I appreciate the tone of this answer and certainly don’t expect any concrete answers (I looked really hard—they aren’t there) nor expect you to change your mind about the existence of God (a very stressful experience). Unfortunately you undermined the courtesy of this reply by sniping at me behind my back in later replies.
Mrs. A Hayes ...
You summed it up right up in the following quote as per your post # 700:
“Simple: God does not exist and the Bible was compiled over thousands of years from the tradition and teaching of men, so we should not expect it to be internally consistant.”
No use in trying to converse with you on an open basis with an attitude like that. Nada. Remember, regardless of how you feel about how pridefull you feel about yourself, YOU GONNA HAVE TO ANSWER TO A HIGHER POWER. No fairy tale, no fable, no Mickey Mouse, no free pass to eternity ... YOU GONNA HAVE TO ACCOUNT FOR EACH AND EVERY THING THAT YOU HAVE EVER DONE. And you will feel how those thoughts and actions have affected others ... you will feel firsthand how your presence / existence has either benefited or caused harm in everyone who has interacted with you. From your family members, down to the homless person on the street, to the neighbor whom you gossip about. There are no secrets.
Best get your pride in check, pop open the Bible, perhaps begin with the New Testament, read it at a leisurely pace (don’t rush) and THINK about what is being spoken and taught. Lay off of the television (better yet toss it out or donate it to a worthy cause), dump the anger and resentment, and HEAL. I pray that you HEAL your wounded heart ... and I know that there are a lot of scars there. It comes across loud and clear here on this forum. Sorry to sound so sanctimonious, but I am not ... I am a sinner and a vile one at that. Very bad. But I know from experience when others are in doubt and are wrestling with their faith. The only thing that you have to lose is your soul ... As Jesus said, “What is it for a man to gain the entire world, but lose his soul?” Please think about this ... your soul cannot be replaced. It is as unique as you are. Forgive those of whom have harmed you (I know that this is SUPER difficult), forgive yourself, and move on ... you’ve been given the GRACE OF LIFE on this planet at this current time for a reason. Find that reason and embrace it. I bid you PEACE. Take care of yourself and I wish you and yours the happiness of a new start. You are in my prayers.
Peace out,
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