After I had posted above, as so often happens, I did re-think the "casting away" statement. I believe it is true Dias was given opportunity, aplenty.

I think I'm sympathizing with him because I honestly feel he meant no harm, but he lacks the necessary skills to know what appropriate action is.

Even though he had been counseled by other members, including yourself, we can't expect a few admonishments to change a lifetime of learned behaviour.

I'm not really even convinced anymore that Jesus would have welcomed him into open arms. Jesus was known for an occasional outburst, such as when confronting the moneylenders and tax collectors. I think this demonstrates a limit of tolerance.

If it had been me, I can't honestly say I would have made a different choice than Doc.

As Tomi said, we're not God, nor are we Jesus, and maybe that's why believers understand the full sacrifice of what Jesus gave in dying for our sins. That we cannot be as perfect as he was, nor do we need to be. We can attempt to be like him, but, no one can be him, even the Doc.

I think the whole experience might have been less disturbing had it been handled privately. I know that contradicts a previous statement I made also. Hey, who said I was perfect?

Can we again use this experience as a learning tool? If we have an issue with a member, can we take it private or straight to a moderator, not post it on the boards where it then becomes a public issue?

(((((((((((( Hugs to everyone )))))))))))))

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." Confucius