As somebody who comes from FSE I'm amazed how civil this thread is. I really am.
Bromden said:
the old and new testaments are contradictory. I either forgive and help sinners, or crash their skulls with rocks, but it's hard to do both.
It isn't as easy as that. The Jewish laws from 3000 years ago don't necessarily have something to do with god's will.
Úlfheðinn said:
Fear is a big part of most religions, be it fear of sanctions/punishment from people, society or divine beings.
In my opinion more importantly faith helps people to overcome fear. This might sound kinda pretentiously but I actually don't fear anything because I'm confident that the lord will take care of me.
But I see your point. Especially in Christianity the Catholic church helped to spread the lie about sinners going to hell. And the previous speakers gave us some insights to the Islamic counterpart.
Sayd, if I may ask, where are you from exactly?