Do you think god is good or bad? People say that god is unconditional love. Well why is this life set up as some sort of testing ground where we are supposed to follow certain rules and do certain rituals such as praying in order to avoid hell. Wouldnt god want all of us going to heaven if he is unconditional love?

It doesnt make sence that god would want to harm us or punish us for wrong behavior.

mcre,

God is good! I see life as just "life". I believe we have rules because they are healthy and help us to avoid problems in the future. I believe they are there for our own benefit. I don't believe the "ritual" of praying will help anyone avoid hell or any other ritual for that matter. God knows the thoughts and intent of our heart (Hebrews 4:12) I personally believe that according the Bible; Jesus has set us free from sin and death (Romans 8:2)...although we are requested to live our lives a certain way...we are not perfect and make mistakes. Ephesians 2:8 says "for by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God." The gift is FREE to ALL that receive it. (Romans 5:15, 5:16, Romans 5:18)

We cannot live up to all the expectations God has for us but through Christ Jesus, we are saved by what He has done for us on the cross.

We can do our best and seek God with all our hearts, when we fail, we seek God's grace and keep moving. It's that simple! For those that accept this grace through faith, there is no fear of hell. God doesn't want us to fear.

I would really recommend you read the New Testament ( especially Romans!) This may help you see things for what they really are!

God bless!

God IS unconditional love. No matter what ever happens to you, God is right there to lift you out of your hole or cheering you on or even with you when things are going so well. He's always right there. I don't know verses, I'm not that experienced like some people on this forum for verses and such, but I do know that God answers prayers and God is love. Pray is not really a ritual, in my book. It's a way I talk with God...a conversation of sorts. And I say things all day...at least I try to...to Him. I'm not the best Christian, but I know that He loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His one and only son to die for us. Now, wouldn't you say that is love??? As for the "tests" that God gives us, I think that sometimes we loose track of God in our daily lives and He helps us to get on track back to Him. That's what happened to me. I never really had God in my life until a few years ago when I started have problems with my anxiety. If it weren't for my anxiety, I wouldn't have Him in my life. I have been blessed by my anxiety... Anyway, like I said, I'm probably not the best person because I can't quote from the Bible or anything like that, but I do feel that God is love...and I know that God is right there...even if you don't even know Him. That's my 2 cents...Thanks for listening.
Cindy