[OWK]

I'd like you to consider a much closer analogy.

God says in effect, "Love me, or you'll roast for all eternity".

Now imagine a human parent interacting with his child.

Would he be right in saying, "Love me, or I'll hold your hand over the kitchen stove burner"..?

[wattsmag2]

Most do not believe in a fiery pit of torment for eternity. I believe the prhase ought to be: "Love me, or you get your 70 odd years on Earth and then you get nothingness." Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Now that is not a bad deal, because I believe that God gave us those 70 odd years here on Earth and that we ought to return that love.

[jethropalerobber]

God says in effect, "Love me, or you'll roast for all eternity".

perhaps there are more steps in the proposition which are implied. here one possibility:

Love me,
and if you do you will take my advice,
and if you do you will act wisely,
and if you do you will have no regrets,
and if you do you will not suffer endlessly.

just a thought.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Now imagine a human parent interacting with his child.

Would he be right in saying, "Love me, or I'll hold your hand over the kitchen stove burner"..?

"Behave correctly or there will be consequences." '

Please note, I don't hold to the Christian belief of heaven&hell, considering I'm not Christian. I still think this is a misrepresentation of Christianity.