I read about this at another forum community. The discussion there was concerning how the Baptist theology of this man's salvation by grace could possibly wear to the victims as calloused and unconcerned about their pain, wrought by this man's wickedness. Their "hell on earth" experience. Does this theology spouted at times like this seem reckless to any here? I do see it as not validating the right of the victim to feel the anger and unforgiveness that are a natural part of the grieving process.

Further, I do believe that Christians ought not spout big brags on God's grace so much as big brags on what Christ endured for all of us.

OhDear

THE ARTICLE

Well, I have faith that God's justice is perfect. This man might have avoided "paying" in this life, but that does not mean he's escaped accountability for his deeds.

Also, I think this points out the flaw of salvation as a static event or some sort of dividing line.

I believe

A: Salvation is a never-ending process that continues in the next life.
B: Ultimately, nobody is beyond redemption.

Along those lines, one of the most compelling testimonies I've ever heard on this matter came from a woman who had a rather lengthy Near-Death Experience.

She said that as part of the "life review/judgement" process, she had to experience everything she ever did -- good or bad, kind or cruel -- to another person -- from the perspective of the person the deed was done too.


Sounds like perfect justice to me.

That's quite fascinating, Mytie.

So you believe that the salvation process takes place in eternity or do you consider reincarnation?

Me, I think it is in an instant, when life calls to Life.

OhDear

Personally I wonder why anyone would believe in anything so clearly endowed with the worst possible human attributes. God is for the most part petty, worried about the pedestrian, vindictive, has the worst parenting skills ever ( her little ones I'll give you candy (heaven) if you don't ever dis-obey or question me if you do either you are dammed to hell or I'll turn you into salt), clearly malevolant, judgmental and so forth. In fact God is what we'd call in our world an asshole. People who believe in God justify this by saying no but he is also loving (so long as you never question belief in him/her/it)..why would any intelligent being think God was anything more then a means of control that we gave all the worst attributes of humanity ..theology for the most part is reckless because its spouted by humans who are flawed..they justify their human flaws by saying but God said it therefor it must be true. We will attack anyone who differs in opinion.

If there does turn out to be a God and I am wrong. I am sure my sketpic nature will be more welcomed then the people in this article. In fact if there is indeed a God (which I don't believe there is one but I am talking hypothetically) I am sure he is so disgusted by most of the people who claim to be believers in God for turning him/her/it such a mundane petty asshole and undermining the 'fab-ness' of God. If there is a God he/she/it certainly is a bigger and better entity then we can possibly conceive of. I say this because the one(s) we have conceived of (and this applies to the all major world religions) is an asshole

Did you take your meds today?

I do not believe in reincarnation.. only forward motion.

The "turning to God" might take place in an instant.. but salvation is a never-ending process of learning and growth, IMO.

Hmmm... as the "Church Lady" would say... "Well, isn't that special?"

Anyhoo.. yeah, I think there are some concepts of God that are sort of like an abusive husband.

"I love you. I love you without conditions. But if you don't accept my love, I'll set you on fire."

Ahem... anyway...

Seriously.

Actually I think that is too easy, CF. There is a sterness edging up to abuse in the kind of parenting skills extolled in many of those religious settings, but I don't think that the people who do parent in abuse are even "trying to emulate" God. Not even the God they hear preached.

I do think that a God of such fire and brimstone though can make for alot of insecurity which breeds fear and fear always breeds either hatred or anger.

The fear of not being spiritual or being a successful God-pleasing man may be an issue, but I don't think these people are consciously trying to be like this harsh God. In fact, talk to any one of them one on one, and they all will tell you that God is love.

Though clearly there is a great mental gulf there. Cognitive dissonance.

ohdear