Apology

[Scott]

No: HPFGUIDX 17701

I know we aren't supposed to continue the Richard Abanes thread but 
in and off-list e-mail he asked me to post this. Do not flame me! 
These are his words and you can take them for what they are...

Richard Abanes wrote:
"I am beginning to see that this HARRY POTTER issue is a very
emotionally charged subject for all parties concerned. Moreover, 
discussing the issue tends to very easily spill over into closely 
related emotionally charged areas of life for people (i.e., religion, 
Christianity, intelligence, literary taste, church history, alternate 
forms of religious expression, personal beliefs, etc.). These only 
bring more emotions to the surface as responses quickly degenerate 
into personal attacks that are probably motivated by past 
experiences, prior wounds, and insecurities. I INCLUDE MYSELF among 
those affected.
        
In response to your thoughtful e-mail, I extend to you and to the
others on the HP fan board my sincere apologies for any statements 
that may have sounded harsh, unloving, unChristian, and/or rude. I am 
only human and very subject to my own sinfulness, weaknesses, 
prejudices, and lack of communication skills. I cannot help but think 
that if all of us could have sat down somewhere for a little pie and 
coffee, that everything would have gone much better.  I am not 
perfect -- FAR from it (ask my wife, she'll be glad to tell you 
that). Again, I apologize, and do hope that my actions have
not further soured the image many of the board readers apparently 
have of Christianity. Any errors I made in communication where mine 
alone -- not Christ's.  By the way, as a result of the last few days, 
I am contemplating not participating in online discussions of this 
kind in the future. Since I do not wish to increase the difficulty of 
the situation, I would ask that you post this response I have 
written, in hopes that others will be more inclined to read it from a 
fellow HP fan rather than simply ignoring it because it comes from 
me. I do want others to receive my apology. Since teh ADMIN has ended 
the thread, you may have to clear one last post withhim/her."

Whatever you take from this statement is fine, and I hope I don't get 
in trouble for posting it.

Thanks,
Sott