Blacknad wrote:
" [Historical note: It's worth noting that two major classical Protestant writers thought it was possible for non-Christians to be saved: Zwingli and Wesley. Calvin did not.] "
Your post brings up an interesting fact that is rarely discussed.
The writings about what god intends to do with his flock of sheep has all been written by people that not only never met or heard Jesus Christ but also, for the most part, never once read an accurate account what what he said.
Essentially all Christian writings, like those you reference, are by people (however well meaning) appointing themselves to interpret something of which they have only third hand knowledge. Which is not different from those who presume to tell us what is really happening between in international affairs and they can't even get that right.
So why would anyone put any value on these opinions? At their root they are grounded in smoke and mirrors.
And speaking of the one true religion ... consider once again:
"Scriptures: the sacred books of our holy religion, as distinguished from the false and profane writings on which all other faiths are based."
~ Ambrose Bierce
And given my disgust with this thread which is as relevant to science as a bottle of American beer ... here's something equally relevant to this thread but far more enjoyable.
"The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy and drive him before you, to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears and to gather to your bosom his wives and daughters."
~ Genghis Khan, 1226
