Where is "being nice" mentioned in the above?
Reread the quoted context, the very first sentence that you provided. Many stories in the Bible are 'parables', and the reader is left to apply that CONTEXT to their life , and their theology. That was the purpose of including those stories into the Bible. Or do you think that historians included 'office discussions' into the Bible just to bore everyone? If you cannot see the concept being illustrated by the story, I can't help you.
To paraphrase what you told svcw, you have a powerful computer in front of you, with spellchecker and 10,000 online Bibles and dictionaries, and yet you cannot find a valid reference to 'being nice' as a condition of entry into Heaven.
Maybe the problem is that we each have a different definition of what 'being nice' means.
Or perhaps SVCW could just put out there the definition of EXACTLY what it takes to get into heaven. You say 'being nice' isn't it? Granted it's not ALL that is required, but if it's not on the list, show me an example in the Bible that states or implies (as in a parable) so.
Therefore, in order for me to put any further credence into your religious statements, I would require that you do a thorough study of Christianity in contrast to various other religions and mythologies.
Fair enough. You don't have to listen to me at all. I am no theological scholar, but I have done my fair share of studies. I studied the Bible, (USING A COMPUTER), for two years, starting from page ONE and reading through to the end, with parallel windows of five of the different 'versions' of the Bible. The LATIN, and GREEK versions were also supplied as a link reference used when needed. Also contained were multiple 'translations' of various words that changed meaning dependent upon the insertion of vowels. Now.... The Book of Mormon... I don't know that much about. I probably have a smattering of education on various theologies, comparable to (most likely) you and SVCW. So... that is settled.
The BIG issue here is that I remarked on SVCW's spelling and grammar. Well... SVCW could say "I'm typing on my cell phone" or "I'm in a hurry, and don't care" or "English is my second language". Any of those are understandable excuses.
However, the only thing that represents YOU on a written discussion forum is YOUR WORDS. If you expect ME to accept someone as a WELL READ BIBLE EXPERT (and expert on the Book of MORMON), then when their grammar and spelling indicate ignorance, or laziness, I doubt what they write. I have run into some posters who intentionally misspell their words, and I asked one of them why. I got a reasonable answer, so I learned to 'read' through it.
I was hoping SVCW would come 'back' and just tell me why the weird spelling (not the intended one, but the previous ones).
All of this pointless arguing is my fault. I should be more direct.
SVCW, why are you so down on MORMONS (or the MORMON religion)?
I am not down on mormons, I am down on mormonISM.
Really it is not that complicate.
I get UCA that you really really really want to be the smartest guy in the room, but you know what - you are not.
mormonism is not Christianity, no matter how many words you use, no matter how flowery your words are - mormonism is blasphemy against the Word of God Almighty.
For your reasons and your reasons alone, have decided it appears, to make the argument that “well if we are just ever so nice”.
Nice does not get you to the eternal dwelling of God Almighty, it is just the way it is, if you don’t like it take it up with God.