Oh, I remember those summer church camp meetings, when hormone and misery-addled teens would traipse up to the front in tears, to be hugged and welcomed into the fold. Next was the requisite speaking in tongues, that smacked to my mind, of being analogous with the "secular" question: have you lost your virginity??

It's disturbing to see someone excited by the number of young people "saved." A bit of a brag there, surely. Why not say "many" or "a number" and leave it at that. Maybe add that one is praying for their strength with their new journey. Humility is good.

Those camp experiences, and others, sent me off on another path for four decades. And I have returned, but what a long slow process. I go to a church for "jazz vespers" now, grateful for music. I read the Bible daily which is contemplative and sustaining. It's become very personal, without community. But I'll keep open...

Thank you for your work.