>I think you're missing the point of the parable - you're so busy concentrating on the repentance/God worship thing. The other son says that he's stayed and been Eddie Attaboy while the prodigal has been living it large. Why should he kill the fatted calf? The point is the Xian concept of forgiveness, despite the trespasses against you, unconditionally. BTW none of that family will have made it to the Kingdom either, none of them being Xians.


I believe the point of the parable was to show that God welcomes repentant sinners with open arms. The context previous about the lost sheep and the lost coin seem to indicate the point is more about sinners coming to God that the concept of Christian forgiveness. I do agree there is an application there with the brother that we need to consider - but - I don't agree that is the point of the parable.

Why do you keep saying these people are not Christians? On what basis to you make that claim?

And - are you typing "Xian" as a way to respect the name of Christ (by not writing it out) or is it just to save time?