Dear Jim: Jim my question is this. How do you feel about agnostics? And why, in your opinion, is it important for somebody to be part of an organized religion? Why can't we follow our own moral and ethical notions without being part of an organization? Isn't a family or group of close friends community enough? I'm trying to stay open-minded as any good philosopher/student of life should. However I would have to say I am firmly anti-religion for myriad reasons.

I assume that you won't mail me anything but your book. Organized Religion makes me extremely nervous because Fundamentalism is a substitute for independent thinking. I don't feel that I need to be treated like a sheep and be given arbitrary rules to follow.

You are invited to visit my site at www.krankiboy.blogspot.com the content is not intended to offend anybody, except perhaps George W. Bush and his Cowboy Capitalist Administration. My site has a definite point of view and I embrace open discourse and value other cultures, something our current close-minded political leaders do not seem to value.

FYI: I am a Pepperdine Graduate Student and former TV Comedy Writer now getting my Master's Degree in Elementary Education.

best regards,

Matt

Matt,

_Absolutely!_ banal. I'm going to put a blurb on the word at the end of this email.

Thanks for your questions and your inoffensive tone.

Agnostics and Organized Religion: First let me address Organized Religion. There are _some_ reasons for organized religion, such as the opportunity for fellowship around common beliefs, learning experiences, and--in the case of C

hristianity--corporate worship. Having said that, however, my main hope for people is that they come to a). belief in God; b). understanding of the Person and role of Christ in human affairs. Church organizations should be instruments to serve those goals, not substitutes for them. My job as a minister, is to get people in touch with Jesus Christ who is the real Priest. I am a "pointer" to Christ, I have no substance or power of my own. Honest agnostics, such as yourself, are people who, by definition, have not ruled out belief in God. So, I see you as I saw myself before coming to faith--an honest seeker. I am not arrogant in my profession of faith, because I did nothing noble to receive it. Of course I _believe_ what I believe. Someone has said the work of evangelism is that of one beggar showing another where to find bread. I have found what I believe to be the Bread of Life--Jesus Christ. I am sending you my book which will, at least, show you my responses to those who have a different world view. Be glad to speak to any other questions you may have, but I don't see my job as trying to unconvice the convinced, rather I think I am a voice to those who are seeking something they have not yet found. Jim Spencer Through the Maze Ministry jim@BeyondMormonism.com