>As far as a merciful God goes - I prefer to look at it this way... We all deserve to spend eternity in Hell. Even those who think they are really good - have selfish motives. There's not a person on Earth who could honestly say he's never done anything wrong. It's something we ALL have to deal with. God shows His mercy by allowing those who trust in Christ to spend eternity with Him.

I think this is the principal point of difference between us. I believe that people are born no worse than neutral and with a great capacity for good. I think it's the balance of what you do in your life that matters, not every single little act. So despite the fact that I was occasionally mean to my little sister, the kindness I show her now more than outweighs that in the ultimate scheme of things.

I have certainly done things wrong in my life, but to the best of my ability, I've made them right, and I believe I've done far more that's good than bad.

Your vision of God seems pretty cruel to me.

Tamar