Ray’s Comments (group member since Mar 01, 2010)

Ray’s comments from the A Wretched Man discussion group.

I agree Joy, there is a lot we can learn from the early church of Paul.

I am currently a pastor of a Recovery Church in Fargo, a multi-denominational gathering of people who have chosen to live by the 12 step recovery. They come to Recovery out of the harm that was inflicted on them in their youth. The traditional church of today still does not understand addiction. Thanks for you comments, I could not agree more.

As I continue on in my ready, up to page 240 I have not been surprised by any of the issues brought forward. I have heard the hypothesis of Paulos's “thorn in his side” since seminary. One item that has been running through my head as I read is this, following Palos's encounter with Arsenios at the river Palos ran away from the relationship. After the road to Damascus event he continues to run. I have always felt though that after the Damascus experience he was running toward something, not running away. However I am thinking, at least in the book, Paulos continues to run away from who he is, finding shelter in his new found religious beliefs. This is not uncommon in or world today, such shame as to who we are is at the root of much of the addiction to religion that we have in America today. It will be interesting to see if Paul can overcome his “religion of origin” and deal honestly with his feelings.

Early on in my reading and I am hooked, I just completed Chapter 8. I enjoy you exploration of the mixed culture of the Tarsos community in which Paul grew up and the impact that had on his faith development. I am looking forward to a Sunday afternoon of reading.

Happy to be on board, looking forward to the book arriving in the mail. Obie, if you go to San Francisco on book tour let me know, I’ll carry your bags. I haven’t been to SF in over 30 years, I spend several months at the Alameda Navy base when I was in the Navy. A lot of really good memories, and the source of a lot of really good “Sea Stories” that I can talk about in my sermons at Recovery Worship that I would not be able to tell in a “normal” congregation. People in recovery would understand the stuff we do when we are intoxicated. I am looking forward to the conversations!