Wow, the Brompton Oratory is gorgeous! Lucky you guys! I can just imagine being inside that church on a rainy evening . . .

(I'm afraid I don't know anything about the Fort Worth Episcopal priests, though . . .)

I would have linked to Westminster Cathedral as well but people confuse it with Westminster Abbey.

Hi. I'm not real sure about the whole url thing, so forgive me for that. I live in Nebraska and I have known Jesus for about 5 years. I too, grew up in the 80s and 90s and enjoy old Nintendo video games. I did not read all of your conversion story, so I will have to do that, but ever since I became a committed follower of Jesus, I have looked to one verse which describes that event in the same way that I remember it. I wonder if I may kindly have your take on it. The verse is John 14:21. Please do not think that I am out to look for someone to argue with, I am simply curious as to what you believe that verse communicates. The reason that I ask this question is because I am checking you out.

Sorry to be so blunt, but I have found that I cannot always trust somebody's claim to be a true follower of Christ because so many people are either basing their faith on works of merit, cheap grace, (grace that allows for a someone to continue to live anyway that they may choose to,) or on a purely mental understanding of the gospel alone, which is ultimately based on an academic memorization of Bible verses, void of a real relationship with Jesus Himself. If my statement there is not clear to you, please feel free to email me and I will try to clarify it.

I wouldn't watch me .... but then again, I know why I wouldn't.

John 14:21 "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him"

The Catholic Church is a sola gracia religion BUT it expects that grace and works go together. "Not all who say Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven" ... I believe that and strive to conform to it but only at the leading hand of God. I read a thread recently that asked how you knew you were in a state of grace. Basically it boils down to an increase in humility. That resonnates with me. The fine line between Pelagianism (a work based faith) and what you call "cheap grace" is one I have struggled with in my life. I've attended cheap grace churches and I have struggled with near Pelagian tendencies. I don't know if you have read Immitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis. Its good to prevent haughtiness and pride. The following quote is one I think captures best the difference between what you would call learning "ultimately based on an academic memorization of Bible verses" and relationship (at least in my case)

EVERY man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.

If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?

Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise.

Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.

The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?

If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.

This is a good frequent reminder for me. I find every day I have so far to go to be even close to the model of a saint. I am giving a talk on Thursday. At the offset I intended to pontificate about all manner of interesting intellectual nonsense. God had better plans. I pray to God I give justice to the truth. If I didn't spend time in prayer asking, what change should I expect in my life.

Trust me, its a blessing to me that nobody reads this blog.