It's a great question and you have great insight. First, thanks for taking a look at the archive – I really appreciate it. I am a pastor, and I hope thenewgreen would vouch for me that I'm one of the good ones. Since I've been to Divinity School at Duke and have been theologically trained, I see the world through a certain lens (as we all do) and that's going to come out in my writing. It's informed so much of who I am. But through the Thursday Three, I do not intend in any way to proselytize. Ever. And I try to keep in mind that my audience may have a wide range of beliefs. Maybe I need to be better at this. All this is to say, it really is just meant to be a creative outlet – a place where I can write and share and offer my voice and hopefully provide some meaning and inspiration along the way. That's it. No ulterior motive. No bait and switch. I'm sorry about your ex-pastor friend. That really sucks.