ken@qantel.UUCP (Ken Nichols@ex6193) (11/13/84)
(I was told that this posting was damaged. For this reason I am trying again.) You know, I've said all this before, but, > 1) God is just. > God puts us into a world with "n" different religious belief > systems ("n+2", if you include atheism and agnosticism), and provides > us no evidence favouring any one over the others. One belief system > is the right one, and those who hold some other set of beliefs, > however honest their mistake, are punished. God has rigged the > game against us, and punishes the losers. This is *not* just. > 2) God is merciful. > The punishment for losing the aforementioned rigged game is to be > tortured forever. The way God treats people for, basically, > guessing wrong, is *not* merciful. > 3) God loves all mankind, including the sinners. > And he shows his love for the sinners by punishing them forever. > This doesn't even *resemble* love. > > David Canzi The problem with these arguments is that you are trying to make man's definition of these words be the standard for your discussion. In my system the standards of these words are much higher that a human standard. Regarding one above. There is plenty of evidence given that shows the way to be saved. It is just what you choose to believe about the validity of this evidence that determines your destiny. I'm afraid you can't take the faith out of Christianity. There is a degree of faith necessary to take the first step, that of accepting the evidence. After you have taken that leap, it becomes *very* obvious as to the truth of the evidence given. As to justice. As I find myself tired of saying, if God's only attribute was perfect justice, this planet wouldn't exist. The human race as a whole has chosen to set themselves up against God. This is enough to deserve death. God's *great*, *great* love causes Him to be patient and to give us a way of escape, if we will only take it! The same is true for God's mercy. We get more mercy than we deserve for living another day. And He gives even more than that in providing the way to come to Him. The 'game' is not rigged, it is just so simple that it's hard to see. Christianity is not a guessing game either. It is a free will decision. Once you have made the choice, it becomes more and more obvious every day that you have made the right one. I know, subjective evidence. I'm sorry, that's the way it is. God shows His love for sinners by sending His only Son to die for us. If that isn't love, I don't know what is. Christ took the punishment for our sins on the cross. All we need to do is accept that fact, and ask to have our lives put under His control. You see, I do believe in the love of God. -- "...holding forth the Ken Nichols word of life..." Phil. 2:16 ...!ucbvax!dual!qantel!ken -- 'Eternal life', that is. ---------------------------