[popsicesHoupe]

Michael, you think that I'm over-thinking; I contest that the signers of this document aren't thinking enough. We are not mindful, watchful of our hearts as we should be.

I wasn't thinking of you in particular. I was thinking that in general we are ascribing more to this declaration than it warrants, whether good or bad.

I am flummoxed by so many Orthodox that have had this wondrous treasure all their lives and would surrender even a speck of it for the dust that I knocked off my feet when I converted.

And I don't see that having something good to say of this declaration is requiring anyone to surrender anything of the treasure of Orthodoxy. That whole argument makes no sense to me, especially since I do not see this as a "social movement". No calls for marches, monthly meetings, regular petition drives, call your Congressman, etc. - just a statement of principles.

I certainly do not see anything in the declaration which indicates that by becoming a signatory I have abandoned "the hard work of living a Christian life". That, to me, is a false dichotomy.

In the end, I think the impact will be modest. Some will think more deeply about the potential cost of their faith, which is good. Some will get energized towards social action, which may be good or bad depending on what form it takes and how they handle it. Many - probably most - will say "OK" and then let it pass out of mind, without effect. In the end - as Ryan pointed out - it will be forgotten pretty soon. Which makes it really hard for me to get at all worked up about it.

In Christ,
Michael