Television personality Garry Moore had a marvelous comeback to those who sent him crank letters. Whenever he received a particularly nasty letter, he would send it back with a note: "The enclosed letter arrived on my desk a few days ago. I am sending it to you in the belief that as a responsible citizen you should know that some idiot is sending out letters over your signature."

I confess: My mouth watered when I read that. I know it's wrong, but I have spent an embarrassing amount of time replaying in my mind angry encounters I have had with people in the church-mental polemics in which I parry all their hostile thrusts with the devastatingly witty repartee I wish I would have delivered. Of course, my words leave them a quivering heap on the floor, begging my forgiveness. Mea culpa.

If all this shocks you, and you can in no way relate, you should move on and read something else. But if you can relate, please read on.

Thank you, I knew you would.

Paul too, faced a lot of harsh and unfair ...