but there are lots of mean people that keep telling them they are going to hell.
That's because they are going to Hell. It's not hate, it's just being truthful, and as we all know, the truth can hurt. But, I respect their right to make that choice...just as I expect them to respect MY right to be a Christian.
So, you are saying that your god would not accept someone who didn't believe in him/her/it but who still chose to live a good life because they believed it was right, but, would accept someone who did believe in him/her/it and who lived a good life out of some fear of punishment or the promise of reward? Saying "you must believe in me, love me, worship me" etc. sounds very narcissistic, which is a human failing. I think there is far more evidence that we created our gods than the other way around.
I'm not going to argue religion, or as to whether or not there is a God, because I'm not a Bible scholar, I'm just an ordinary Christian. You are free to believe as you so choose. I happen to believe there is indeed a God, and that he sent his son Jesus Christ to come and die on the cross, in order that I (and you too if you wish) might be forgiven of my sins and enter into the Kingdom of God (Heaven), after I die. It's just that simple. If you choose not to believe that, all I can say is that's it's your loss. I would sincerely hope that you would come to the same conclusion I have, and find everlasting life.
