If I believed the Bible were true, I would become a Christian. There are several reasons for my atheism, the leading of which is the idea of a higher power is not probable in light of current scientific data. The second of which is I do not find the state of the world in accordance with an idea of a loving and merciful higher power. I do not find the Biblical God fit for worship. Hell, of course, is the mother of all of my problems with the bible. It is perhaps the most despicable and hideous of all of the Christian God’s crimes. Indeed, the cruelest of all concentration camps. (Certainly far worse than the ones created by the N**is.) Described biblically as the “lake of fire”, “the place of eternal torment with weeping and gnashing of teeth” Jesus said in Mark 9:42-48 That it is better to commit suicide or self maiming then to be delivered unto hell. So, according to the bible I assume that all here can agree that there is an existence of hell, and that hell is the worst of all circumstance. Knowing this, let me indulge you as to why the existence of hell paints the Christian God as not fit for worshiping.

If my daughters were to maim me, slander me, etc. I would still love them , for my instinct and emotion demands of me to protect and care for them regardless of their actions, much like all rational beings (animal kingdom included). So now I pose the question, why then would God condemn us to hell for something as menial as lack of faith? If he is not infinitely more so loving then me, why would hell even exist? Any true loving being would never condemn his own children to everlasting torment, especially one that proclaims himself to having the very essence of forgiveness

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the t***h in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools." Pretty much sums up Nik's posts.

If I believed the Bible were true, I would become a Christian. There are several reasons for my atheism, the leading of which is the idea of a higher power is not probable in light of current scientific data. The second of which is I do not find the state of the world in accordance with an idea of a loving and merciful higher power. I do not find the Biblical God fit for worship. Hell, of course, is the mother of all of my problems with the bible. It is perhaps the most despicable and hideous of all of the Christian God’s crimes. Indeed, the cruelest of all concentration camps. (Certainly far worse than the ones created by the N**is.) Described biblically as the “lake of fire”, “the place of eternal torment with weeping and gnashing of teeth” Jesus said in Mark 9:42-48 That it is better to commit suicide or self maiming then to be delivered unto hell. So, according to the bible I assume that all here can agree that there is an existence of hell, and that hell is the worst of all circumstance. Knowing this, let me indulge you as to why the existence of hell paints the Christian God as not fit for worshiping.

If my daughters were to maim me, slander me, etc. I would still love them , for my instinct and emotion demands of me to protect and care for them regardless of their actions, much like all rational beings (animal kingdom included). So now I pose the question, why then would God condemn us to hell for something as menial as lack of faith? If he is not infinitely more so loving then me, why would hell even exist? Any true loving being would never condemn his own children to everlasting torment, especially one that proclaims himself to having the very essence of forgiveness

The Bible is number one on the list of the most influential books in history, its impact on human life has been profound, it has possibly done more to change the world than any other book. A book as powerful as the Bible demands some sense of respect. Even an atheist should have at least enough respect for it that if you are going to attempt to refute the Bible's authenticity and reject its phenomenal importance and its history, you would make an honest and diligent effort to gain a basic understanding of what the Bible is really telling you. Without that knowledge and understanding, you have no basis for attacking it, and you wouldn't be posting an often repeated narrative in the atheist playbook.

Its been my experience that asking an atheist to explain the dynamics and meaning of Biblical events and themes is like asking a 1st grader to explain the dynamics and meaning in a textbook on advanced calculus.

Linda; the bible teaches that many will not accept nor believe in God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Some will be given over to a depraved and reprobate mind. Sadly, it is my belief that Nik is one of those and only seeks to frustrate and obfuscate -while denying the existence of the very reason he is able to take a breath each day. I pray for him and those like him, but will no longer indulge in his game of "prove it" because he refuses to even consider.... Another t***slation of Nik's actions might be: "Like sows, many people actually like rolling around in the mud and filth." period.