Brainwashing? Christianity seems to be taking weird steps, here at least.

[Lord Winter]

It's not bleak on the whole. Yes, it reduces the importance of this life, but compared to an atheist who thinks you become worm food when you die, it's really a pretty good message to spread.

Well I suppose your body will still become worm food, but you know what I mean.

Perhaps calling life a test was a bad choice of words, because God already knows the results, and we would all fail if it wasn't for His intervention. It's only because of the original sin we need to go through this, and its purely out of mercy that God gives eternal life. There's nothing bleak about that.

I just can't belive that God only uses this life to sort out humanity. Like you say he has other ways. Instead I belive that theres a purpose in an earthly life and it should be a time of growth and joy instead of penence and sorrow.

[Rhyfelwyr]

I just can't belive that God only uses this life to sort out humanity. Like you say he has other ways. Instead I belive that theres a purpose in an earthly life and it should be a time of growth and joy instead of penence and sorrow.

I agree it's useful for growth and joy. But we are born sinners, you have to be transformed by God for any useful growth to happen. In any case, you've got to admit that penence and sorrow have their roles. If we were perfect, we wouldn't feel them, but being born sinners it's always going to be a struggle.

[Lord Winter]

They have a role, but everything in moderation.