these are such important thoughts, this post and a recent you posted focused on table vs hierarchy. I have thought about that a lot and deeply. I am a life-long church goer and have of late been part of an ecumenical group composed of Christians, Jews, Atheists, Bhuddists, Unitarians. It is a small group and we choose amoungst different questions, those "big" type questions and then put forward our ideas on them. I am finding so much room for growth, for exploration, for gentle listening without preaching at me, appreciation, there is little defensiveness. It is a table (metaphorical), it is not in any way hierarchical. There is so much I have learned. But I want to say this, the posts I find here, without fail, inform this same learning and exploration. I want to thank you for that. While it is the case your theological studies are more formal than mine, I always sense an approach that has a foundation of equality and respect. This is very much appreciated.