After a recent column, some friends asked “who is Mike Fotenot”? So for the sake of those that asked or otherwise want to know, here is an article he wrote recently at the request of Scott Green in Seattle.

This article, to me, is the epitomy of the kinder, gentler ICoC as opposed to the reformed ICoC. This kinder,gentler ICoC exhibits a form of godliness, but denies its power. What do I think is reformed ICoC? The Argentina letter for one. Some things that Dr. David McAnulty is doing for another. For really challenging reform that is long overdue, there’s James Grieg’s treatise on the Kingdom of God. I’m still working on the last one, and it’s pretty good.

I am not naive enough to believe that anyone, not even me, will perfectly reform. If that were possible, there would be no reason for humility. I was (and a certain extent still am) a part of the system – although I do not know everything nor do I have total perspective, I know enough to recognize the old system when I see it. I think it is obvious to many that also used to be a part of the system.

I liken it to recognizing old Pepsi labels, it’s basically the same symbol and same formula. The red and blue, quasi-yin-and-yang symbol is the same. The taste is distinctive and noticable. In a taste test, a Pepsi can be picked out when compared to a Coca-Cola, RC Cola, Moxie, Cheerwine, or Big K’s Classic Cola. Looking at it another way, the commericals have Nascar Drivers, models, actors, politicians, and everyday people. No matter who has been or will be in the commercials, it is still Pepsi and the formula hasn’t had a major change since cocaine was removed in 50s. (Coca-cola wasn’t the only one that did it.) They’ve made a diet version, a caffeine-free version, a caffeiene-free and diet version, they’ve added Cherry, and even made limited edition flavors for the holidays. However, it is still Pepsi and it is not the same as other sodas.

In short, if I don’t like a Pepsi, why would I accept being called narrow-minded by the manufacturer if they only added an extra teaspoon of corn syrup?

Okay, I’ve stretched another anaolgy past reason again. Feel free to resume your normally scheduled programming.