Re: Do belief systems evolve?

Mark Richardson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 02:09:02 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>>
>> Actually, there is no such concept in scripture: eternal torture
>> (as if God was insatiably sadistic) was borrowed from Greek thought
>> in later centuries.
>
> Its in the new testament.

It is most certainly not. (But go and learn what this meaneth:
"without a parable spake he not unto them.")

Beside that, it is abundantly clear that the doctrine is not found in
the OT, and indeed the doctrine contradicts the OT. If you believe the
whole Bible, then interpretations that create contradictions are
excluded.

>> [Gehenna was the dump outside] Jerusalem, a figurative reference to
>> the destruction of the wicked.
>
> So was it figurative or literal? Make up your mind.

If you wish to believe that the wicked will be thrown into the
Jerusalem landfil, then I guess you could take it literally. If you
believe they will not be thrown into the Jerusalem landfill, then
there is no choice but to recognize that the word "Gehenna" is
figurative.

>> The punishment of the wicked, clearly taught throughout scripture,
>> is to observe the righteous entering into glory, and then to die.
>>
> There will also be a great wailing and nashing of teeth (Mat 8:12)

Yes, that's about how I'd react to see Abraham and the rest enter into
glory, but me myself thrust out.

> ...and a place of fire were "the worm dies not".

Ah. So you believe in immortal worms.

> These are the alledged words of the son of the [censored] himself -
> so be careful who you contradict.

Oh, you're an atheist. I see a troll has cross-posted again. Follwups
set.

>> Apparently, whether or not you believe that God is sadistic, *you*
>> certainly are.
>
> Is he being cruel to your imaginary God?  How can steve hurt God?

No, he's being cruel to you: wishing upon you an infinite span of
torture. Your death will suffice.

Regards,
Len.