Horrible things in the bible

[Lek]

Like others before me, I do know a few xtians in real life. And I agree that they are nice, charitable people who would never condone any of the hateful exhortations in this hateful book; but that's largely because they've never read it. It wasn't until I entered the online world that I encountered xtians who actively defend this shit.

But none of that even matters, because it's not the people with whom I have an issue, by and large; it's the doctrine to which they subscribe and which has been the point of this thread. See, it's a common bait and switch tactic, to change the subject of discussion from the dogma to the personal. I have known xtians who are and were slimy, manipulative arseholes; but they would be slimy, manipulative arseholes even if they weren't xtians. The religion simply makes it easier. There are loopholes big enough to drive an iron chariot through, that can be used to excuse their shitty behaviour. And it's worth noting that none of the gods supposedly involved ever seem to have anything to say about it.

I'm not pulling and bait and switch. I was responding to remarks about christians. I still maintain that our view of all this stuff that has been brought out about God's actions is based on different perspectives. God created all of us with the purpose of being with him for eternity. This world is all messed up and we all die one way or another. If God would reach down and burn up all these ISIS guys who are causing atrocities would you complain? No matter how we die, anyone who seeks after God will spend eternity with him. That's what we live for. I'm sorry that you don't like what he's done over time, but he's the creator and he can deal with his creation as he chooses. He sacrificed his son to atone for the sins of all of us because he loves us all. He made it possible for everyone to have eternal life with him--even those he violently wiped out. Since the sin of Adam, the world is not a nice place, but he's going to take us out of it. I'm not going to claim to be a christian and then pretend that the old testament doesn't exist. You've chosen not to believe in him, and that's your prerogative, but if I claim to be a christian, I must accept the God of the old testament as well as the God of the new testament. We must take God as a whole. That's just the way it is. Those were the actions of a loving and just God who wants all to be saved. People are quick to blame God, but won't take any blame upon themselves. Actions have major consequences with God, but the reward is great. You all need also need to read the new testament and view the whole story and then make your judgments.