Matt, first of all, I'm all for things that are mindless and fun. All in moderation, right? :) And you are clearly doing a whole lot of serious thinking, too. It's so great to hear what's going through your mind, and to hear something about your own history with God. I think you touch on a really important aspect of my own issue with the Old Testament: the way extremists have used it to oppress and exert power over people. I'm trying to see it for what it is, not for how it has been manipulated. I will update you, at some point, on where this study of Habakkuk takes me. Thanks for being a part of the discussion. I need fellow travelers!

Jennifer, you love the OT? Really? OK, I had this theory that men are much more likely to be drawn to the OT. Now I'm not sure. Anyway, it doesn't matter, of course. What I love is *why* you love the OT. That's powerful and beautiful. It completely builds on what I've been thinking, and it's going to help me continue thinking about it differently now. Thank you.

Lesley, how fun to learn that we had similar college experiences! I actually showed up on my first day of religion class with a Living Bible. Which is a *paraphrase*, mind you! How embarrassing! I quickly replaced it with a Very Serious NIV Study Bible. :) I love your story about how you and your husband fell in love, and I'd love to hear more about your own Bible reading efforts. I'll keep you posted, too.