throw the rule in doubt-e.g., the person in a car accident who dies before anyone arrives, the person living
in a dictatorship who concludes that working quietly as a Christian is more likely to produce good results
than to go public, and so on.
Most liberal denominations are similar these days in that they offer a wimpy Christianized form of
political correctness. Generally speaking, most conservative denominations don't harp as much on their
denominational distinctiveness as they used to. In fact, one of the benefits of the prevailing secularism is
that it has forced Christians to give up petty disputes. I really think that Christianity will be much better
off when, as in the first few centuries after its founding, the people who claim to adhere to it are cultural
outsiders.
Jesus, Paul, Peter and the rest were hardly political insiders.I think I mentioned before that I'm a Protestant who attends a Catholic church. The Catholic Church is
probably the most ridiculous and the most profound institution in the world.
Say hello to the intellectuals in the mosh pit for me.Peace,
Preston
Dear Preston,
Just for your information: I am flattered that you would use a song of mine to play for your students.
However, "Mediocre Minds" was a very coarsely thrown-together song, one that I spent very little time
composing. It is not one of my favorites and I'm actually a bit shy about admitting I wrote it. (Mr. Hetson
wrote the music.) That is about the only song in our catalog that I shy away from, believe it or not. But I
am glad it means something to you nonetheless.
I am in the middle of a week of shows, seven in a row! This is unheard of at my age. I usually do three
then a day off, three more, then a day off, etc. I haven't done seven in a row for fifteen years. I am getting
through it.
Sincerely,
Greg
The dialogue that follows consists of an e-mail Preston wrote to Greg, to which Greg responded point by
point within the text of Preston's original message. This format has been retained, with the addition of
some textual cues (differrent fonts) and the writers' initials) to help guide readers.
Dear Greg:
I want to pass some thoughts by you on why naturalism would be a very weak replacement for
Christian theism (I can't speak for any other religious outlook). I know you're busy, so I'll try to keep
it brief... .