Dear Bill and all CU Listers,

Praise God for the ever-present work of the Holy Spirit in us all in our 
discussions on this list!

Thanks, Bill, for your considerate answer.  Yes, that does clarify some 
things for me quite a bit.  I was just concerned that some casual observer 
might mistakenly get the impression that on this list we were advocating 
leaving the Christian churches in order to find out how to practice true 
Christianity.  Or perhaps that some present-day, practicing, celibate 
Catholic would take unintended offense at either your understanding of the 
truth of that denomination's history, or worse, any incorrectly inferred 
censure of their own present reasons for continuing the practice of 
celibacy.  I appreciate your direct clarification that my concern was 
unfounded.

I know, Bill, it's not my place, or intention, to tell you exactly what to 
think or say about any Christian denomination.  I just think that for those 
ecumenical purposes that I know you understand, it's important to emphasize 
the attitude to one another that if a Christian free-willingly chooses to 
follow the leadership of a Christian denomination or group, that's between 
them and God.  We don't judge any other man's servant, right?  That's what I 
was trying to get at.

I'd like to also emphasize my own wholehearted agreement in much of what you 
said:

>Commitment is the
>proper word. There are too many people who attend church as a matter of
>social status. People used to put on their resumes, "Presbyterian" or
>"Episcopalian." Too many church officials have catered to the powerful and
>materialistic in our society and not realizing that our primary obligation 
>is
>to witness to the gospel of Christ.

>There is enough blame to go around and I agree to
>blame one segment of Christianity would be non ecumenical.

>...the church must constantly be reforming itself. Thus many say
>that we have to bring Christianity back into Christendom.

These points, as applied to the whole of Christendom today, to the whole 
body of Christ, of all Christian denominations and groups, have been 
generally agreed on this list, I think, at least by such as myself, Klaus, 
and many others.  There is far too much materialism, too much world, too 
much flesh, and too much divisive carnal self-pride in us, as members of the 
one body today.  In some ways, as the saying goes, we have met the 
enemy...and he is us.

Love in Jesus,
Tim

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