Elaine, yes! You nailed it by pointing out that "I'm better than you are" attitude. The thing that's so tricky about that is it happens in both directions—there's the "I'm better than you are because I have accepted this nice, complete faith package with all the perks" and the "I'm better than you are because I'm an intellectual and I don't accept everything blindly." We all need to beware of that attitude, no matter where we stand.

Ron, I really like how you put that: "...being more inviting to others on God’s behalf." And I should add that this is one of the things I appreciate most about our church/fellowship—we are inviting to people with lots of doubts and questions, at all stages of the journey. Thanks for leading in that.

Dave, A) Thanks for your kind words. I love analogies, especially when come to me out of nowhere, almost like they're God-given, as the potluck and children's museum analogies did. B) That's too funny. I'll only share food pointers if you ask. :) C) Yes, my commenters (you included) are the best on the Internet. I deeply admire and appreciate you all.