As regular readers of this blog are aware, I am no stranger to controversy. Many of the theological stances that I take are, shall we say, out of the mainstream of evangelical thought (although it must be noted that I have been heavily commented elsewhere by those committed to Catholic and Orthodox theology).

The consequence of these stances has been severe criticism from some of my detractors. While most are civil enough to disagree with me strongly, there are others who are quick to call into question my orthodoxy (which, interestingly enough, they do not ever actually show where my theology is astray of ecumenical orthodoxy…), my intentions, and even my salvation.

I have been called a heretic, an apostate, a gnostic, a "sophist," a Romanist, an existentialist, a post-modernist, etc. However, the other day I received probably the biggest "compliment"–a particularly fiery blogger labeled me "No. 1 Pagan."

Most would avoid this label, but I have decided to wear it with pride. To reinforce this, I was recently privileged to be award Deviant Monk's "Notable Pagan" award. DM describes the purpose of the award as follows:

The "Notable Pagan" award is given to those bloggers who are labeled "pagan", "heretic", or "blasphemer" by other bloggers in the midst of theological discussion.

Thanks to Deviant Monk for this great honor. No. 1 Pagan out!