Craig,

I just thought that it was wild that we are in the same city. Maybe Greta is at work again and also trying to help with my spiritual growth. : ) I have also been a Lutheran my whole life, by the way.

Thanks for all your comments about animals. I often feel that I am being pushed by God to do certain things. At this time, I believe that it is to try to help with being a voice for the animals. Human and animal suffering is very depressing, but I trust God to provide whatever is needed to anyone who is trying to make the world a better place.

You talked a lot about oneness. Perhaps that is primarily why it bothers me when people refuse to speak to each other rather than even try to work through problems. I have been at fault in that area at times in my life too, though.

It's good to be reassured that prayer changes the environment. I hope that prayers to stop the pain and suffering of all humans and animals will somehow be more powerful than all the negative energy created in this world.

You said, "It’s the intention to pray that’s important—the prayer is just the outward evidence of the intention." Sometimes I just sort of have the thoughts without saying the words. I am assuming that God knows my thoughts. Is that what you are referring to?

I hope to learn more about Revelation real soon. I saw what you said about the hell "myth". Believe me, I have struggled with the concept for many reasons many times. However, because of the different spheres that are perhaps in the afterlife, I imagine that some low planes could be somewhat hell like. I don't wish that on anyone.

Now back to my reconciliation struggle. You said, "No, that would require forcing a person to change beliefs." I'm not sure what beliefs would need to be changed. It just seems to me like hearts need to be changed, and somewhere along the line, I got the idea that there would be a great reconciliation in heaven and that all would be right again with God's entire creation.

You said, "If he turns away, there’s no hope for him in that condition." My understanding is that fundamentalists believe the "no hope" part is hell. What do you mean by "no hope"? In spiritualism, couldn't a person grow and advance through the "spheres" whenever he/she is ready? (Please excuse me if I am assuming too much. I have read a lot about near-death experiences too, so I may be pulling in some of that.)

You asked, "What did you read that suggested Yeshua said "treat others as you would tax collectors if they refuse to reconcile”? I should have looked up the scripture before I stated it that way. I was thinking of Matthew 18:17: "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

I will need to re-read what is in Fred's links. I am very big on justification by faith with good works being a result of what is in one's heart. I also think about Christ telling the thief on the cross that today they would be together in paradise.

I hope that I haven't monopolized too much space here.

Thanks!