"Read magazines and books you don't agree with."  This is exactly what our secular, academic universities of intolerance would like to see.  And four plus years later of "listening" to the opposing view, you can begin to "think and act like us."  How can one respect those who desire to rewrite history and change the face/culture of America?  Jesus radically brought change to the culture by preaching the gospel which demanded, involuntarily, the listening ear of his opposition.  Jesus listened but it was not to reach a consensus of agreement on how to coexist together in harmony.  If anything, He created greater polarization. (a stumbling stone and a rock of offense..Rom. 9.33)

Since this is a Christian forum, I thought I missed "points 9 and 10."  The first 8 seem to primarily focus on "me."  Number 9 could be, "Focus on others besides yourself and tell someone about Jesus."  Or, "Go volunteer…somewhere…just help someone else…no strings attached."  Number 10 could be, "Try focusing more on the Lord through prayer and the Word."  There is plenty in this world to draw us away from God and His presence."  Point 10 might add, "What can I do to include the Lord in Phil's 8 questions?"  He (God) might just say, "Scratch it and start over."  Just a few provoking thoughts. :-)

Good encouragement. Of course along with the Spiritual inventory we all should be taking now and continually through the year, these elements professionally are important as well.

I especially appreciate the appeal to read things from different points of view. Understanding wherever it can be promoted to open our own minds and better appreciate where people, even those we disagree with, are coming from is an important thing to be doing. Jesus modeled that by the ultimate act of sacrifice of emptying Himself of all that he was due in order to meet us where we were. He compromised nothing. He demonstrated true servanthood though.

It's sad when Christians become arrogant, condescending, and self-righteous know-it-alls. Mature exposure in appropriate venues with a willingness to adapt and adopt where there is no compromise in truth is a sign of strength not weakness and far too often I have to return to the truth that when I'm unable to learn, then I cease to grow.

There's few things more debilitating than a closed, arrogant mind that believes it knows everything, and can learn nothing more.

I appreciate your challenge and will take some time to go through these questions along with the others I typically do at this time.

Merry Christmas to you and all who visit your blog and a happy, Christ-centered year to all.

Re: Mars' hill and Paul…his opposing views (doctrine) to the Athenian's idolatry appeared a most narrow view to the philopsphers being accused of "ignorance" by Paul.  And they in turn scoffed and mocked.

As for AmeriKan, aka Phil…it is really a capital "K."  The computer does not recognize the "capital" for some reason.  My given name is, Phil, and I reside in the heart of America (Kansas).  Trusting we all take time to smell the roses. :-)

This is what I mean when "bloggers should be accountable for their statements and positions."  To go unchallenged, proves nothing.  Paul was more than ready and willing to step to the plate against his challengers.  However, their "taking hold of him," (v.19 AMP) and "we will hear thee again of this matter," (v.32) is hardly a jolly return invitation. 

This is a media blog and I think you've misconstrued or decided to take Phil's comments and observations with regard to televangelists beyond the context they are offered which is primarily media related.

The nit-picking appears to be in response to some offense taken and I think it's unecessary and doesn't really contribute much positive.  These are ministry people who have purposely placed themselves in that forum.  It is legitimate to look at and consider how their actions and reactions play in that forum and from it hopefully learn something from it.  Especially for people who are professionals in that field.

Perhaps if you added to your apologetics for those you wish to support, some comments as to how they could or should better handle these issues, or why how they've handled things was appropriate from a Media Relations perspective, the response to your comments would be more in line with the respect I'm sure you wish to receive whether there is agreement with the positions or not.

Just a thought. 

I think you and your colleagues are the ones who need to lighten up, take a deep breath and not suck air when someone "foreign," brings a different /or opposing perspective…media or not.  And I can invision much gnashing of teeth when Paul finished his "scathing" discourse to the Athenians.