I wish I could be more helpful, than I was. It has been weighing heavily on my mind. I do not think you are alone in your feelings. "vindictive and judgemental belief system" ....absolutely this is the Jews system (that is as expressed in the Jew's bible - what churches call the old testament). The new church Paul/Saul and Catholic church grabbed onto this - passed onto the reformed churches: sin - God judges you - you'll face punishment you bad boy.... give us some money..... ----------- new message --- Jesus's actually message was a new message. You are not judged. You are loved. I tried to express this above at: https://www.elitetrader.com/et/thre...live-morally-sound-lives.376385/#post-5868862 I'm not sure if it was taken in - but the message is of Infinite Divine and non-judgemental Love. In the anger/argumentative framework of this board and the new "tweet" responses people seem quick to give one-liners. Fast off ego-based responses. (No I am not saying this about yourself I receive your position and concern as genuine.) Everyone is about quick one-liners. I would like to offer a different way of looking at things...
Personally, I thing of the Good Omnipresent Divinity (God) as a sea of Love - unconditional love energy. In a quality so vast and overwhelming that we cannot conceive of it. This is where we can from and is our true nature - the nature of our eternal souls. So imagine earth a small planet emeshed in (spiritual) darkness, sitting in a sea of love energy, beautiful, creative love energy. ==>pause for a moment from reading, close your eyes and imagine it (this is for everyone reading) ---- 'Whenever people personify God they get into trouble' (aka theological difficulties best avoided) - is a phrase someone shared with me. ----------- I would like to suggest you set aside the concept of sin/judgement/vindictiveness. Also set aside "deity" as a 'thing/person'. Rather imagine a sea of love energy that wants the best for you. ------------ There is great pain and suffering -here on earth. The energy of great love and infinite compassion, wants to help you get free of the suffering and to return to the sea of love. (All of course IF YOU choose to). ----------------- contimued..
What I am picking up is that you are not really hearing that is you are hearing my words with your mind not with your heart and have predetermined your belief. (as in.. Yah, yah but I wanted to hate the judgemental 'christians' so everything you share is blah, blah, blah..) Therefore more is in vain. ----------------------------------- I shared a video - I'm guessing you didn't watch it? I suggested thinking of how you might be helped now - in your daily life - in the struggles we all face. I suggested reading John but I am guessing your pre-beliefs (aka prejudging) were not open to that. Forget "If I die tonight.." Think on "if I live now.." Sincerely, with love, (as Red Green ended his comedy show 'I'm routing for you - were all in this together!)
My beliefs on the non-existence of gods are sincere. I reject the existence of any immortal and non-earthly beings. My beliefs on Christianity are not pre-determined apart from this, they are all learned from Christian teachings and Christian teachers. How else would a non-Christian know anything about Christianity? I can add that what I know about Christianity did not come from any other religion's teachings. As I said, I'm prepared to take my chances that I'll be proven wrong on the existence of gods and on my death I'm prepared to take the consequences. If that is eternal punishment and pain, so be it. But I object to being told by some Christians is that this will not happen, that it's not what their Christian church or sect or community holds to be true, and that by implication their church is a more humane and inclusive form of Christianity.
It does not necessarily follow that hell is from judgement by a 'god". If there is a state of being that is separate from our true nature of limitless love - which by comparison would be suffering - it does not follow that it is judgement putting us in this state.
" But I object to being told by some Christians is that this will not happen," (I don't know if you are objecting to what I have said. ) I don't know any "christians' who do not think those not saved will be in not in a state of 'hell'