I pretty much keep to myself, so I find it odd that I feel compelled to respond in this thread. It may end up biting me in the behind.
A couple of months ago, a person I have known all my life, asked me what I considered to be an odd question. She asked me if I had been baptized, because if I wasn't baptized, I would go to hell when I die.
I was completely shocked at what she said. I was raised Catholic and went to Catechism every week as a child (she knew that about me). Actually, I was more shocked about her question, rather than the fact she forgot I was raised Catholic.
A conversation ensued regarding religion. She was quoting the bible. After a few minutes, I interjected.
I had two opinions I wanted to share with her. The first thing I told her was what I learned in my heart when I was younger going to Church. God is all knowing, all loving and all forgiving.
Second, the Bible probably isn't all black and white.
Did you ever play the telephone game when you were younger? If not, this is how it is played. A bunch of kids form a line. The first child makes up a story, then tells the second child. This goes on until the end of the line. At that point, the last child tells the story. Amazing how the story took on a whole new life and barely resembles the original story.
My point with that is the Bible was written by humans. Is there a possibility not all stories were interpreted correctly? Probably
I don't know if there is a hell and whether or not I will end up there when I die.
What I do believe in is love and forgiveness. I am a good person. Just because men and women take part in the hobby doesn't mean they are bad people.
Give yourself a break, you probably deserve it!
