"which God metes out a punishment of eternal pain and suffering"
You bring up a good point, although a bit unrelated to the topic discussed, a good point nevertheless....
Perhaps if the "problem of evil" or the "problem of suffering" is preventing your mind and heart from turning to God, you should consider reading: C.S. Lewis: The Problem of Pain.
http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Pain-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652969/sr=8-1/qid=1159465871/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8612528-6088129?ie=UTF8&s=books
Ahh, yes. The presumption that I am not a Christian because I do not agree with your particular brand of theological myopia. As always.
One does not have to believe that God's creation is a trap or a trick to be a "true" Christian.