clingy would be so much better, but it’s so hard to do, and if it is hopeless, is it better to realise that? or just keep clinging without anything there, so you don’t realise you’re falling?

i don’t know, maybe God is there and I’m not. i was saved, if I was saved, and if I wasn’t, then I’m not. and that’s terrifying.

Losing hope is terrifying. potentially fatal, but not yet.

“I do not understand how to square the intense apocalyptic thrust of the faith of the early church”

With that in mind,I was led to think you were referring to certain beliefs about future events,like the imminent return of the Lord.But you also added,

“Well since there are multiple ideas on what they mean, then someone is more “right” and someone more “wrong” even though we might not be in the best position to determine it. ”

Which leads me to ask,”If we can be wrong in our interpretation,why can’t they be wrong as well”,and”Are we justified in presupposing a doctrine about scripture that conveniently steers us away from ‘that road less travelled’?.”It may seem to be off-topic,but I think it’s important when were asking the hard questions aboutwhat we really ‘do’ or ‘don’t’ know.

Well since there are multiple ideas on what they mean, then someone is more “right” and someone more “wrong” even though we might not be in the best position to determine it. I am convinced in myself that I have been wrong in the past, and am getting “righter”… I certainly haven’t arrived.. nor do I expect to. So in that way, I hope I humbly approach the nakedpastor’s feelings.