Putting the Bottom Back In.

When Jesus preached forgiveness and love he well and truly blew the bottom out of the Pharisees' religion of rewards and punishments.

But after Jesus was crucified his followers and priests put the bottom back in.

I believe that Jesus taught that everyone was forgiven and loved by God, that no one was condemned, and no one would perish.

But later writers, beginning with St. Paul, returned to the crude religion of rewards and punishments, including heaven and hell.

This was reinforced at Nicaea after Christianity became the state religion of Rome.

The inclusion of The Book of Revelation as the last word in the Bible was the last straw.

I believe that God punishes no one.

Therefore there is no Judgement - Personal or General.

And there is no hell.

But no doubt if we preach this religion of forgiveness and love the powers and authorities of this world will seek to reinstate the carrot and stick religion of rewards and punishments, heaven and hell.

Because it is this religion which ensures their power over the masses and maintains their position of privilege.


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