i like your comment about about how many of those who were raised in the cofc are unknowingly following the pattern of rabbinic judaism. it is probably no surprise that this is the part of the cofc that i like. while steeped in traditions and doctrines that are fundamentally incompatible with modern science and a modern understanding of god, there is something about a tradition rooted in scripture and that does not seek to show off its ‘supernatural’ or ‘charismatic’ gifts that is not only appealing, but reassuring. still, i find myself more of a wesleyan when it comes to the use of rational thought to work through theological issues. i tend to lean more towards process theology, despite its many shortcomings, simply because systematic theology has come to be riddled with false or problematic apologetics, harmonization, and reliance on statements and principals of early creeds and church fathers that are, by any modern standard, fallacious, uninformed, anti-semitic/bigoted, isogetical, self-fulfilling, sectarian, and outright untrue.

that said, i’m still a person of faith. there are many things in the bible that we can now explain. yet, there are many things we cannot. coincidence may be god’s way of remaining anonymous, but the fact that he chooses anonymity is intriguing. in fact, i like god that way….

I’ve been wrestling with this idea for years. I feel strangely enough that, at least for me, being raised in the church of christ actually positioned me towards the belief you expressed here. Unlike other evangelical protestant denominations, the CoC has rarely bought into the more supernatural version of God’s presence in our lives (e.g. speaking in tongues, miracle healings, and literal interp. of Revelation). Maybe this stems from the tradition’s unintentional mimicry of Rabbinical Judaism…

However sometimes I feel like your position (which is generally the same as mine) is a little too Deistic. Having been exposed to the fervent faith of my evangelical/ pentecostal friends and relatives, I at times feel too doubtful of God’s continuing presence in our lives.

While my intellect tells me that you’re right, I still harbor hope that maybe you’re wrong (at least a little). While I don’t care much for speaking in tongues or the rapture, the occasional faith healing or small miracle would be nice…

Tom Shaydac likes to say “Coicidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” The good thing is, even if you’re wrong- it won’t stop God from bringing the occasional cancer patient into remission.

On the other hand, look at the blogger’s response (http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2008/10/the-day-god-went-left-and-i-went-right/) to God’s seeming failure to prevent his sister’s suicide. One can always blame oneself for failing to properly read the (non-)sign’s of God’s Will.

Good luck with your message. You may well need it.

I know this guy. He would write letters to radio preachers asking whether it was God’s will that he do such-and-such