Originally posted by JS357
I think people are real and their human needs are real. I wonder what needs are met by belief in the doctrine of God's wrath. But the first step would be to understand it.
Is this kind of thinking off-limits?
I suggest that one major need that is satisfied, or at least addressed, is the need for justice. Reconciling the idea that justice will mean suff ...[text shortened]... ms to be something that can be discussed by thoughtful people, regardless of their faith status.
I believe people and their needs are real, and with respect to the wrath of God that does
not have to have meaning about what "people need" it just has to be. The thinking about
it isn't off limits, why in the world would that be true? Don't almost every single one of us
feel the need to justify our actions regardless of our faith status? There being a just end to
all deeds good and bad isn't an unknown concept to people. Do we not damn things that
upset us, or hope people go to a better place?
To grasp God it is wise to realize He does love us, but is not going to tolerate a sinful life
no matter slight or completely evil we have been! To grasp God does love us and realize
no matter how bad we have been that He paid a price to save us, but will allow us to
reject Him. I think it is foolish to reject the Holy and Just nature of God and look at only
the attributes we feel good about seeing, this would distort God in our minds and not give
us a clear picture of who He is.