the whole world. I think that\'s just not our right AT ALL.'),(695,'kensebay1@yahoo.com',1302,1329251588,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ken Hagerman(The Barba)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIf, in the beginning, I am my daughters image of God then what kind of god does she serve? And why? For fear, for insurance against humiliation, for lack of a better god?\r\n\r\nThe humility that comes from proper parenting is a state of mind that leads to service of others. This kind of humility is the kind that grows a bitter root and acidic attitude.'),(696,'dubsage13@yahoo.com',1303,1329256044,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Mi8ke\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIt\'s pretty much spy vs spy... with a love interest.'),(697,'ayim80@gmail.com',1304,1329270666,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi MiCoBa\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nIs this really in the arena of cyber-bullying? This father shows how something can go viral whether you intended for it to or not. Puts his side of the story out there and this is way more effective then her posting a letter-to-the-editor style response from her dad on her fb page. He kept it open and honest; and without inviting harassment into his daughter\'s life. He exposed himself and let others know his child has disappointed him and that could be a relief to others who feel like a parental failure.  I just don\'t see how this is in the same arena as cyber bullying. Over the top? Probably. Will work for all teens in all situations? Of course not. Cyber bullying? Really? Humiliating? I always liked it that growing up some people thought my dad was crazy.  If I didn\'t want to do something without looking \"uncool\" I could blame it on him. This could help the young lady. If she really needs to be home by eleven and her friends want her to stay out later she can just say \"you saw the youtube video didn\'t you!?\"  No questions asked, she will get a ride home on time.'),(698,'kerrywhalen0@gmail.com',1305,1329270667,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kerry Miller-Whalen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI found that video distressing, too.  And like you, I\'d have been devastated and would have taken action, had one of my kids done something like that.  But parental discipline is about teaching kids what\'s right - and what love looks like.  NOT having more dreadful vengeance! All he is teaching, is that the hardest hitter wins!'),(699,'gadfly1974@yahoo.com',1290,1329280750,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi gadfly1974\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nbravo!'),(700,'gandalf239@gmail.com',1306,1329280750,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi randonlychad\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nBravo, Alise! I know we don\'t see eye-to-eye about everything, but this piece is spot-on! I 100% agree. In fact, I wrote about this today, too:\r\n\r\nhttp://randomlychad.com'),(701,'rayrayc17@live.com',1307,1329283991,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAlise, nice article. I bet the guy didn\'t think the video would go viral. That being said, he still is responsible for what he did. He probably thought it was creative. But it wasn\'t. I\'ve seen a couple of interviews where he shows no remorse. I don\'t care for that. There has to be a balance between the proper discipline of our children (carried out in love) and our embarrassment of them. I doubt he realized the video would go this far, but I would like to see some remorse in protecting his daughter\'s identity and shame she must now feel. \r\n\r\nI\'m also slightly disturbed by the \"fans\" of this sensation. Surely there is a better way to discipline our children than taking them into the public forum, displaying our family issues for all to see, and putting our kids in the way of mockery.'),(702,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1308,1329307696,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou bring up an important point. If God is a parent, we need to parent with that in mind. The same short-term result will not necessarily produce the same long-term result.'),(703,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1309,1329307996,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI think that video was a lot more about her than it was about him. His tone was condescending. He mocked her attitude (which, believe me, is a crap attitude) in front of now almost 24 million people. Yes, I think that\'s in the realm of cyber-bullying. Tit for tat is simply not the way we should parent. \r\n\r\nIntimidation and fear might work, but I don\'t think it works in the way that produces any kind of long-term positive results.'),(704,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1310,1329310036,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nExactly. I totally get why he did it, from an emotional stand-point. But I really think that we need to treat social media with far more care. And that\'s my biggest frustration with the piece and the reaction to it. That we simply ignore the implications of what it means to bring our family grievances to the whole world.'),(705,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1311,1329310156,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks! Gonna\' go check your piece now!'),(706,'alise.d.wright@gmail.com',1312,1329310626,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi AliseWrite\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nOh, I\'m sure he didn\'t intend for it to go viral, but that\'s kind of the point. We never know what will happen with what we put \"out there.\" So we need to be careful with how we approach these things.\r\n\r\nAnd yes, I\'m even more surprised by the overwhelming support that I see for this. It just seems to fly in the face of the prevailing advice that we should protect our kids on the internet. I just don\'t see how you can say one and at the same time support this father\'s actions.'),(707,'elaine@jimhendersonpresents.com',1313,1329327103,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Elaine Hansen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for the thoughtful review of Jim’s book. To be transparent, I want it known I am a friend of Jim’s and work “with” him. It has been fun to see the conversations that have been stimulated by this book. It is a conversation that has now been made public. Long overdue.\r\n\r\nAfter more than 50 years in the church, I currently find myself to be a church refugee. I was always a key volunteer in church and five years on staff at a megachurch before leaving. \r\n\r\nIt seems to me that people/church leadership are more rigid today about women not leading men than almost anytime I can remember. I also think they are more rigid in dictating what a man\'s role \"should\" be -leaving no space for men who have felt called to be househusbands or an egalitarian marriage.\r\n\r\nI’d like to invite you and your readers to our Resignation of Eve Cloud Conference on Feb. 27 @8pm EST – you only need a telephone to join the call and have a chance to participate in a conversation with Jim and the women of RoE when we virtually break you into small groups.\r\n\r\nhttp://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/D5YMSUE4530RMOB\r\n\r\nYou can read more about it here:\r\nhttp://resignationofeve.com/roe-cloud-conference/'),(708,'elaine@jimhendersonpresents.com',1314,1329330374,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Elaine Hansen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThank you. We do not know what weight Whitney was carrying that drove her to the life she lived.. I pray she is at peace now.'),(709,'angel_beintedos@yahoo.com',1315,1329486879,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sarah\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is a beautiful article. I have a loved one who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder recently and it has been a struggle because not everyone understands what mental illness is really like. As much as I want to seek the support of friends and family, I have shied away from talking about it because I am afraid that others may not understand. Thank you for speaking out on my behalf, and on behalf of those who suffer from this illness.'),(710,'angel_beintedos@yahoo.com',1315,1329486879,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Sarah\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThis is a beautiful article. I have a loved one who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder recently and it has been a struggle because not everyone understands what mental illness is really like. As much as I want to seek the support of friends and family, I have shied away from talking about it because I am afraid that others may not understand. Thank you for speaking out on my behalf, and on behalf of those who suffer from this illness.'),(711,'laura_droege@bellsouth.net',1317,1329487007,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura Droege\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nSarah, thanks for reading. Some people won\'t understand (and that hurts), but others will. I hope that you can find the support that you need during this time.'),(712,'colleen@colleenannguest.com',1316,1329492809,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Colleen Ann Guest\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nVery thoughtfully written and I find myself in parallel to you!'),(713,'ubemindful@gmail.com',1318,1329511784,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jules\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAwesome! I can\'t wait for the rest:) Joy is laughter, and It seems to me that Sadness was never part of the original plan. I\'m quite convinced that there will be uncontainable giggling in the presence of the Almighty one, once we realize he loves us! The sounds of my children laughing during play AND during work are some of the most beautiful sounds on earth. God loves it when his children laugh :oD'),(714,'bobfulmer@cox.net',1289,1329511857,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Bob\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAnother excellent column! My prophecy is that this blog will attract many readers and that \"Hometown Prophet\" will be a huge success. So be it.'),(715,'jeremylovesjesus@gmail.com',1323,1329511949,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jeremy Stephens\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks for the comment! There is far too much mention of joy in the Bible for anyone to not have smile lines.'),(716,'marshallwashere@gmail.com',1324,1329513210,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi marshall marcus\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\ntravis i dont see how this helps the church, i dont see how it helps the body of Christ, it seems like people who arent christian are always calling christians unloving, judgmental, and bigoted, and it seems like youre just joining their chorus\r\n\r\nall christians are fallen, and none are as loving as they should be, neither is any church... but people who arent christian call us unloving and judgmental primarily because they perceive the message of the gospel to be unloving and judgmental\r\n\r\nand if you join their chorus, for whatever reason, it just seems like youre saying the same exact thing that theyre saying'),(717,'travklassen@me.com',1325,1329513439,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHI Marshall, thanks for your comment. For every set of eyes there is a different point of view. I am speaking to the hurting ones, to the ones who\'ve rejected God because of something his people have done. We\'re all part of the church, so we\'re all part of the problem, and the solution. http://www.churchburned.com/2012/02/10/bathing-in-forgiveness/'),(718,'marshallwashere@gmail.com',1326,1329516621,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi marshall marcus\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nit just seems like your saying that most christians arent loving in order to comfort those who deny that Jesus died to save them because of a bad church experience(s)\r\n\r\nhow does it help someone, whose had a bad experience with christians, come to christ, by you saying \'most christians, like the ones you met, arent loving, but i\'m not like that\'\r\n\r\nhow does it help them\r\n\r\nthe only help i see is that they\'ll think- \'wow, it wasnt just the christians that i met who are judgmental and unloving, but most christians everywhere are that way\''),(719,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1327,1329516803,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWow.  Yes, that is exactly the question to ask--what will we do with Jesus in this life.  I love that the answer isn\'t contained within the question.\r\n\r\n“I don’t get to make the call about people’s salvation. But I know that this man was at peace with God when he died. He knew that Jesus loved him.”  Beautiful words!'),(720,'travklassen@me.com',1328,1329517453,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Travis Klassen\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nHi again, I\'m not going to continue debate on this, but yes, I am speaking comfort, love and peace to the ones who\'ve been hurt in the church, in hopes that they won\'t reject the way of Jesus just because some of us have abused it. Peace.'),(721,'marshallwashere@gmail.com',1329,1329518260,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi marshall marcus\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nyoure giving them worldy comfort, and worldy love by telling them what they want to hear\r\n\r\nshare the gospel with those who have rejected Jesus, for whatever reason, if your goal is to save them'),(722,'lauraknowlescavanaugh@gmail.com',1330,1329538727,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Laura\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI resonated with your inner struggle over \"how\" to serve God without \"being in ministry\" vocationally. It\'s in my personality to prefer a supportive role, but that is because of my personality, not my gender.  I\'m learning to be more bold on my blog http://bodytheologyblog.wordpress.com. Thank you for joining the conversation and advocating for gender equality. God calls all people to participate in the body of Christ!'),(723,'raeleneroth@yahoo.com',1331,1329587076,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Raelene\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI agree with you, 100%, \"MiCoBa.\"  Great point, also, about how she could--in a sense--\"blame\" the video, or her Dad, if she was in a situation where she didn\'t want to risk feeling \"uncool.\"  I just finished reading the book, \"Grown Up Digital\" and it was an awesome book about the pros and cons of the \"net-generation\" and something that continues to resonate is that children, such as the age of his daughter, truly don\'t know the impact of unleashing privacy out on Social Media mediums, so I imagine it\'s better that she learns it this way, then from the repercussions if she posts pics of herself in the nude, or exposes herself in some other socially-unacceptable manner.  Nobody knows if this will do her harm, or not, and there isn\'t a cookie-cutter way to parent a child.  Personally, I love the values this father represents.'),(724,'casperdenck@gmail.com',1332,1329602399,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cdenck\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nCoincidentally i am writing something on Benetton at the moment following on from an earlier post of mine on the subject (http://wp.me/pTiEZ-Ho). I am not at all sure I share your view that this is a courageous campaign. UCoB are employing a deliberate marketing campaign that yes may provoke but is, ultimately, about maximising sales. It is a tactic they have used for decades - I don\'t see a tried and tested (and arguably expolitative) marketing technique as a courageous act.'),(725,'jb@thriven.org',1333,1329602496,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Jonathan Brink\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nCdenck, I want to point out that I didn\'t say courageous.  I said bold and risky.  There is a difference.'),(726,'casperdenck@gmail.com',1334,1329603199,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Cdenck\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYou\'re right you didn\'t - not sure why I decided you had (clearly not reading closely enough!) That said, I don\'t see it as bold and certainly not risky move either - it\'s precisely the same marketing campaign that has served them well commercially in the past.  \r\n\r\nThat they are provocative and inspiring images is not in doubt though.'),(727,'brooke.eikenberry@gmail.com',1335,1329614189,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Brooke Eikenberry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLaura-- I think that is an important distinction to make-- that leadership roles have more to do with personality (and calling), and less to do with gender. Thanks for the feedback!'),(728,'rayrayc17@live.com',1336,1329628599,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nThanks Elaine for your comment. She had a troubled life, but don\'t we all? Many may speculate about the choices we make, but in the end, our Creator has the final say.'),(729,'rayrayc17@live.com',1337,1329629014,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAmy, when I heard Bro. Kevin say that, I knew those words would stay with me for a lifetime. It reminded me of the embattled life of Dietrich Bonhoffer. There are people today who question whether he is in heaven because of his progressive theology. But there was a man sold out to living a life to boldly proclaiming Christ in the social realm. \r\n\r\nAll of us have to live up to answering that question. What will we do with the man from Galilee? His life, his words, his impact has caused converts, controversy, and compassion for centuries. \r\n\r\nIn the end, though, it is up to each of us to decide how we will respond to him. Was he who he claimed to be? If he was, how will I then live? Thank you for your comment.'),(730,'rayrayc17@live.com',1338,1329629481,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJeremy, great stuff. When people ask me questions, or I find myself struggling, I always know I can find the answer in one of two places: In the chracter of God or in the cross and work of Christ. \r\n\r\nOne thing I learned a while back is that God has many attributes: mercy, love, wrath, judgment, etc. But he is able to practice all his attributes equally at the same time. Then, when I look at Christ, I see God incarnate. But I also see him as fully human. I wrote a series about that recently. If Christ was fully human and fully God, he was amazing. He had a sense of humor. Laughing, joking, smiling. Sometimes, in my worst moments, it helps me to imagine my Savior during his ministry laughing. Being carefree. He had to, right? To get through some of the tough times?'),(731,'rayrayc17@live.com',1339,1329630009,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI\'m a little worried too that this action might create copycat actions by other parents. I saw in an interview where child services showed up and he expected them. He showed them his guns, that they were unloaded and he was counseled on using harsh language. \r\n\r\nI don\'t necessarily think its the job of the state to step in and tell parents they shouldn\'t put up videos of Internet discipline. That being said, it shouldn\'t be happening. I hope parents understand this is an extreme display of behavior that is not to be praised or copied - for our children\'s sake.'),(732,'rayrayc17@live.com',1340,1329630548,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nVince has good insights, I think. What was it that God asked of Adam in the Garden? Obedience. That\'s the hallmark trait of a God follower. But obedience of the heart is in itself an act of worship. In Hosea 6:6, God says \"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.\" \r\n\r\nHow often do we offer up empty hymns and songs without our actual daily obedience? I honestly believe God wants our obedience to Him and His word, acted out in love. We all know what that\'s like. When we are in tune with Him, our worship flows so much more freely and passionately. \r\n\r\nObedience must proceed worship or it is empty.'),(733,'rayrayc17@live.com',1341,1329631051,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nDeanna, kudos on another great article. \r\n\r\nI have to admit that a majority of a great relationship is being happy with who you are with. Seeing them for who they are. \r\n\r\nI\'ve found my best friend in my wife. I\'ve never known that kind of relationship before. I get into trouble, though, when I place unrealistic expectations upon her. Expectations that no one could meet. Those expectations exist because of some disturbing part of my psyche that won\'t allow her to be her. It doesn\'t happen often, but it\'s not a problem with her, it\'s a problem with me. \r\n\r\nWe function best when my anxiety is at bay and we just exist together. As best friends. The way we were created to be. \r\n\r\nAnd, yes. George Lucas needs to stop messing around. I read a great article the other day that said the prequels should have been an intensive storyline about Anakin and Obi Wan. With a different actor than Christansen. Lord.'),(734,'rayrayc17@live.com',1342,1329631327,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nJoy, this is beautiful for so many reasons. Mostly, though, it reminds me of when I used to sneak and read my mother\'s private prayer journals. Excellent.'),(735,'rayrayc17@live.com',1343,1329631578,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ray Carroll\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGood thinking, Amy. What I find even more disturbing in our society is how Christians think they are to be caught up directly in the line of politics for the name of God. \r\n\r\n\"Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar\'s\" comes to mind. The story you posted is one example. Politicians are happy to invoke their Christianity in an election year to stir the vote, and the electorate often responds. But after election day, Caesar forgets the voting public.'),(736,'t.ariel.terry@gmail.com',1344,1329640597,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Ariel Terry\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWe aren\'t meant to save people. The best advice I ever heard, about being a Christian, is to realize, as you relate with people, that God is ministering to you and the person who you\'re speaking with. We are made to relate, not to save. There\'s incredible pressure in the Christian world to save souls, and that is not our mandate. Small wonder, when the goals are so lofty, and impossible, that people disengage early on in the process. Love this article. It\'s ok to doubt, it\'s ok to voice doubt. There is a provision of grace, and an assignment of \'right standing\' to the ones who\'ve voiced their doubts loudly: Job, Sarai, Gideon, Esther, and more. If I can\'t be vocal about my doubts, fears, bitterness, and sins, then I\'m helping foster a system of repression, hypocrisy, and secret defeat. We idealize people who seem to publicly succeed, but we need to learn the lessons of how they are succeeding. I think it is only in truthful, faithful, non-judgemental relationship with others, that we get our healing.'),(737,'sfcc.kaitlin.allen@gmail.com',1345,1329674045,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Kaitlin Moroney\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nAwesomeness issues forth from your fingertips, yet again. I love this. \r\n\r\nI think the fundamental difference between the \"roses and chocolate\" romance and the \"make fun of Star Wars together\" kind of romance is simply friendship. Girls who demand the former want a lover for life (something that is impossible for 99.9% of anybody to maintain for forever). Girls who want the latter want a best friend for life. \r\n\r\nWhich is why I love my husband so much! We do everything together that a gal would normally do with her \"bff\". We go to the mall to people watch. We go out for drinks at night and talk about the actors/actresses we find to be super hot. We discuss the pros and cons of Double Stuff vs. Regular Oreos. I tell him when my husband is being annoying ( ;D) and he consoles me. \r\n\r\nI love getting flowers and chocolates. I adore when my husband writes me hand-written letters. But neither of those things make up the essence of our relationship. Because we are best friends long before we are lovers. \r\n\r\nAmazing post. You are awesome.'),(738,'joyleewilson@gmail.com',1346,1329688941,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Joy Wilson\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nWell, your mother and I have at least two things in common:  we\'re mothers (duh) and my poetry was my private journal for most of my life.  Thanks for the comment, Ray.'),(739,'outofcomatose@gmail.com',1348,1329721463,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Deanna Ogle\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\"We function best when my anxiety is at bay and we just exist together. As best friends. The way we were created to be.\"\r\n\r\nRay, I totally know what you mean. Life is most peaceful in my house when we are coexisting the way my husband and I were designed. I\'ve found that a lot of stress in my friends\' relationships come from unreasonable expectations put on the other. I\'m not perfect by any means, but I promised myself early on not to be a nagging woman to my husband, and to not be the kind of girl to trash talk him behind his back. And part of that promise is what I talked about.\r\n\r\nThere\'s nothing wrong with helping each other become better people, but when we expect our spouses to behave like they came straight out of movies, we run into trouble.'),(740,'outofcomatose@gmail.com',1349,1329721683,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Deanna Ogle\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nKaitlin, you totally nailed the point on the head! Friendship. BFFs for lyfe!\r\n\r\n\"We go out for drinks at night and talk about the actors/actresses we find to be super hot.\" You guys do this too!? \r\n\r\nAlso, husband is a double-stuff and I\'m a single-stuff kind of girl. I prefer more cookie. ;)\r\n\r\nThanks, and you\'re the coolest!'),(741,'royalfamily12@gmail.com',1350,1329837749,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Amy Mitchell\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nYes, exactly.  I will never understand how Jesus\' words to the rich young ruler (to give away his wealth) has somehow turned into the idea of withholding wealth from people in need.'),(742,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1351,1329943400,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI am reading it now and loving it!'),(743,'lizdyer55@gmail.com',1352,1329943853,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Liz Dyer\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nGlenn,  What a beautiful beautiful message that we all need to hear and give out on a daily basis.  You\'re good enough!  You\'re good enough!  You\'re good enough!'),(744,'melhhanson@yahoo.com',1353,1329950090,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Melody H Hanson (@melodyhhanson)\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nI certainly resonate with this!  Can I just take a moment to say that you are a gifted writer?  Your words flowed, one to the next in a way that made me want to read more.  And that\'s saying something because there\'s so much noise out there and too much to read everywhere.   Keep it up, is all I\'m saying.  Write.  You have a gift. \r\n\r\nAnd about the human condition, insecure and afraid, unwilling to risk, prone to self-medicating -- been there, done that.:  amen! \r\n\r\nThanks for this post.'),(745,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1354,1329968212,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nLiz - All I can say is, I know! We hear too many of the other kind of messages and repeat them to ourselves way too often.'),(746,'glennhager1@gmail.com',1355,1329968331,'Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine','Hi Glenn Hager\r\n\r\nThank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nJonathan Brink\r\nProvoketive Magazine\r\n\r\nYou posted the following comment:\r\n---------------------------------\r\nMelody - Most or all of us have been there! I appreciate your kind words!'),