< /sarcasm>
Well it's really a matter of understanding priorities, isn't it? I mean, to look at the entire Bible and consider every line of it perfectly equal to every other line, would mean that there would be no way to understand the relationship of the teachings to each other. That's why people study the Bible and don't just read it, so that they can understand relative importance, and there by interpret its applications to life. Right?
But fortunately, Jesus specifically told us the most important part of the Bible. The part against which every other part has to be compared, in order to understand meaning. The part which cannot ever be contradicted, because it is the root, the most important part, and the guide for all the other parts.
Specifically, in Matthew 22:37-40: "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Could there be any greater gift in Bible study? Being told by the Savior Himself what is the greatest commandment, from which all law hangs? Against which ALL other teachings bow, and are secondary, and must serve by their interpretations (including, specifically "the church fathers during the early centuries")?
I, for one, choose not to defy Jesus' direct command in understanding His teachings. And I assumed that because you are apparently a Bible scholar, you would also be well aware of this fundamental and absolute basis for ALL interpretation, and that therefore I would not have to quote it.
But I often assume too much of others.
< /notsarcasm>
Well, you managed to get one scriptural text in a response that supports a non-Biblical POV.
Unfortunately for you, that quote by Christ does nothing to bolster your assertions regarding hell.
Maybe someday you’ll get serious regarding the Word of God.
And that truly is my hope.