In other words, you're complexly saying you don't see value in the question? That's fair; just say so, if that's the case. The validity of the question is certainly worthy of discussion.

I appreciate your concern, Ray. To be clear, I am not asking others to answer this for me. Rather, I am asking these questions, studying them by looking at what Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience have to say, and then inviting others into the learning process. This last piece is important both because what I learn might be helpful to others and because comments from others (like yours) will keep me from diverting too far from Tradition too quickly. I am asking questions about God because that is what I am interested in at the moment. I want to know why we assume the gender roles we place on God (male or neuter) and why we don't assume others. I hope this becomes clearer as I continue to write.

I'm not against high-production-value worship services. I'm just against making them the center of Christian life. I like good music and, while I don't need lights and smoke, I appreciate worship leaders who are skilled, well rehearsed, and using their talents to the utmost. The problem comes when we put all our resources (money, time, and people) into on-campus worship services and don't effectively take the gospel off campus into the world around us. I don't have a problem with doctrine, either. We need doctrine! Only, we need right doctrine, which is the doctrine of love (grace) you are getting at instead of the false doctrine of control that shows up in too many western churches. Good doctrine, like the gospel from which it comes, will set us free to love one another (Galatians 5). Let's keep talking as a church about what this right doctrine is and learn how to operate out of grace and love as you discern.

Thank you for such a thought out comment. You have neatly written my next article for me. ;) I don't want to say too much, because I'm still doing the study and writing for said next article, but part of what I will look at is the way we have created God in our image rather than accept we were created in hers. This has led to a distorted view of God and a distorted view of humanity.

I am a service-connected disabled veteran who no longer recites the Pledge of Allegiance (my allegiance is to Christ, not flag or state) or sings the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America. Instead, I stand quietly and allow others around to do as they please without forcing the issue. I won't say taking part in any of the above is wrong. The Spirit has not guided my conscience to attempt to change others. I don't take part because something changed in me a few years ago when it dawned on me that being a child of God - living in God's kingdom - means I'm not really part of this kingdom any more. Being American is a legality, but it is not my identity, my source of being, my rock of safety.