Reply #34: I think Paul, who was not only a homophobe [View All]

[TallahasseeGrannie]

but a misogynist, was a typical old Jew of his time period. I would assume that like in the Muslim states today in the Middle East, homosexuality was condemned and women were subjugated to inferior status. Indeed, it has only been in the last 20 years or so that we in this country have begun to consider it simply a sexual orientation and not a perversion. But Paul did some amazing organizational work and he had a way with words, so I give him props there. However, I don't think anything he writes is necessarily an edict.

Now, Christ's ending the parable with a bit of scary talk? (bring my enemies before me and slay them?) It does not appear it was a direct commandment, but rather a reminder that the Lamb of God does have some teeth. And if you look at the Bible as an epic story (some say myth) of Good vs. Evil, it makes sense for Him to flex a bit of spiritual muscle now and then.

I don't believe in hell with fire, but I believe that to be turned away from the spirit would be hell for me. This is one opinion I really hope I'm right about. I don't like surprises all THAT much!