Ok Doug. You're right. Thanks.

>Hi Steve,
>
>>What a riot! Make up some more stuff Doug.
>
>Well, respond as you choose. I am genuinely sorry you've developed what appears to be a hard, cynical pov.
>
>At least I've made an attempt to reason with you notwithstanding the quality and tone of your replies. Perhaps, some day you'll actually discover that there are folks who really do want others to personally experience God's love as opposed to all those who want to make merchandise of others in the name of God. I thinkyou've thrown the proverbial baby out with the bathwater and I'm sorry for you.
>
>I'm 50 years old as of this year. I've seen a fair amount of life and death. Enough to instruct me that I am also going to die one day - at least physically. It simply strikes me as being emminently reasonable to investigate everything I can with respect to where I will ultimately spend the bulk of my existence. That would be after this life. Perhaps you know more than I do. perhaps you have been beyond life and come back to tell us there's nothing there. The funny thing is that in all of history there's only one individual that's ever done that or has had it asserted that He did this.
>
>Seems interesting enough for me to investigate, particularly when so many many millions have beenwilling to die trusting that knowledge.
>
>But you know better it seems...
>
>What amazes me is why someone with your pov takes such umbrage at someone like myself or others like me.
>
>Does it really bother you that my life, while difficult at times like most, is full of joy? Perhaps you're just envious..
>
>You will stand before God to give an account of your life. I pray God He is merciful to you and intervenes in such a fashion that you cannot deny His existence and that you might come to your senses and see the wisdom of aligning (by your free choice) your life with His. He does love us you know and has no desire whatsoever to see anyone perish.
>
>However, again I apologize to you if there has been any so-called Christians who have hurt you in the past. And, I certainly respect your right to choose your own destiny.
>
>I hope you will receive this in the spirit it is offered.
>
>Warmest regards....
>
>
>>
>>>Hi Steve,
>>>
>>>>snip<
>>>
>>>>Uh-oh! You better hurry and "reconcile yourself" first regardless, or you'll be eternally damned by "Him." And you'll deserve it because...because...well, it is written, or something. Touchy bastard, isn't He? ;-)
>>>
>>>I'm really sorry you have such a skewed view of God. I must, I suppose, apologize for all the people you've encountered over the years that have caused you to think this way. I truly am sorry. I'm also sorry you're as angry as you seem to be. All I can do is assert to you that God does indeed love you as an individual. I cannot change you, nor would I so wish to do but I must assert that regardless of the poor representation some have apparently given you God does indeed wish your best.
>>>
>>>Most of the pain we encounter in life comes from either ourselves or others who frankly are not doing what God would want them to do. Remember, the two most important things in Christianity are a) Love God with all your heart, mind, strength, etc and b) love your neighbor as yourself.
>>>
>>>All of us fall way way short of this but God doesn't condone these failings. He forgives them.
>>>
>>>There is justice, make no mistake about it and you and I need to resolve the issue -but- there is no "arm twisting" I've ever seen from God. From men misrepresenting Him perhaps.
>>>
>>>God take a lot of bum raps where man blames Him for what other men have, of their own volition, chosen to do. I'm sorry if that's happened to you and again, I apologize for those who in God's name have perhaps hurt you in the past.