Wow, Paul- I am astounded that no one has responded to this terrific post on a Theology site. I wouldn’t dispute anything you’ve written. These questions are the real meat of Theology and answering them is what should be the backdrop against which to place any other dispute.

Your post reminds me of something Dallas Willard, whose book "Divine Conspiracy" changed my life, has said: Good teachers answer the following questions, and some of their teaching is non-verbal- which is the most powerful teaching:

1) What is the nature of reality?

2) Who is well off?

3) Who is a truly good person?

4) How does one become a truly good person?

To answer any one of these/yours concisely on a web site would take a lot of thought and refined writing. I hope the regulars here are working on it.

Thank you.

Dana Ames