It doesn't make me want to run and sign up.
2007-01-02 15:19:37 · 20 answers · asked by warp 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It took me 30 years to ask myself that same question. And the answer is...... ? Haven't figured it out yet!
2007-01-02 15:39:22 · answer #1 · answered by Rapunzel XVIII 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those who view God as "frightening" and "cruel", do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. God is loving, merciful, peaceful, and compassionate. Not many parents would make the sacrifices God has made for people who hate him.
Yes, he will discipline those who are unwilling to repent, and one should be "frightened" if they are not living according to his Word. However, every human child could say the same about a parent who believes in discipline and correction. God is a parent, and sometimes humans behave in a manner that require discipline.
Also, to protect his humble children who are trying their best to live a Christlike life, he will punish unbelievers with eternal punishment(hell) if they are unwilling to repent and change. That is to remove evil, hate, and other "frightening" qualities and experiences after his return.
If he does not, after he renews the earth, it will be a mirror of image of what it is now. Of course this punishment is not good news for those who will be punished, but a blessing for those who have pleased God. Heaven and hell does not depend upon whether humans believe or disbelieve, or whether we feel it is right or unjust. We all have free will, and can choose as we please. Free will is another gift God has given to us.
2007-01-02 23:46:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may be frightening if you don't understand him but he's not cruel. As far as punishment, every good parent punishes their child. God is love itself and he does correct us sometimes. He made a world called hell as punishment for Satan and the fallen angels but this world was open to us when sin came along. God in the bible warned us about this place and how to stay clear from it many times. Other religions even give warnings about hell. Jesus has made it possible through his death and resurrection to never have to go to hell by believing in him and living like he lived.
I was terrified of God when I first started reading Revelations too until I found out that he is very kind and is nothing but love. He hates the sin in us but doesn't hate a single person. I'm sure he even loves Satan as evil as he is.
2007-01-03 01:36:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The power to frighten and destroy is the same as the power to protect. It is how that power is applied that matters. Women like big strong guys because they can protect them, but they'll hate those same guys if they use that strength to abuse them. I guess a cruel and punishing God make people want to get on his good side and gives them reassurance that their enemies will be smited. Doesn't work for me, but it does to many.
2007-01-02 23:41:22 · answer #4 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I TOTALLY see where you are coming from, and here are my thoughts. I honestly don't think God is so cruel or punishing. I think He has been misrepresented by the people who supposedly serve Him.
Church is all political and about numbers. I can hear a lot of you saying "nuh-uh!" but you are obviously not in the inner circles of one. My husband is a minister, and if he doesn't get numbers up, then his job is threatened, and it is not isolated. This is the truth everywhere. Scaring people into Christianity is often very effective for numbers, so people often distort the message of God who loved us even though we screwed up into a fiery hell and brimstone God. I think He does discipline us, yes. But I don't think He is up there in the sky, just waiting for us to screw up so he could give us a spanking. :)
2007-01-02 23:26:09 · answer #5 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good question.
What is the use of rushing to a lamp which sheds no light? That is why you should go ahead to find out how God can attract millions of people to His shelter.
At this moment I am quite happy to live peacefully under His protection and sincerely wish that all other people will be able to enjoy this boundless love of the One True God.
2007-01-02 23:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you were naughty when you were young, didn't your parents punish you cause they love you and wanted you to be a good citizen?
Whats the attraction of a God who doesn't care what you turn out to be and where you end up?
2007-01-02 23:25:06 · answer #7 · answered by Nats 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
None.
But thank God, the Holy bible shows a God who is good and His mercy endures forever. So I wonder why people don't want to run and sign up?
2007-01-02 23:35:00 · answer #8 · answered by Luke Lim 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What's the attraction of monsters and horror movie villians? What's the fascination of serial killers?
The attraction is in being near the violence without being the victim of the violence.
2007-01-02 23:36:28 · answer #9 · answered by February Rain 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
THe attraction of Justice. That all the poor victims of evil people will have justice.
God punishes those that are evil and cruel.
That is my attraction to God.
2007-01-02 23:22:56 · answer #10 · answered by sfumato1002 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋