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Laurel Foster's avatar

Each saved soul had its place in the body of Christ. Like pieces in a puzzle, we each have unique shapes and colors and fit precisely in a place which God created for us. I will not judge someone else who is sincerely following Christ just because their path is different than mine. Thanks for a very interesting article.

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

You’re welcome!

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Michael Fitzpatrick's avatar

This is the kind of recovery of "the great cloud of witnesses" that makes learning about the saints fun! As a C. S. Lewis-style Anglican, I'm thrilled to see you doing this work and sharing your discoveries Amy!

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

Doing my best to Make Christianity Weird Again!

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Michael Fitzpatrick's avatar

Good and holy work!

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Nico V. Isotalo's avatar

I love this. I'm not sure if I am a protestant- I am still seeking the Truth of denominations, or in them, rather- but I have only attended baptist/efca church's over the last five years and it has always been strange to me the way they seem to despise mysticism and the saints. I am creating an audiobook of Beatrice of Nazareth's "Seven Manners of Hoy Love" and I've had some backlash from people I attend worship service with. Thanks for your perspective!

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

There has been what I consider an overcorrection re: the saints among Protestant groups. Even the mention of the word “saint” creates suspicion. But actually, Protestants love mystical literature too. It just looks more like “Jesus Calling.”

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Tony Lazarus's avatar

Loved this, Amy. Always here for weird tales of the early saints. "A feature not a bug" 8=)

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Rebecca's avatar

I read this and was like “I have to follow this person!”

Then realized I was already following you and thought, “good work, self.”

But seriously, this piece was amazing. It captured so many faint glimmers of beginnings of thoughts that I’ve had over the years, and fleshed them out (no pun intended) thoughtfully and precisely.

Btw, I’ve never (thought that I) loved reading about the Reformation, as my interests tend to gravitate far more ancient or more modern (ie post-Wesley, who I stan) but. . . I am going to have to get your book and read it- you’re such a good writer and thinker.

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Rebecca's avatar

(Sorry if the above stream of consciousness comment was off-putting. what I meant to say was “beautiful writing, this resonated deeply!”)

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

I was not put off. I simply forgot to reply. Indeed, I thought I had replied to you, but now see that was not the case. Apologies. I hope that after following me you do not come to regret your life choices.

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Rebecca's avatar

No worries. I am not usually QUITE so random in my comments on strangers’ Stacks- so I just wanted to clarify that while I (too) am in fact a weirdo, I come with good intentions.

Also, no regrets yet after following-but I can certainly provide you with hourly updates as things progress.

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

Hourly? I want updates every minute!

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