Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It has been a little busy for me.

Quote Originally Posted by Didache
To answer SOME of the questions:

While I don't especially like labels (which only put people in pigeon holes that don't accurately reflect their views), I suppose I could be described as just a smidgen to the liberal side of centre. Moderate is what some would call me, others would describe me as representing a thoughtful type of Christianity. I would certainly not belong in the fundamentalist camp, but nor would i belong in the ultra-liberal camp. I hope that helps.
I will need to ponder this a little...How do you feel about Pauls letters..We have avoided them in this thread and I have tried not to bring them in because most liberals don't like them. They say they are not inspired...It scares me that you think that Genesis and it sounds like much of the bible is a metaphor...

Re annihilation/hell/etc - there is a fair bit of biblical material which uses the language of "exclusion" (eg the parable of the foolish virgins, etc) - the concept of "hell" (to use the convenient term) would, to me, speak of exclusion from God - a spiritual darkness if you like. To be where God is not, would be hell to me. This leads on to annihilation which I suppose is the closest to my own view - not to exist at all is the ultimate "being where God is not".
What do you make of Jesus teachings in Matt 25:46? Was Jesus not being honest? In my opinion to hold to annihilation would cheapen what Jesus did on the cross...

As for "universal salvation" - it would be a nice thing to believe in! In the end though, there will always be those who do not ultimately wish to dwell in goodness and God, I think, would respect that. To "save" even those who did not wish it would be an intrusion into our free will. Having said that, my view of it would certainly be a lot broader than "heaven only contains those who sign up explicitly to Jesus".
Please explain another way...I look forward to your answer..


Bottom line - I think that there will be a lot more in the Kingdom that some of us think. After all, God is merciful and forgiving and who knows what a person's response will be when face to face with him? That is not saying that (in your phrase) "all roads lead to heaven" - but it is saying, maybe, that God sees the roads we travel on a little more clearly than we do.

That will do for now
Mike
Except God is also HOLY and is just...He must punish sin...Again Romans...
I look forward to reading your answers.