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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]That is the attitude of most religions with belief in an afterlife.

What seems disturbing to me about the most prevalent belief in Christianity, is that you accept Jesus as your lord and savior and all your prior sins are cleared. You could have murdered children and raped women, and stolen from the destitute, abused the helpless... and you're clear because you repent? That is not a God I could ever, ever believe in.

I was raised Muslim, and was taught that it's more about tipping the scales. Whether or not you get to heaven is about the actions overall. You don't repent, and then the slate is wiped clean - the scale is always calculating. You have to be conscientious, always. Everything matters every minute of every day, and all your deeds will be weighed when you die.

That said, I no longer believe in religion or any Gods, but the latter seemed like a much more palatable, just and fair pill to swallow.   [/quote]

I think it is beautiful that God gives the opportunity of redemption to even a hardened sinner.

Think of Jesus on the cross. The sinner at His side who repented and believed was told by Christ that today he woukd be with Jesus in paradise.

That hopefulness that even the most worthless soul can be redeemed by good and through God's love and mercy is a wonderful and beautiful thing and far better than a god who is al about vengeance, punishment and an eye for an eye.[/quote]

I don't find it beautiful. I think it tends to attract a corrupt person who isn't really conscientious of their actions, and doesn't care about others, because they'll be "saved." I think it appeals to certain people who are more selfishly minded, and I understand the appeal. But I don't understand it from perspective of respect for your fellow humanity.

[/quote]
This is because you fundamentally misunderstand what happens when a person repents and comes to Christ for forgiveness. And that misunderstanding comes from your heart. It seems you don't think you're that bad to need forgiveness. It seems you certainly think you're better than someone who has done something heinous. But we all need forgiveness, and the hardened sinner who comes to Christ does so because he is truly sorrowful for his sins and has nowhere else to turn. Until you come to the realization that your sin is as awful as it is, you will have this misunderstanding. If you want to understand, ask the LORD to show it to you and you will see.

It also seems to me that your misunderstanding stems from a desire to see people you think are worse than you are punished, which seems as selfish as you attribute this desire to others.[/quote]

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