Reply #2: Hear, hear. [View All]

[bertha katzenengel]

It makes me sick to think that I was once that arrogant. But keep in mind that (while this doesn't excuse the arrogance) some christians honestly do CARE about saving people from what they think happens after death. The specter of the christian-created hell is terrifying to them, and -- well, I used to cry for people who wouldn't accept Jesus, because I just knew they were doomed to eternal physical and emotional torture, not to mention permanent separation from the love of God.*

It's not an excuse - just pointing out a fact that I know from my experience.

Looking back, I wish that I had channeled that very deep concern into meeting peoples' needs in this life. My mother-in-law, Southern Baptist, has done that for years at her church, running their food pantry and clothes closet ministries. They don't preach at anyone. They don't "witness." All they do is give food and clothing to people -- anyone -- who need it. IMO that's true Christianity.

* Of course, among the many things that never occurred to me back then is that if he's a God of love . . . . Many C/christians just don't think.