Scare tactics?

Threats of hell or shunning seem to make up the lion's share.

Hi Shakespear,

Well unfortunately all denominations have been guilty of scare tactics at one time or another. The false doctrine of burning in hell and being tormented for ever was a biggie during the 19th century and is still used throughout the Bible Belt of America.

The concept of a ferocious god was prevalent in Jesus' day as expounded by the Pharisees, hence Jesus' mission to reveal the true God of love and compassion.

Non- christian religions have angry gods that need to be appeased either by sacrifices, gifts or good works.

The uniqueness of Christianity is that it is the ONLY religion where the God dies for the people and not the people for the god.

Another unique feature is salvation by grace, again not found in any of the other religions, where works is the predominant requisite for salvation.

Sadly there is a large proportion of Christendom, predominately the Catholic Church, that also has lost the message of "salvation by grace through faith and not of works lest any man should boast" Eph.2:8-10.

Then there is the Laodicean Church that is sitting and warming the pews not realising that "faith without works is dead" Js.2:17. expecting by some miracle that the Holy Spirit will do the work!

God Bless,

H'chat.