Quote:
Originally Posted by CompleteDegen
Yeah, and he might also have no idea what he's doing.
There's no reason to act like a lemming and follow the Christians because they're the largest religion in the world.
I can't speak for other agnostics/atheists, but I arrived at my present state after much spiritual searching, religious study, prayer and involvement with church groups. It had nothing to do with following a trend.. When I searched, there was simply no God there.
I have, quite extensively. If I were a Christian, I would likely be an annhilationist.
I've read quite a bit on universalism and their theological and scriptural arguments. As I've stated before (and provided arguments against), I don't find the universalist position compelling or convincing. I think the position requires significant logical leaps and misinterpretation of scripture and an abandonment of the original intent of the authors.
Isn't the aim of the bible spiritual growth?
Maybe some religious leaders outstrip others in spiritual growth.
I think universalism is a doctrine that outstrips eternal hell and torment doctrine by miles and it also reveals the inconsistencies of eternal hell doctrine.
Mercy is higher than judgment in God's mind.
When you're talking about theology then you're talking about God's mind. It's a shame so many people want to limit God's mercy off of literal interpretations of the bible.
If you read Dr. Jones he explains how the literalists (the young priests) subverted the doctrine of universal reconciliation in the Catholic Church. Universal Reconciliation is the doctrine that all men are saved already.
Jesus Christ said:
New International Version (©1984)
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
New Living Translation (©2007)
And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."
English Standard Version (©2001)
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
International Standard Version (©2008)
As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself."
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
“And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
When I have been lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me."
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
American King James Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.
American Standard Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.
Darby Bible Translation
and I, if I be lifted up out of the earth, will draw all to me.
English Revised Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
Webster's Bible Translation
And I, if I shall be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.
Weymouth New Testament
And I-- if I am lifted up from the earth--will draw all men to me."
World English Bible
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Young's Literal Translation
and I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.'
Do you see the word all believers above or just all men/all people?
Who's word are you going to take on this? Men's interpretations or Jesus Christ's?
You can research more verses on your own. There's no lock on the bible.
Silly, did you really think the good Lord would fail any man? Failing and imperfection is all on men's part.
As for God, He is perfect and always has been.
Last edited by Splendour; 07-05-2012 at 09:45 AM.