Quote:
Originally Posted by usgrant7
If the creator of a thing, chooses to set it on fire and destroy it, then so be it.
|
But is the creation required to like it? Am I allowed to be just a little aggrieved at such careless treatment? Or should I simply be grateful that I existed at all, so the painful, fiery, arbitrary end shouldn't bother me in the least?
Me, I prefer my gods to be a little less capricious.
Quote:
|
However, ignoring the fundimental point that he sets the rules, can invite calamity on yourselves. Fine, if you dont want to play by the rules, then don't be surprised when the sentence is handed down.
|
My point is, just because the rules exist doesn't mean they are worthy of respect. A bad rule is a bad rule. And a God who would set up and enforce bad rules is a bastard.
Quote:
|
No one is gonig to hell for a DUI, or a speeding ticket. It was much more simple than that. It was eating a piece of fruit. Moses didn't enter the promise land because he hit the rock. Ananias and Sophira didn't live past the end of the day after lying. The youths were mauled by bears for teasing the prophit. Thousands were consumed by the earth for having a party and bowing to a golden idol. The temple priest was killed because he touched the Ark of the Covenant.
|
Wow. This God sounds like such a swell guy. You're even defending the bears mauling kids.
Quote:
|
God expects that we obey him. Since that is impossible....
|
Yet another example. Why does God expect the impossible from his creations, and punish those who fall short? It's a rigged game.
Quote:
|
he gave us a pardon through His Son. Yes, the punishment is severe, and yes the judgment is sure. But the grace extended to those who would believe is generous beyond measure.
|
So, again, you're saying that I shouldn't complain that God set up such stupid, impossible rules to begin with. I should simply be grateful that, having dangled me over the alligator pit, he throws his son in instead. I should be grateful to my kidnapper and torturer.
Quote:
|
How can you fault God, who has both set the rules, and provided a way to obtain a pardon, if you violate the rules.
|
Because the rules are sadistic and unjust.
Quote:
|
The pardon is the only way a perfect, God could ever have fellowship with an imperfect man.
|
Okay, 180-degree turn in one sentence. Now you're saying that it's not about punishment; it's about making men perfect enough to be in fellowship with God.
That's much better than "worship God or else he'll hurt you." But I still don't see why belief in Christianity is a reasonable separation point. You have not addressed this point: If someone lives an exemplary life but is a practicing Hindu (or Buddhist, or agnostic, or whatever), do they go to hell? If not, why not? If so, why should I respect a God that would do such a thing?