[allison]

At least they didn't die alone. Probably no comfort at all, but hey

[Kelseecat65]

[djrizzz]

now christians will pay for this in Pakistan !! every day

[philovan]

Originally Posted by records1 ↗

Exactly, so how do you feel my statement is wrong?

As far as the New Testament, and Jesus sayings in particular go, you have a point. Forgiveness rather than vengeance is the theme. However, one must keep in mind that for Christians the Old Testament is just as much Scripture (the "Word of God") as is the New Testament, and in the OT it is easy to find justification for and encouragement of slaughter and vengeance taking. Just a couple of examples: The Hebrews were commanded by God (according to the Old Testament) to wipe out the inhabitants of the land they were invading, men, women, and children, without exception. Also, when they had established themselves in the land there was an elaborate system of "cities of refuge" set up where slayers could flee (it they were fortunate) from the relatives of the persons they killed in order to avoid the "kinsman avenger", the latter being a sanctioned actor. And of course there is the biggie: God got so pissed off at mankind over their egregious sinning that he decided to slaughter all of humanity except for eight people in a large boat. The point here is not whether you believe in this story. Rather the point is about the sort of God that Christians believe in. Also, remember that Jesus himself said that he came not to abolish the law (of the Old Testament) but rather to fulfill it. While this is subject to various possible interpretations it is clear that Jesus didn't explicitly repudiate the teachings of the Old Testament. Theologians have wrestled with the difficult questions involved in attempting to reconcile the Old and New Testaments for about 2000 years. Some Christians in history have repudiated the Old Testament (e.g. Marcion) but this is contrary to the orthodox Christian doctrine.

[spudigitti]

Burn baby burn.....
Disco inferno

[kustom80]

Originally Posted by djrizzz ↗

now christians will pay for this in Pakistan !! every day

They had already paid and continue to pay, this was their retaliation.

[Spiffyfable]

The downside to Mob Justice

[Razorhead]

Crazy shit. They dont fuck around.

[records1]

Originally Posted by philovan ↗

As far as the New Testament, and Jesus sayings in particular go, you have a point. Forgiveness rather than vengeance is the theme. However, one must keep in mind that for Christians the Old Testament is just as much Scripture (the "Word of God") as is the New Testament, and in the OT it is easy to find justification for and encouragement of slaughter and vengeance taking. Just a couple of examples: The Hebrews were commanded by God (according to the Old Testament) to wipe out the inhabitants of the land they were invading, men, women, and children, without exception. Also, when they had established themselves in the land there was an elaborate system of "cities of refuge" set up where slayers could flee (it they were fortunate) from the relatives of the persons they killed in order to avoid the "kinsman avenger", the latter being a sanctioned actor. And of course there is the biggie: God got so pissed off at mankind over their egregious sinning that he decided to slaughter all of humanity except for eight people in a large boat. The point here is not whether you believe in this story. Rather the point is about the sort of God that Christians believe in. Also, remember that Jesus himself said that he came not to abolish the law (of the Old Testament) but rather to fulfill it. While this is subject to various possible interpretations it is clear that Jesus didn't explicitly repudiate the teachings of the Old Testament. Theologians have wrestled with the difficult questions involved in attempting to reconcile the Old and New Testaments for about 2000 years. Some Christians in history have repudiated the Old Testament (e.g. Marcion) but this is contrary to the orthodox Christian doctrine.

philovan,
Thanks, I expected a response like this. Very well said. I'm sure I'll hear from others later after this.

The Old Testament stories condoning violence shows God looking after His people. The instances when certain inhabitants were killed-Canaanites, Egyptians, Sodomites, Gomorrah etc. was because they were against God and evil. They had to be removed.

Re: Noah's ark story-We and all of creation are expendable. God has set moral, physical and spiritual laws intended for our own good. Disobey any and there will be a negative consequence.

Theologians and others may have problems reconciling the Old and New Testament. I don't at all. Jesus was peaceful, yet could exhibit rage as in Matthew 21:12,13.

[Hugo L.]

It's ok, for once Christians targeted Muslims, not the other way around. Payback's a bitch, ain't it?