R2: Hi Jeanie

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

Yes I understand that, the bible even states it clearly but it shows by gods actions that this is not the case and it also states that god will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Exodus 20:5

Jeanie:

My dad came from a good family, overall, but my grandfather was apparently abusive to my grandmother. They both died when my dad was only 11. Daddy ended up going to war in Korea and had a drinking problem. He was a good man, but because of his issues, my brother, who swore angrily at my dad that he would never drink, (not long before my dad suddently died at only 38) became an alcoholic himself later on. He then had a son who's mother he never married. Their relationship didn't work mainly because they drank together. (She had also been molested and was rather promiscuous as a result so he couldn't trust her - but he loved her). Their son grew up not really having a present father or normal family. Then when my nephew was only 17 he fathered a son by an older woman. They have not married. My nephew has also had some issues with drugs but is, hopefully, making changes although has already made some very bad decisions. I wonder how his son will turn out? The sins of the fathers.... It is a natural consequence....(most of the time - some make an effort not to let it be) - not what God makes happen or does to punish others. Just an example but one that is near and dear to my heart and loved ones.... This same brother passed away last year at the age of 48. He had abused his body and died due to emphysema which also caused an enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. Very very sad. I loved him dearly. He was my big brother.

R2: Like so much in the bible you can find passages to support almost any view.

Jeanie: True - but perhaps not accurately.

R2: I just don’t get how people can be comfortable following a book that describes such an abhorrent and immoral view of the world as the bible describes.

Jeanie: Not following??????????????? I guess cause I don't see things the way you do as I've stated.

It intrigues me and worries me when such people hold great power. Look at the potential human disaster that awaits us if world leaders believe as Russ T does that we don’t have to worry about overpopulation because god will save us in time. Just imagine this world in 100 years time if our leaders act on that and they are wrong!!! That’s really scary especially when I see very good reason to suspect that they are wrong.

Jeanie: But we are the ones who have actually destroyed our own earth. I'm not saying we shouldn't take action on a lot of issues, but the implications of population control scare me!