The Sri Lanka bombings were retaliation they say for the Muslim mosque attack in New Zealand. [Spirituality & Religion]

@Northwest Jesus says people will know you by your love. Many call themselves Christians but are not born again.

@Carazaa If you mean John 13:35, then it's something that's been abused, by those who say that


It only refers to Jesus's people, not everyone else. Though, I believe his overall message was clear "peace not war and hate", without resorting to specific Bible verses.

@Northwest It refers to all who are born again. We love all people!

@Carazaa I don't doubt your sincerity, but there are millions of "born again" Christians, in the USA, who act like regular xenophobes.

@Northwest They are NOT Christians if they are not loving, but "liars"

@Carazaa While I tend to agree with you, the problem with labels, is that anyone can use them.

@NorthwestYes but not all can love!

@Carazaa I am an Atheist. Does this preclude me from loving?

@NorthwestI would guess that if someone lied to you, or stole from you, you would not act loving to them? Jesus has told us to love our enemies, and pray for those who despitefully use us. He says everyone can love a loving person, but I tell you to love even your enemies. Do you do that?

@Northwest I am a Christian who believe in helping poor people fleeing their countries because of poverty or any other reason. God wants us to help them I believe. So it appears that you and I have similar believes in some respect

@Carazaa A wise person said "fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me".

There is a difference between forgiveness and enablement. Forgiveness is easy, but those who commit wrong, must make amends, otherwise, they're simply taking advantage, and will re-offend.

I don't believe in prayer, but I do believe that a discussion can convey the message.

Let's take politics as an example. I don't want to hate, or seek revenge against Trump, but I can't possibly stand aside, and let him destroy the world we live in. My activism is political, as in the ballot box, but I don't "love him", regardless.

@Carazaa
Some of the people fleeing their countries, are not poor, but victims of the crimes of our Western political games, and it is our moral responsibility to accommodate them. I don't need a God to tell me that this is the right thing to do.

I don't need a God to tell me that hurting, abusing, or using people is not morally acceptable.

I don't need a God to tell me that my good fortune, is not self-made, but rather a by product of the work done by all those who came before me, or those who are helping me achieve it, even if they are employees.

Some things are "universal" and not connected to religion. You choose to channel them through religion, and I am not faulting you for that. I choose a universal moral compass, for a variety of reasons.

@NorthwestYou say those who have wronged must make amends, Well many atheists say God is so mean. No He isn't mean. He makes things right, and will avenge all wrong. I leave the retaliation to God. Because He WILL make it right. Because He is just!

"Vengeance is mine", says the Lord"

@Carazaa I said "amends", which does not mean the same thing as "vengeance". If I am commit a wrong, and I am forgiven for it, then it means absolutely nothing, unless I make amends, in at least an attempt to make up for it.

Retaliation is not love.

If God is vengeance, then God is not love.

@Northwest the state has a different authority to carry out justice than individuals. Thank you for pointing out that these Chrisitans forgive this man! These are real Christians!

@Northwest Yes God is loving but He has a right to take out vengeance on those who oppose him. He has no obligation towards us when we are hateful. And even those who hated him Jesus died for even them, so they can be forgiven for all their sins. He took all their sins on His shoulders. Would you do that for someone who hates you?

@Carazaa I use a very simple formula.

Love does not equal vengeance

Vengeance means not forgiving one's enemies

Jesus said forgive one's enemies, regardless

Therefore Jesus does not condone, or use, vengeance

If God uses vengeance, then God does not believe in forgiving one's enemy

There's a clear contradiction here, right? Or is that everything would be cool, only if people are obedient? Seems like masters used to treat slaves, doesn't it?

@Northwest No it is not a contradiction. Jesus IS Almighty God. He wants us to be loving. He will come one day as a lion and take vengeance on those who have hurt the world he says. There is not a contradiction here, just because we have a hard time understanding God. Jesus says
"How can you escape if you neglect such a great salvation"

@Carazaa So, then he wants to punish, not forgive.

@Northwest No He wants to forgive not punish.

@Carazaa

These two statements are contradictory

@Northwest That is beautiful that those victims want to forgive him. I wonder if they are Christians, because that is highly uncommon in the world.