what happened to my last post?

I am just wondering what happened to my last post, as I cannot see it anywhere?

Considering that "all our writers to a man, were anti-trinitarian" in that era, I am wondering why you are so keen to have their writings re-published? I note the prophet did not call for any
corrections to be made. But they were affirmed as the truth we need for this time.
Still, I am glad you would welcome the reprinting of their writings. It would certainly put to rest
recent myths promoted in the Record, which I have been sickened to see people accepting as
gospel truth.

Selective Inattention

In my last post and in private emails I have implied and even stated that there is a dishonesty in some of the anti-Trinitarian publications. Well, I've been brought back to earth on reading the following quote. I realised that this 'dishonesty' tag could apply equally to me.

This is from Leroy Moore's "Theology in Crisis" (1979) pp352,353, a book about the issue of "Righteousness by Faith" as seen from the perspective of Ellen White and that of the 'Reformationists' represented by Dr Des Ford.

To emphasise that selective inattention can apply to all of us, I have divided what was one long paragraph, into two paragraphs.

It is important to note that blind spots may not reflect self-deception. Harry Stack Sullivan (Clinical Studies in Psychiatry, New York, W.W. Norton, Inc., 1956, 38-77), in dealing with the phenomenon of "selective inattention," indicates that the act of focusing on one thing prevents awareness of others. One cannot attend all implications, and what one does note is largely determined by the nature of his focus. The more convinced one is of the validity of his position the less capable he is to accommodate contrary factors. Moreover, psychological and spiritual sanity require certainty on some issues as the basis for both clarity and security needed for examining others. The important principle in (Ellen White's writing) is that the Word (and not some unwitting substitute for the Word) be the only fundamental "given" and that everything else be deliberately and deliberatively tested by it. the problem with the Laodicean mind is that it has unconsciously set its judgment above that of the "True Witness," and in the name of that "True Witness" declares its own judgment.

Nor should this principle be considered as applying peculiarly to Reformationists. It is a general trait characterizing all mankind, which must be overcome before Christ can exhibit His character through His people. The problem has always harassed even sincere men (such as Abraham, father of the faithful), thus is no proof of dishonesty in the normal sense of the word. It involves a self-deception so closely related to the psychological necessities of human experience as to require time, discipline, and the special guidance of and dependence on the Spirit to overcome. Since it is relatively easy to discern in others and almost impossible to see in one's self, the "straight testimony" must be prized and claimed by each for himself, the weakness of others being recognized as tools for self-understanding...

The part that struck home was: "It is a general trait characterizing all mankind, which must be overcome before Christ can exhibit His character through His people."

So not only do I damage my relationships with other and end up judging them falsely but I also hinder God's work on the earth.

How would I go about combating this process. This is probably the genius of the 'priesthood of believers' and accountability or wholistic small groups. In either case other people may well see what I can't about myself. This is the 'straight witness' Moore says we should prize... That would be hard to do.

We really do need to keep talking, keep the conversation up. And to keep listening, actually listening is more important than talking. So I'll try to listen if you point out my blind spots.

Another point arose from "The more convinced one is of the validity of his position the less capable he is to accommodate contrary factors." A good measure of humility about my own position is probably another antidote.

Moore states "time, discipline, and the special guidance of and dependence on the Spirit" can overcome the problem.

I need all these things.