Morris, I WILL try to answer you, as best I can, within the limits of what I feel I can do here -- it may just not be soon. On the one hand, too-deep questioning of what I personally believe -- I'm being completely sincere, here. -- will be rebuffed, for several reasons. First, for example, there was a recent post, just last night, on another thread, responsive to some things I said that are very near and dear to my heart, and that post cut me deeply and hurt a great, great deal. I can't be open in a context like that. Second, my personal beliefs aren't representative of Christians generally, and so have limited usefulness on this board.

I am seeking to keep a very narrow focus on this thread. So, some of your questions I may answer elsewhere, and I'll try to be sure you're aware of those answers. Again, it may not be soon. The specific questions of (1) whether God hates human sacrifice and (2) "don't touch that dial" depend on how one views Torah. I will speak to that some in posts still to come on this thread, and also on the "Macdonalds" thread. Please be patient. If I don't move fast enough for you, I'm sorry, that's just the way it is.

CK, we'll be able to examine the thing from different angles as time allows. In short, "the answer" as best I can figure it for now, is only for each person to practice the virtues she or he says he or she believes -- most notably honesty and love. (Love especially for the unlovable.) Who do these things will progress as far as they can, as quickly as they can; there is no moving faster than the speed of light.

Rebecca, I'm glad you're on this thread! You may have noticed that I said, somewhere, this thread is only pursuing certain concepts you first set forth elsewhere. Please also see what I just posted to CK, here above.