I mean, this thread has talked about god's purported unconditional love - agape - yet the best analogy is not letting a loved one into the house because of their muddy shoes? Or because of their addiction (which is an illness)?
Man, if I loved someone, I wouldn't throw them out because of muddy shoes, even if it happened every day. What I'd do instead would be to make them clean up the mess. You know, actual, personal atonement, not done through a proxy. Similarly, I'd do what I could to help a loved one in the grip of addiction seek help. Maybe I'd have to distance myself from them at some point, but I'd damn well make an honest effort to help them before it got to that point.
Man, if I loved someone, I wouldn't throw them out because of muddy shoes, even if it happened every day. What I'd do instead would be to make them clean up the mess. You know, actual, personal atonement, not done through a proxy. Similarly, I'd do what I could to help a loved one in the grip of addiction seek help. Maybe I'd have to distance myself from them at some point, but I'd damn well make an honest effort to help them before it got to that point.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
