[SoothingDave]

It is not merciful to punish the innocent for the sins of the guilty.

I never said it was.

But what of charity? What is charity other than us giving up our earned time or money to pay the debts of another? Is that "unjust?"

No.

Because it is voluntary. God would never randomly select someone and make him suffer for others. But He would come down and, as man, volunteer for the job.

SD

[malakhi]

But what of charity? What is charity other than us giving up our earned time or money to pay the debts of another? Is that "unjust?" No. Because it is voluntary. God would never randomly select someone and make him suffer for others. But He would come down and, as man, volunteer for the job.

That's the best argument I've seen so far.

Still, I prefer the image of sacrifice as a symbol of reconciliation with God to one of placating an angry God.