Great thoughts, a meaty post indeed. Seems as though your trip has given you a much needed time to reflect and think. 
It is indeed a lesson I have learned; "Someone that doesn't want to be convinced will never be convinced by a mere argument."
That is why it takes the conviction of the Spirit in spirtual matters to accomplish anything. Apologetics and theology have there place, but they can never take the place of good old fashioned Holy Ghost conviction.
Something else real quick; it is becoming more evident to me (as most people already know this I am sure) everyday that theology and apologetics are only profitable when they work out in our lives in a practical way. Faith building for instance, not just intellect building, I am sure that any sincere theologian or apologist would agree with this. I think William Ames said something like, "Theology is the doctrine of living unto God." I hope I did not butcher that. Those great men of the faith really believed that solid doctrine worked out into a holy life, not just bragging rights for defending one's faith.
I hope nobody takes me wrong (for in the past I was somewhat critical of theology, but mostly in the mere intellectual pursuit), for I agree with Dan that we need some great Christian thinkers; and also to encourage them. For the usage of my brain power ranks very far down on the charts.
Sorry to take up so much space, have a safe trip home.
We need contributors at:
http://www.MormonWiki.org
and
http://www.theopedia.com
Awesome article, Matt, per usual.
Brad
It's meerly a flesh wound!
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