Why would Satan want souls? What use are they to him?

[Esquilax]

So in light of all this, "hazy" can safely be used in a situation that is actually divorced from reality. Unless of course you have a good explanation of exactly what goes on after the heart stops?

I think you've misunderstood me: what I was saying is that it's really hard to talk details when I'm talking to a guy who's willing to shake off every contention I bring to the table with "god's infinitely powerful, so it won't be a problem. He'll make it so it isn't." Since there's no parameters, the same argument can be used against anything I say; it's essentially having a question answered in such a way that no information is provided, but follow up questions will just get the same answer.

For one, Jesus' words are about: love, life and forgiveness. I'm not saying man was upgraded totally in the NT. But the message is a lot different.

The message might be different- mileage may vary on whether it actually is- but that has no impact on whether or not it's any more truthful than the old testament; two fictional stories can exist side by side, after all. If they couldn't, we'd never have sequels to anything.

I'm interested in whether you'd accept this line of logic from a competing religion, too; if the Hindus discovered their own new testament tomorrow, with a radically different, loving message, would you consider that true too? I suspect not, which leads me to believe that there's additional criteria you're using there.

But, I'm not thinking like men here! I'm trying to think like God (if you will). I don't think that we are subjected to eternal damnation if we don't want it! Of course there are certain criterion for that.... but I don't perceive it out of the realm of anyone... atheist, christian or otherwise!

I truly believe we have a choice. Even after death. This is in the light of God being a loving one, and us also being loving children of His! No matter what we are wearing!

Well, that's a heartening statement. I guess my follow up question would be, why does anyone end up in hell at all, if this is the case?

I guess I would be, as Catholics call it: "a cafeteria christian". But I take EVERYTHING Jesus says seriously! But, I also take the complete message, and weigh it against the times that He lived in. Parables are not always a good message to me. I like direct quotes and plain messages.

Like "slaves obey your masters?"