Prophecy

Prophecies say that Christians will be persecuted, especially as the end times approach.  It just seems overwhelming that a set of religious beliefs purely established in love, can create so much hatred among those who do not share those beliefs.  Religions that manifest themselves in threats and hatred aren't able to see that they are allowed to believe as they do because Christians have allowed and support their freedom to believe as they wish.  And as the prophecies continue to approach, so many people seem to take pride in being on the bad side of the prophecy, claiming all the while that they are being treated unfairly or discriminated against by the very people who would love them, if allowed - and even when not allowed, the persecutors will be fed, clothed, and provided basic protections by those very Christians they persecute.

Demonstrations of love are easy to rebuff, with the only loss being the lack of acceptance - no physical or visible damage.  Hatred is strengthened, love is lost, with the damage being emotional or mental.  Demonstrations of hatred produce injury, destruction, and defensive responses - visible reminders, scars, and loss.  Turning the other cheek is hard, when it just gives the hater another opportunity to create lasting damage.

Truth always eventually wins.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Arguing about what is truth is a fine academic pursuit, if that's your bag.  A promise of everlasting love and life seems a better truth to stick to, than promises of death, pain, threats, and loss.  Even scientific method allows belief in a premise, while researching its proof, as long as that belief does not inappropriately bias the interpretation of the evidence.  Investigating with love as the underlying basis assures clarity of the interpretation.

Promises of virgins in the hereafter must lead one to eventually ask the questions:  What's in it for the virgins, and what did they do to deserve an eternity of slavery?  There can't be any slaves in heaven, it's inconsistent.