winstonjen

And when your god does the same thing, he is let off the hook because he's above the law. What a bloody hypocrite. You can have him all to yourself.

Amos

But those in heaven do not have a vengeful nature because it has been crucified, remember? They do not know evil, nor pain, or suffering but actually bleed for the suffering souls still upon earth. I think St. John of the Cross called it the "silent ache of heaven" wherein the saint is just an observer and must allow the individual to find his or her own liberation.

Amos

Yes, except that now and forever are one and the same to make now equal to the eternal moment.

winstonjen

Well, that's certainly more palatable than Magus' version of the afterlife, with the 'once in hell, always in hell' aspect. However, what I was referring to with the 'vengeful nature' appeal is that it can be used to suck people in who are not dead yet (and hence not purified - they still have a desire for vengeance).

Amos

Thanks, but don't forget that my heaven and hell are states of mind known to mankind while alive here upon earth. The difference between them those in hell will remain slaves to their old vengeful nature while those in heaven have crucified it.

EstherRose

Winstonjen are you a parent? How many times to you set rules for your kids and then break them yourself? If your kids question you, isn’t the usual response “because I said so that’s why”, or “because I’m the adult”.

God sets the rules for us. No matter how many chances we are given in this life, some people will keep rebelling and pushing away. Then complain because God doesn’t follow the same rules. God doesn’t have to follow the rules. They were made for man, not God.

God wants us all to come to Him. That’s why He sent Jesus to us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Still, there are people rejecting Him. They will have to face eternity with their choice.

winstonjen

No, I'm not a parent. However, that is not a good enough reason for the government to give laws on a whim and fancy, like your god seems to. Proper reasons would be 'it truly hurts someone else' and 'you wouldn't like to be the victim of the act'.

Hypocrisy at its finest. I bet Stalin didn't have to follow his rules. I bet that makes it OK.

Only. But his only son by choice - it would be easy for him to recreate a Jesus, just like he brought the guy back to life.

DoubleDutchy

I am a parent; twice. Kids are growing up pretty fast now, they 're doing fine. I would rather bite my tongue off than give this 'usual response' of yours, and it has been that way all the time. It wasn't always easy but it sure was worthwhile. They still consider me trustworthy.

Howard

What about the people who…
1) have cell phone conversations in movie theaters.
2) let their children run loose in restaurants.
3) cut you off in traffic then go slow.

Surely, they deserve eternal damnation.

Unbeliever

The idea of eternal separation from God is not scriptural, it's just a way that Christians try to make the doctrine of hell seem less cruel, but it won't work! Psalm 139:7-8 says:

"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
(italics in original)

According to the KJV we can never be separated from God, not even in hell! So this eternal torment must consist of something else entirely.