The unforgivable

[Shasta]

In defense of religion, I don't think religion is the root problem here, but rather, individual's misunderstanding of true, pure religion. The single most important philosophy underlying Christianity is that God loves us, despite our flaws, that His love was so great He provided a way for us to attain salvation despite being deeply flawed beings. Just because some people have horribly misconstrued the gospel's central message shouldn't serve as an indictment of religion in general.

You are right. Unfortunately, true, pure religion is hard to find and it turns into a kid being scared to listen to a song.

[the_last_gunslinger]

But, oh wait. The God who said all that changed his mind and created the New Testament. The all-knowing god. He's such a champ.

I wouldn't say he changed his mind...

[not_nadine]

delete. C'mon Dave. How about a happy post?

[Shasta]

I wouldn't say he changed his mind...

Then how is something going to send you to hell and suddenly then it's not?

And why am I even having this discussion. I don't even believe in the magical man in the sky.

[not_nadine]

Really.


Now I am going to hear Magic Man in my head all day. Thanks, Shasta

[Shasta]

Really.


Now I am going to hear Magic Man in my head all day. Thanks, Shasta

Sorry!!

[not_nadine]

Fer Shasta. Right back at ya.

Show Spoiler

[Shasta]

I took my punishment and listened to it and it's now appropriately stuck in my head.

[not_nadine]

Well done, Sai.

[the_last_gunslinger]

Then how is something going to send you to hell and suddenly then it's not?

A couple things here. First, the Old Testament does not teach that someone will go to hell if they violate the law of Moses. In fact, the Old Testament is pretty silent on the idea of hell. There are references to an afterlife existence called "Sheol," which is a shadowy afterlife, sometimes referred to as the Pit, but everyone went there, regardless of their righteousness. The Law of Moses was not intended as a way to avoid hell, per se, but as a means of the Israelites to partake of the things God offered them through His covenant with them.

Additionally, just because God dealt with His children differently in one dispensation does not mean He changed His mind, which would imply that He didn't think the Old Testament covenants were important or worthwhile. Clearly this is not the case as the New Testament says just the opposite. It was a different time and a different place. The needs of God's people were different and He handled them as such. It's important to remember also, that the Mosaic Law was intended as a fascimile of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

And why am I even having this discussion. I don't even believe in the magical man in the sky.

Though I understand perfectly what you're saying here, I think most Christians might take offence to our Father in Heaven being referred to as a "magical man in the sky."