An apology
Climacus
Shipmate
in All Saints
(Hosts: if this is not acceptable, please delete/close/etc)
I have not been on this blessed forum for a while, and I came and went several times, so shipmates have come and gone, but if anyone remembers me: I know I at times said harsh or unkind things, and have offended in my actions offline (meets I did and did not attend) and online. I don't seek to excuse myself, but as way of an explanation, not an excuse, mental health issues played a part over the time I was here and until now I was at times blind. So, for anyone I did offend, I humbly apologise. I also apologise for a Mystery Worship report where I was uncharitable, and which stands here as a testimony to my unloving and stupid idiocy. Unfortunately I can find no trace of the priest online so apologies can't be offered to him directly.
Again; my apologies to all, and to the hosts of this site. I do not seek forgiveness, for it is not deserved (I realise Jesus did say something on forgiveness but one of many no-doubt heretical opinions I hold is all others deserve and must be granted forgiveness whereas I can be condemned). I am truly sorry.
An unworthy sinner.
I have not been on this blessed forum for a while, and I came and went several times, so shipmates have come and gone, but if anyone remembers me: I know I at times said harsh or unkind things, and have offended in my actions offline (meets I did and did not attend) and online. I don't seek to excuse myself, but as way of an explanation, not an excuse, mental health issues played a part over the time I was here and until now I was at times blind. So, for anyone I did offend, I humbly apologise. I also apologise for a Mystery Worship report where I was uncharitable, and which stands here as a testimony to my unloving and stupid idiocy. Unfortunately I can find no trace of the priest online so apologies can't be offered to him directly.
Again; my apologies to all, and to the hosts of this site. I do not seek forgiveness, for it is not deserved (I realise Jesus did say something on forgiveness but one of many no-doubt heretical opinions I hold is all others deserve and must be granted forgiveness whereas I can be condemned). I am truly sorry.
An unworthy sinner.
Comments
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, as well as others.
Peace be with you!
Echoing Doublethink's comment about being kind to yourself as well as others.
Hmmmm .... I realised on reading this in your posting that this is how I tend to feel too. It's not heretical as such as we accept the doctrine of universal forgiveness in our heads. But the emotion not being forgiven is there. Probably due to our upbringing, of course, or one too many bad sermons about the "Sin against the Holy Ghost"
In my ministry I just have to ignore this feeling and get on with it, repeating the mantra, "He saved others, himself he cannot save". Perhaps this apprehension helps with feeling empathy for others when they share there deepest fears and motivates our prayers.
So, dear Climacus, you are not alone .... let us pray for each other.
Sorry if this posting should have been in epiphanes
And Amen ChastMastr.
I also apologise for a Mystery Worship report where I was uncharitable, and which stands here as a testimony to my unloving and stupid idiocy. Unfortunately I can find no trace of the priest online so apologies can't be offered to him directly.
An unworthy sinner.[/quote]
Hello Climacus
Welcome
I’m not sure if this is helpful but I hope it is. My first interaction with the Ship of Fools was as a result of an egregious Mystery Worship report. It was the first time I really understood how the anonymity of the internet could be used for ill. A real learning for me, which has served me well.
I have no idea if it was your Mystery Worship report or not. If it was, I’m sorry to tell you that the priest involved (TB) died almost two years ago. The best way to get details would be to contact the church where he ministered at the time of the Mystery Worship report. I still think of him with thanksgiving.
I truly believe that forgiveness is at the heart of God. That forgiveness is paradoxically both incredibly simple and complex. As it says in Psalm 103:3 “Who would stand if sins were known”. I hope that you find peace and are able to continue on your voyage on the Ship ⛴️ to the benefit of all
KipperKay: thank you for sharing your experience via a Mystery Worship repor; the Internet's use for ill is indeed foremost in my mind (but also it's good uses). I am not sure, sorry, if the TB you wrote were the priest's initials -- if so, I believe it was a different priest (though I will check). I'm sorry for his passing. Thank you for the Psalm quote and your commentary on it.