I know something about gnosticism. But it's all apart of the same nonsense. The devil can't do anything without Yawyeh allowing it. So the devil is doing God's will. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. That doesn't look like a free ticket to you?
The rapist must of course repent truly. And that is in someone's heart; i cannot judge. Does he believe in Jesus or is he trying to get parole? God knows.
Ultimately I am not here to make apologetics for any religion but to say that:
1. I believe there is a Supreme Being
2. I don't pretend to understand much more than that. I know enough to say that all I know for sure is, I don't know enough to say for sure.
Remaining open to any religion harms no one.
Well then please stop. What is that logic even? Don't justify the God. Yes the world makes us suffer but God does nothing to prevent it! He built the world in a way that someone always have to suffer endlessly. You have to murder to eat. Isn't it insane? Why would a loving God do that?
EDIT: BTW, I was always told that suicide is a heavy sin. How do you feel on a forum where (almost, maybe just the majority) everybody is a sinner? Do you like it?
EDIT 2: I don't want to be mean but I dislike your logic. I threw Christianity away from my mind when I was told that suicide is a sin I was like "wtf".
1. Suicide may be a sin, may not be. I know that the Bible HAS been heavily and selectively edited by numerous parties thru history that may have had a vested interest in making suicide appear sinful.
2. You're not being mean at all and please don't think I am being mean either or apologizing for God. Its hard to transmit tone through a message board; I'd rather have a beer with you and chat to be honest.
All I am saying is: I believe in God. Whether you call him Christian God; Allah; Ain Soph, you name it, I am not discounting the idea of a Supreme Deity. I'd consider myself Christian but there are many tenets that dovetail with other religions so by trying my best to adhere to a good life while believing a God exists, I certainly hope any God would take notice - i.e. don't condemn me Allah because I was raised Christian.
Im not trying to convince you to be Lutheran or Baptist. Just be open to the concept of a God and see where it takes you. Framing is crucial: i can look at a glass as half full, half empty, or it doesnt matter bc its filled with warm piss, and my reading and understanding will be colored accordingly.
It has been nice talking with you. And I would welcome anyone to PM me if they have questions. I'm not a Jehovahs Witness, Im not going to convert you. I have just spent enough time in study to believe that something created everything.