That is the question, brothers and sisters. Often the verse about having to be perfect as their god is perfect, is repeated by persons of the bible. Does that mean to imitate only their god's perfect qualities, while avoiding imitating his imperfect qualities/actions? For purposes of clarification, i will make a list of divine attributes/actions that are to be copied, then another list of things of his that should not be acted out, as per other bible statements. Feel free to add items to either list.
For Imitation:
1. Love
2. Forgiveness
3. Warning the wicked
4. Killing non jehovah worshippers (note, in ot times only)
5. Hate those who had their god
Not for imitation:
1. Judging
2. Killing people (new light from jesus)
3. Doing whatever you feel like doing to people who tick you off because of not having faith in you, not worshipfully adoring you, resisting your will, or the worst, denying that you exist. This includes killing, raping, beating, inflicting illness, starving people, initiating abortions etc. It's limited only by your imagination.
4. Thinking freely
5. Torturing 'evil' people for as long as possible
6. Demand total allegience without furnishing any proof of your existence that would be so extraordinary, as to be indisputable
With the above in mind, consider how it is totally natural for a people to imitate it's god/s. It can't help but be confusing. Is there light and darkness in the bible god? The bible claims there is not, yet it says that god creates darkness. Supposedly, god is omnipresent, so how can there be darkness anywhere? In view of our violent animal nature, would an all good, unconditionally loving, nonjudgemental, eternally patient, benign god force be a better model?
SS
Edited by - saintsatan on 5 February 2003 2:33:30