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It is “hell fire and damnation” theology that makes God into an ogre.

I’m not saying that sin is not terrible, but Christ’s message was not about sin, but reminding people that God was a father who is willing to forgive us.

Notice that the sinners that Christ actually criticized were the big shots who cheated the poor? But even the corrupt tax collectors were given a chance of repentence...

“It is “hell fire and damnation” theology that makes God into an ogre. I’m not saying that sin is not terrible, but Christ’s message was not about sin, but reminding people that God was a father who is willing to forgive us. ”

Not about sin? Sorry, Doc, you'll have to take that up with the Lord:

Mt:5:22: "But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."

Mt:18:9: "And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire .

Mk: 9:42: "And whosoever shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me: it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand scandalize thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life, maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into unquenchable fire: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. 45 And if thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter lame into life everlasting than having two feet to be cast into the hell of unquenchable fire: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. 47And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee with one eye to enter into the kingdom of God than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire: 48Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. 49For every one shall be salted with fire: and every victim shall be salted with salt."

Mt:10:28:"And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mt:11:23: "And thou Capharnaum, shalt thou be exalted up to heaven? thou shalt go down even unto hell. For if in Sodom had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in thee, perhaps it had remained unto this day."

Lk:20:47: "Who devour the houses of widows, feigning long prayer. These shall receive greater damnation."

Yes indeed, these tracts have one flaw - and its an enormous one. They do not focus on, nor seem to admit, God's Mercy. And Mercy is what God is!

I believe that the author intended it this way: if fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then what will stark terror do :0)

These tracts are a bitter pill, showing us the worst of what may indeed be our final end. Their vision spurs us to seek God's Divine Mercy. But no-one should treat them as a complete and true depiction of our encounter with God.

As an antidote to all this starkness, I thoroughly recommend reading about the death of Chopin. I hope I go the same way he did.