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Well, you certainly would disagree with my views on Revelation so it's probably a good time to get back on topic. I believe the Word is God and is infinite in it's spiritual meaning. You rely heavily on the literal interpretation on Paul's epistles. I believe in the ENTIRE Word. Does the way we think about God make us lesser Christians than the other? I had a different PATH than you. EVERY PATH to God is individual -- within AND outside of Christianity.

I don't sit and memorize scripture to regurgitate it as a weapon in an argument. I look for common ground and try to witness my own experiences. I look down on those who would say "believe this or you are going to hell" which is exactly the response of many of the posters on this thread. Think about it. These people are rasing children who will be turned off from religion.... for generations.

Again, there are as many Christian paths to the Lord's kingdom as individuals. No two people have the same experiences. Because we believe that 'death' is just a continuation of life, belief in Jesus Christ as the one true God can be attained in the next life. All God's children.

I don't sit and memorize scripture to regurgitate it as a weapon in an argument.

And that's to be commended? I don't wish it to be a weapon, nor do I wish to offend, unless the offence is the cross. Yes, I take the Bible literally, and believe that each human is responsible to read it and understand it for themselves. However, words mean things, and God had words written that exactly express what he wanted to convey, plain words, plain language. Using the method of "spiritualization", however, I can find anything I want. How about a suicide cult? "Judas went out and hung himself...Go ye therefore and do likewise!"

What I think, or you think, or the Dali Lama thinks, is irrelevant, unless it agrees with what a reliable scripture says. You and I must deal with what Jesus said in Matthew 7:34-15:

13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

and John 10:1-7

1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Jesus Said further, in John 14:6

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Regardless of what you or I believe, we must explain what Jesus meant by these sayings. Either he is the exclusive way to God, or he is not. The writing is plain.

I am always surprised at how many people think that getting into Heaven is about doing good and being good. It’s actually the opposite. It is those who understand that they can’t ever be good enough, and who realize their need for the atoning work of Christ, who will go to Heaven.

Is it really that hard for people to conceive of a God who is both loving and just? By just I mean that he will judge people, and that he has wrath, and that he hates sin. I’m sure we can all think of people we believe deserve to go to hell, like Hitler. Can’t God feel the same way?