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(SIDENOTE: Even in the wild, animals must be taught to hunt. It's not "instinctual".)

That doesn't mean "unnatural"...the instinct to teach hunting/killing is there. Hmmm..what does THAT say?

God stated emphatically that killing is absolutely unacceptable since mankind is created in the image of God.

But God kills.

For all others, it's our gift and requirement to find Salvation through the Jews. God's Word is unchanging and God's Nature is not fickle. You won't find a similar nature in Allah.

Then why is the standard response to massacres of the Old Testament: "That was then, but those commands don't apply now that Jesus has come."

. Jesus never swung a sword at his enemies. His Words were enough and powerful enough ...

What about His actions in the temple with the moneychangers? Words weren't enough, huh? Of course, He also told the apostles to buy swords.

And regardless of your thoughts on the Quran, there are many who "fall for it"...just as many read trashy romance novels. Quality of the work doesn't equate with popularity.

I think you probably like to spar intellectually more than I do:

"But God kills."

God is the only one with authority to give and sanction the removal of life (I think the Angels carry out the task). He is Just and remains Just in whatever He does and Commands. We may question, yet we may never understand His ways and why He permits suffering and why He removes life or preserves life.

"That doesn't mean "unnatural"...the instinct to teach hunting/killing is there. Hmmm..what does THAT say?"

Creation is in chaos (at war) because of original sin.

"Then why is the standard response to massacres of the Old Testament: "That was then, but those commands don't apply now that Jesus has come."

Jesus said that Jews needed Mosaic Law because they were a hard headed people and thus a kick in the pants was warranted. A Jew told me that those Israelites escaping Egypt had "no spirit" and needed to regain that spirit before entering the promise land. The Old Testament's Prophets of the Lord are not the Lord. Jesus is Lord.

"What about His actions in the temple with the moneychangers? Words weren't enough, huh? Of course, He also told the apostles to buy swords."

Jesus probably believes in spanking disobedient children when "time-out" doesn't work (or 40 years in the desert). It took time before the Apostles eyes were opened. They followed Him initially through Faith. As He ministered to them and to the Jews, He challenged their Faith and picked them up after they fell (or caught them before they sank). I don't recall if the same Apostles carried swords after Jesus' Resurrection. After the Resurrection, the Apostles were armed with the Holy Spirit.

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"there are many who "fall for it"...just as many read trashy romance novels. Quality of the work doesn't equate with popularity."

I have to admit that in the past, I've purchased big boner pills. Did they work? Well, I didn't take before and after photos to study a difference. Did I "fall for it"? Maybe. The literature sure was promising. Would I do it again? I guess that would depend on a lady's influence. Do I feel embarrassed over this whole episode? You bet I do! In fact I wish I never brought it up. I was going to delete this, but I already hit the "Post" button. It's too late now...everyone knows!!!!

What about His actions in the temple with the moneychangers? Words weren't enough, huh?

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them, "It is written, My House shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a robbers den." Matthew 21:12-13

OK Gondring,here is the written account of Jesus in the temple. What exactly is your question about it?

The fact that Jesus was angry? Yes, He was angry and He let the people involved know it!

Of course, He also told the apostles to buy swords.

And He said to them, "But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one." Luke 22:36 They said, "Lord look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "That is enough."Luke 22:38

This conversation happened right before Jesus prayed and was arrested. I couldn't find any instructions where Jesus told them to use the swords, in fact when a disciple cut the ear off of the slave of the high priest, Jesus said to stop and Jesus reattached the ear!

Slight change of subject...

So Gondring,since Jesus told the disciples to carry swords (be armed), does that give the 2nd amendment even more credibility?

http://www.san.beck.org/AB11-AugustineandRome.html

"Augustine found Christ persecuting when Jesus expelled merchants from the temple with a whip. Vincentius, an old friend of Augustine from Carthage and a leader in the Donatist sect of Rogatists, was shocked that the Hippo bishop favored using state power to quell Donatists in order to force them into the Catholic church. Augustine argued that Paul was struck blind on the Damascus road and that Elijah killed false prophets. Many Donatists were joining the Catholic unity because they feared the imperial edicts. He also referred to the parable of the banquet in Luke 14 when later guests were compelled to come."