<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(windstrings @ Mar 15 2007, 09:01 AM) [snapback]405971[/snapback]</div> What I see, ALAN, is you trying your best to be 'civil' and trying to 'convert' when you have belittled others for not believing as you do. There may be, indeed, there is a need for the KJV-type of person, since not everyone wants a modern version of God. But if your argument against modern translations is that it gets more slant, as it were, the newer it is, then why not use the Hebrew texts? The Greek? I mean, English is not even the first 'modern' language that the Bible was translated into. I think Germain was. Why not read it in that? Because, I bet, it's EASIER to read English for you, am I right? As it is for a lot of people here on this thread. ALAN, you think I am not being civil to you, and perhaps it is seen that way, but deep down, I would love it if you could see this as a message to you, to understand how the way you present Christs love, may turn off those you seek. And perhaps to learn as well, that what works for you, verily, may not work forth others.
I had many lunches with a former co-worker. Unfortunately doing things "his way" got him in trouble (too noisy, too much time doing non-work activites during work hours, etc...). Numerous times, I urged him to live within the Code of Conduct, but he felt it was the company that should adapt to him. He grumbled about supervisors he was under and others - the list grew. In a last-ditch effort, the company offered him a probationary period to avoid dismissal - he stormed out. One of his former supervisors felt bad about this ending - he wanted him to respond positively to his workplace issues. My only regret is I nudged his comfort zone instead of shaking it - he ignored numerious hints. After he left, my co-worker eventually became bitter about everyone at the workplace. He was not recovered professionally from the Hell he has brought upon himself. This fits perfectly with this topic. I don't (or wish to) make the rules or desire suffering for those who choose not to follow them - my workplace or spiritually. I try to keep myself in good standing in both places. I profess to follow Jesus. I can't claim to follow him by saying there are other ways - he does not offer that option. For that matter, there are some things about my life in regards to him I need to work on. What I think matters little - it's "management" that counts.
I believe that is one allegory being substituted for another allegory. More likely the confusion comes from the Aramaic words for camel and rope being homonyms. The Greek words for rope and camel are also very similar, they just differ by one vowel IIRC. That's one example of the problem of taking a document literally when it has been translated form Aramaic to Greek (there are also some variations in different Greek translations). Then it was translated from ancient Greek to English with versions tailored for different sects of Christianity. Now we have bible thumpers saying that their sects English translation is the inerrant word of God.
Besides, Hell is waiting for all the religious believers, you don't think a god would want all those nutcases in Heaven do you, he would be a god and want to have a good time, not preached to.
Hell is a figment of TrueBeliever's® imaginations. Being stuck in a TrueBeliever's® imagination for even a short time would seem like forever.
