??? ::starts frantically counting:: ??? :eek:
::whistles nonchalantly::
{{{{Poly}}}}}}
You rock. Seriously. You are one of the most Christian persons I have ever run across.
You ARE the whole “Do unto others.”
There are somedays I think that the vast majority of Christians are no better than the Jews in Jesus’s time-at least the ones like the Pharisees. I mean, look at the places I scope out, in order to gain info on what we’re up against in the fight against ignorance!
I mean, we’re talking people that I truly believe, if THEY had been there during Jesus’s time, they would NOT be Christians-they would be the ones shouting for “Barabas!”
I was talking to Octavia on e-mail, and we were discussing what she called “Believers from Fear”-meaning they only believe in God because they’re afraid of going to Hell. And that’s wrong.
You aren’t one of them-you aren’t doing things out of fear of Hell, or punishment, or hatred. You’re doing them because they’re the right things to do.
I really wish you could meet Dr. Brett. I have a feeling you guys would get along.
Hang in there!
{{{{{{Polycarp}}}}}}
Sorry to hear you’ere going through a rough patch. I have no sage counsel to give, just good thoughts for your eventual exit from the Slough of Despond and entering balance to your life.
I’d say it’s something more like you’re fighting the good fight against a lot of enemies, and you aren’t getting much help.
As for the “may be respected by some people here” bit … your worthy adversaries respect you. For how many other people here is that the case?
I don’t know anyone on here who doesn’t think youre the tops, Poly.
Were i there (and I’d like to be consdiering the weather here)
I’d take ya out for a nice steak.
{{{{{{{{{PC}}}}}}}
Poly -
Best Wishes.
I find your steadfast faith amazing - you are one of the few Christians who actually behave as I was taught Christians should.
(with a couple screw-ups 
)
I visit the Parlor, and am amazed at the CERTAINITY of the folks there - so why do you subject yourself to such ‘debates’?
Take a rest, watch a couple of sunsets, pick a couple of flowers - life is too short as it is - the loonies will still be there if/when you again decide to engage them.
(or, we could have some fun and make ME a Mod at the Parlor while you relax 
)
Take care, my friend.
hh
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of God, have mercy on Your servant Polycarp. Lord, as Thou wilt and as Thou knowest, have mercy.
Polycarp, don’t give up. You were one of the reasons Guin dragged me (and Mademoiselle and Octavia)over from Ladies Against Feminism, when it was becoming a Calvinstic right-wing wasteland. You are one of the few people on this, or any, board to consistently exercise the Principle of Charity in discussion. Take a break, and then come back refreshed.
*Psalm 69
Save me, O God,
For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out with calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God…
Psalm 71
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your
righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go…*
I’ll be praying for you. God bless.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of God, have mercy on Your servant Polycarp. Lord, as Thou wilt and as Thou knowest, have mercy.
Polycarp, don’t give up. You were one of the reasons Guin dragged me (and Mademoiselle and Octavia)over from Ladies Against Feminism, when it was becoming a Calvinstic right-wing wasteland. You are one of the few people on this, or any, board to consistently exercise the Principle of Charity in discussion. Take a break, and then come back refreshed.
*Psalm 69
Save me, O God,
For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out with calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God…
Psalm 71
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your
righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go…*
I’ll be praying for you. God bless.
Speaking of LAF…I am SOOOOO going to Hell…
Poly - I think your email in your profile is wrong.
Therefore, please email me.
I hesitate to jump in here, because I don’t generally feel my supportive sentiments are particularly valued around here, but dammit ** Polycarp**, although I’m sure we don’t agree on many issues, you are my brother in Christ, and we share that oh so wonderful knowledge of salvation for all men/women. I never fail to examine a thread or post with your name on it.
I just read an article today in Canada’s National Post newspaper that touched on the empty nest syndrome. I’ve got one child who’s been on her own for two years. We hear less and less from her and now I’m starting to feel the loss. Unemployment sucks, I’ve been there several times. But you know, you could make a damn good pastor. Might be difficult in an episcopalian setting though. Or maybe not. In any event, I hope and pray you get through this and that all will be well for you and yours.
Remember that the place where you belong has already been prepared for you. There, I will have the privilege of being your servant. God go with you always, my brother.
Polycarp, you are one of the reasons I joined this board and one of the reasons I enjoy and respect it. I have tremendous respect for your wisdom, your faith, your tolerance, your love, and your common sense![ I must admit, I’ve tended to avoid GD because of how rancorous the discussions get at times and because I feel like I can’t possibly believe a good enough account for my faith, but if you need one more 'Piscy at your back, I’ll go back in. I’m with you and Guinastasia – I look at my fellow Christians sometimes and wonder what happened to “the second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Still, there are those of us out there who are continuing to love, to hope, to try, and to see human beings as we are, rather than attach labels.
All I can do for you with the job search is pray, and, while I have been known to get a pretty quick turnaround, I’m not sure this will be one of those times. Besides, do you really want a call with a job offer at 6 am? (I’m not bragging – just amazed) Hmmm. Wonder how “Polycarp” will look on my church’s prayer list. You are not, you are never alone, and, if I hesitate before calling you “my friend”, it’s because I’m not sure I’m worthy of that honor. Still, if there’s anything this renegade Episcopalian can do for you, please e-mail me.
Love and agape,
CJ
P.S. Just a few lines from my favorite closing prayer:
“Grant us strength and courage to love you and singleness of heart.” May God grant you strength, and courage, sir.
CJ
Polycarp, ever since I first started lurking on this board, I’ve been amazed by the depth of your knowledge, the strength of your faith, and your near-endless patience with even the most strident and incoherent opposition. As so many others have already said, you are an example to us all. I’ve tried to learn from that example, and I’m sure many, many others have too.
However grey things look now, please know that this board and the world in general are better places for having you in them.
I’ll remember you in my prayers.
As Steve said, even those of use who haven’t really interacted with you on these boards are quietly impressed by the patience and reasonableness which you communicate. I hope that you find solutions to those real-life matters that will keep you cheerful and sane and still posting here.
As per Steve and Crusoe.
Look after yourself pc.
I don’t know you Poly but I’ve always held much respect for you through your measured posts and obvious warm nature. It saddens me to read this thread.
Looking at your post, I find myself wondering how much of this you’ve already tied up in your head, perhaps instinctively.
You mention the work break and a growing general sense of frustration - it would appear that your current low period is coloured by the 10-month break. If that point is, in itself, obvious perhaps not all the implications (of it) are equally clear. Work permeates the male psyche in ways, I believe, it doesn’t for many women. A poor analogy might be this; just as women aren’t defined by their relationship(s), nor are men by work – but for each, their absence, after a time, begins to erode self-esteem. If that’s not true for women and relationships, I do believe it’s the case for many men apropos work.
With adjusted self-esteem, we can begin to perceive things - things that that have actually remained fairly constant - in a different light. In other words, you’re in a different place but the rest of the world isn’t.
After that, isn’t there a chance that the things we find annoying become just a device for transferring frustration away from the immediate source of concern…?
If I were to say one thing it would be to be aware of how your mind set might be shifting. You’re still the same guy but sometimes I think, under duress, our minds play games with us, perhaps in this case as a protective device.
As it’s possible that its an aspect of your masculinity that’s suffering just now, I’d guess a simple step might be to hang out with an old mate for a while, maybe take in a game but mostly just hang out and talk a little about ‘stuff’, perhaps reminisce a little. Of course, YMMV.
I don’t claim to be offering any deep insight or solution. Just an idea or two for you, as a highly intelligent mature man, to maybe consider at your leisure.
You’re a fine and decent man, Poly, and I wish you well. I hope you’ll be back on your usual fine form very soon.
Oh! And don’t let the bastards grind you down.
And keep in mind, most of the more reasonable people don’t even read the Pit.
Here, among the pedantic, the pugnacious, and the perennially pissed off, everyone respects you. Not a single exception.
Hey, Mods, Kick this lovefest out of the pit!
I would suggest Great Debates, although no one seems to be debating. No, wait, Poly can be one side, the "What the heck is wrong with this guy, Polycarp“ side. Everyone else on the internet can take the opposing view.
Twenty two thousand Dopers can’t be wrong. (argumentum ad populum) When you post in a thread, the views count goes up, and the acrimony goes down. (post hoc, ergo propter hoc) We may not be a good thing for you, Poly, and I can’t say that even the level of respect you enjoy is even close to what you deserve, but the Straight Dope without you will be a lesser thing.
Hurry back, oh Best Beloved.
[generation of vipers rant deleted, out of respect for the OP.]
Tris
Going out on a limb…
Aside from the Perfect Master and our sainted Wally, you’re perhaps the single most respected poster here.
Hang tough, and realize that it’s not all for naught, no matter that it may seem so on occaision.