I would have to ask: Is this "unconditional hate"? ;-) Actually, that is a good point to ask. Stephen is reading these verses literally, but I happen to know Stephen doesn't read all the scriptures literally (from previous discussions). Things to consider when reading these verses in light of all the scriptures: What is the reading from the original Hebrew on these? Have ancient Christians or Jews or Nephites spoken on how God feels about sinners that differ from these verses (I would have to say, yes. Look at the reasons the Lord sends Ammon and his brethren to the Lamanites. And if Ammon can love the Lamanites so intensely as to not be able to stand thinking about a nation of people in sin, then why should God be any different?)?
If God hates sinners so much, then why does he show so much patience and mercy towards them, rather than just quickly wipe them off the earth? Why didn't he kill Laman and Lemuel early on, allowing the Nephites to grow easier in righteousness? Why does God give sinners so many "second chances" if he hates them? Just questions to ask in trying to answer the "literal" disparity that occurs when we read the scriptures too literally. K'aya K'ama Gerald Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom/ Freedom Forever Stephen quotes: (Helaman 15:4) But behold my brethren, THE LAMANITES HATH HE [GOD] HATED because their deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of the tradition of their fathers. (Malachi 1:2-3, cited in Romans 9:13) "I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: YET I LOVED JACOB, AND I HATED ESAU, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at /// /// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html /// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// --^---------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aaP9AU.bWix1n.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html --^----------------------------------------------------------------
