I just started reading your latest book 'TLWATWAT". I usually don't write or give much input because i figure those that are in the spotlight have enough mail to read for a life time!
However, i just can't keep silent on this latest book. I have only read 80 pages and i am so grateful and angry, joyful and sad and excited and fearful that i am at a loss for words.
This short email is to tell you, "Thank-you." I realize you get hate mail and i am sure you get 'love' letters such as this one all the time, but for my heart, I needed to write this and send it to you.
I attended EC in May of 2004, i had just completed Bible College and started working at a church in the south, little did i know that i was going to come back after the convention with such doubt and questions that would soon lead me into a 'inquisition', from my church leadership.
While i was at the convention I went to a Mars Hill Graduate school breakfast which i found myself sitting next to a shiny head (no offense), middle aged man with a gentle voice. The speaker had us break up into groups and talk about our stories--and i shared what i feared might happen when i went back home--at the time i thought to myself, "l really doubt anyone really understands what its like working in the Bible Belt."
How could i have been so arrogant? Soon after i arrived back home, I ordered a few books from the conference one of which was your book 'ANKOC'--and it ushered me into a search for God that i never knew could exist. After reading ANKOC, i started to search the web and soon saw the same shiny head, middle aged man claiming to be the famous author of the book that caused so much pain and joy, sorrow and happiness and a longing to live in the
'Kingdom of God."
With that said, First, sorry for having such arrogance (but i guess it was a necessary step in my formation) and, Secondly, if i would have know the path you were going to lead me down through your many books, i don't know if i would have embraced you or pushed you into a corner! :)
I am thankful to God, for the insight you give and the questions you present through your words and many lectures. Please know that you have impacted my life and have made me question my idea's of God and it has spilled out to those around me. May blessing surround you and your family.
P.S. Also, thanks for your thoughts on Stan Grenz--like you I had a deep appreciation for his helpful words and countless books.