RIP to a worthy adversary and friend
 

As some of you know, I've been attending church the last couple months and have begrudgingly become friends with someone with opposing views.

Pastor Ron Kennedy passed away on Friday. He is the pastor that had invited me to a debate on porn in society. I had declined due to the fact, I didn't want to be "outed" in his church (my nephew and son also attend this church and I didn't want to bring any undue grief on them).

Pastor Ron started out as a bit of an adversary and we'd argue and discuss politics, religion's place in society and even the ethics of online porn vs. online pharmacies. He quickly became an unlikely friend. His son stays at my house quite often and is the epitome of the well-raised well-behaved child. He's sort of become like one of my own. His son is best friends with one of my nephews and an amazing kid.

Ron and his amazing wife were what "Christians" should be. They weren't judgmental. They knew what I did for a living, yet never forbade their son from coming over to my house. They didn't hide their religion, but didn't cram it down anyone's throats either. We had a lot of opposing beliefs but never let that get in the way of how they acted towards me and likewise, I towards them.

When we'd discuss out differing opinions, it would sometimes get a little heated, but never out of hand and he always had a well spoken reply. He backed his answers and beliefs up with an educated opinion that wasn't just a bunch of yelling and rhetoric. We did agree on one thing though...we hate the Yankees (I'm a Braves fan and he was an Indians fan) ;-)

The church that Ron was pastor of is one that welcomes gays, lesbians and transgenders. While they didn't agree with the lifestyle choices, they didn't want anyone left out of their teachings. I remember my first day of attending their church. I was the only schmuck in a suit and tie. Their message was, you are loved regardless of what clothes you wear, so they encouraged people to be comfortable and relaxed. All news members were greeted warmly.

Ron passed away Friday evening after a lengthy stay in the hospital as a result of a back injury he suffered helping someone fix their house (this is the kind of guy he was...this person couldn't afford to repairs, so Ron, a journeyman construction worker, spent his off hours fixing this guy's house for nothing more than a meal or two).

Ron will be greatly missed by a great wife and son and even a long haired, tree hugging, profanity-inclined, blackhearted porn peddler.

I was also extremely touched that his family asked me to say a couple words at his memorial service tonight.

RIP my adversary and my friend.

Sounds like the world has one less good man in it.

I am sorry for your loss

Nice story, it's good to see there are some tolerant christians too.

Most of them are.

Well, It happens to us all. at some point. Good thing he was not so closed minded.

Sorry for your loss man, :(

even remember your threads saying you're going to the church, i presumed he was the pastor of that church...

Yup, they just generally aren't as vocal and don't get the press of the rabblerousers...

It isn't newsworthy to be tolerant.

That's so sad, I'm sure his life and death has affected a lot of people.