When do you plan to Convert to Christanity?

[Angrboda]

It's been remarked that the bulk of Christian practice and creeds exists as nothing more than an army of shibboleths or code words, shared not for the purpose of communicating what they believe, but rather as simply a way for them to distinguish between those they should greet with open arms, and those who should be greeted at the pointy end of a spear. I've seen nothing in this thread to disarm that impression. One might say there are two kinds of Christians, those that obsess over distinguishing who is a true Christian or not, and those that don't. It seems merely cute, but it points to a reality that there are two large categories involved. The first, one that is inclusive, consisting of those that embrace diversity and pluralism of belief, and then there are those who place a strong emphasis on exclusivity and "correctness" of behavior and belief. It's worth noting that the latter appears to be the more pernicious kind, likely at the root of the persecution and death of millions throughout the years, from the Cathars to the medieval Jews, to the Nazi holocaust. I think if Christians want an example of something non-believers dislike about Christians, the sort of behavior modeled by Frodo and catfish here likely ranks high on that list.

As to particulars, it's been my impression of catfish from the time he came here that he is the sort of person who derives gratification from believing himself to be special, unique, and different. Giving non-informative, vague and non-disclosing answers appears to be a way of preserving his image of himself as unique and different. Personally, I find such behavior somewhat juvenile, but to each his own. However, imo, in this situation, his usual game of cat and mouse is actually aggravating an already heated situation, and I'd ask for a little more honesty, plain speaking and disclosure.

Oh, and for what it's worth, neither of you appear to be doing a very good job of turning the other cheek. While I'm reluctant to put the brakes on a slap fight between Christians, there are better ways, in my opinion.