I know what you mean about the knack of picking on minutae (I don’t think you’ve done that though). I was one of the best at getting teachers off topic so we could have tests postponed. Why? Because I could always come up with a legitimate question that ultimately had nothing to do with whatever would be on the test. And then they’d postpone the test.

Brilliant, huh?

You can always trust me to look at the discussion of a major philosophical or political question and come down unerringly on a minor point that has little or no connection to the center of the discussion. It’s a special knack I have.

I guess I also have an itch to let the world know, from time to time, that Baptists are not a centrally controlled denomination, they don’t all believe the same things, and they aren’t all ignorant rednecks. Some of us are semi-literate rednecks.

See, there I go again.

Bob

I was especially interested in your comment that Jews do not need someone to pray for them – they can pray directly to God for themselves. This is similar to the long-time Baptist position, referred to as the “Priesthood of the Believer.” That is, we believe (at least, most of us do – Baptist are a diverse and cantankerous bunch)that the believer has no need for a priest or anyone to intercede for him with God. The believer is fully capable of dealing directly with God, although preachers and congregations can be helpful even though not necessary for one’s salvation.

I may be mangling the fine points, but that’s the general idea. I was pleased to see the similarity.

Bob