Spectrum,
have you read the whole OT in its entirety? By this I mean, every word? I think you may have read parts of it that speak of the killing of other nations, but did you read the parts when God says they were killed as a lesson also and that when he brings them back from death, he will do everything in his power to teach them the lesson they needed to learn. And will then explain to them that if they refuse to turn away from their bad deeds, even after they are given many opportunities to do so, then he will take their lives again, with no hope of bringing them back?
But the point is, they are coming back from death. They are right now in a peaceful state. That is all I was saying. It is hard for many people who have not heard the true gospel of Christ to understand why in the OT God seems bent of just destroying. It is impossible with that slanted view to reconcile it with "God is love" which many chrisitans preach.
I agree, if you just look at some OT accounts and do not really understand what the bible is about, which many Christans do not, then it is hard to understand Gods total plan. Most christians believe in hellfire or that the 2nd death is held out at this time, which it is not.
Anyway, if you do not believe the bible is inspired of God, than that is your choice anyway. I dont think people have to believe the way I do. I only responed to show not all of us Christans are approving of a God that is ready to kill innocent people. We fully understand the purpose behind it and know that usually God is ready to forgive and that he wants to save everyone and reconcile them back to himself. I think It was greendawn who said this period of man is just a blip in the whole span of time. When everything is reconciled back to God, we will not even remember this short time span.
So, believe me I have listened to myself and fully understand what I am saying. faith in God and his plans for us is not something everyone has at this time. And that is o.k. , I just don't want your or anyone else to think we are deranged and following some evil God.
There are always two sides to every story. Anyway, I thank you for your input.