That was the biggest problem that I had with Christianity, to be honest...the concept of eternal punishment for sins that you couldn't
not do, as being imperfect you had no choice but
to do.
I remember talking to an old lady at my old church once (when I used to go) and she was talking about hell, and she turned to me and she said " I wouldn't worry too much dear, it's where you'll end up...people like you always do!"
I was stunned, this woman didn't even
know me, but she was making snap judgements about me...in church...she was judging me in church! So I did no more and turned to her very sweetly and said "looks like I'm not going to be alone then, eh...for someone that lives by the example of Christ, you're doing an excellent job of casting the first stone!" and I walked away.
I got to thinking when I got home, why bother going if according to her (and many of them there thought like that) I was on a one way trip "downstairs" anyway? No matter what I did or said.
Now I know that many feel that's not the case, but there are many that do and I have no time for that anymore...I don't have time to feel all of the guilt that they said that I should be feeling

I mean, I'm polite, curteous, honest, trustworthy, love and respect my parents, am slow to anger, am generous, kind, loving, helpful, I'm even chaste...but all of that is for nought, because I don't "look" Christian enough, don't pray enough, don't tithe enough, witness enough...blah, blah, blah. What
is enough?!?!
I have to say, that woman did more in turning me away from Christianity than anyone else, and no matter what I hear and read to the contrary her comment sticks in my mind, and I can't shake it. It's entirely my fault that I let her get to me so badly, but somehow I can't shake the feeling, deep down, that she's right!
If I'm going there anyway, I might as well deserve it
Sorry, about that...got a bit mad rambly, there
