Proselytizing

[chasm]

Well if that's the difference, then you have to scare them into believing just like God does. "If you don't believe in me you will burn forever!" No, that's not trying to scare people into belief AT ALL.

I'm not sure I get what you are trying to say. Have you read the Bible? If so, did you find more teachings of how God loves us or the kind of teaching as you portray? I find the former. I do not see the Bible as using scare tactics as you would put it. I'm not saying that it does not indicate that certain things might result in certain consequences, but I fail to see that as the focus. Nor do I see any teachings or suggestions that we use scare tactics to present the Gospel (Good News). I am also not saying that Christian's do not use such scare tactics. I'm sure they do. As I said, I do not think it is appropriate. I just do not see it as a reason for condemning all Christians or Christianity.

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me." (one of the Ten Commandments, as found on Wikipedia).

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (Jn.3:36)

"But the cowardly, unbelieving.... and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev.21:8)

And yes, Christians do use scare tactics, and it's annoying. You don't want me telling you that half of your life is going to be wasted believing, worshiping, and praying to an invisible sky god, and I don't want you telling me I'm going to burn in an imaginary place because I don't agree with you. (The you isn't you [rjh4] specifically, just a way getting my point across).