Wow. Definitely a much different tone from my somewhat-mindless 'Awesome Friday' posts (not that there is anything wrong with mindless from time to time - that's why I post them, to keep my mind on a more 'basic' level from time to time.

That being said - this is an eye opening and inspiring post KT. Let me pre-empt by saying that I am not an extremely religious person, at least not by definition. I consider myself to have a solid relationship with God, but I don't attend church regularly, read the Bible, or anything of that nature. I was brought up in an environment that sort of 'forced' religion on me, and it was a big turn off - long story, but that's the nutshell. I also went to a Christian University (Belmont here in Nashville, TN) so it was a big part of my college experience.

First, some thoughts on the Old Testament - again, I have never sat down and read the Bible cover to cover. But the Old Testament never was appealing to me because I have seen many 'extremists' for lack of a better term, take the Old Testament VERY literally which sort of freaks me out to think of God as an all-fearing wrathful destructive power. And, as you said, it's not the symphony of the Bible, it's the scales - or at least that's what it appears as to me. 

The question you bring up that is asked - 'If you are an all powerful God, why do you let horrible things happen in the world' - Wow. I mean, this is a question I struggle within my own faith, and still don't claim to understand and all. It's a question that has made me (and I'm sure many many others) question their faith. Secondly, you bring up an amazing point, in that even those who don't see Jesus as the son of God can realize and appreciate that he is an example of purity and overall 'perfection' - overcoming the bad in the world and being the epitome of all that is good.

Anyways, I'm rambling - but this is a great post. You've inspired me to take a look at myself, my own relationship with God, and my overall faith (in a good way). Thank you.