Cam,
If I can comment here, briefly.
The fact is we don't know about the true nature of God. That's why it's called faith, "the belief in things not seen and not known."
Regarding a few of your statements. God MAY choose to let in those who live a good life, but that does not mean He WILL. In the Bible, there is only one guaranteed way to achieve salvation and that is through Jesus, the risen savior. Does that mean everyone else burns in Hell? I truly don't know, but I do own insurance on my house and haven't ever had a fire.. but I am sure to die.
Remember also that faith is about the heart. There will be many who have acted and looked like God's people who will be turned away. So it is up to each of us to live our life, following God's will and not our own, as best we can.
Praising God is really a priviledge and an outgrowth of the incredible warmth and passion and thankfulness that I find inside myself. Again, everybody can do it differently, as long as their hearts are obedient to God and humble, knowing their brokeness and unworthiness. It would be like writing a thank you note after getting a great, great present.. do you want to write it or do you have to write it?
Finally, regarding hostilities, Iraq and innocent people. It is my belief that as a Christian, I can lay my life down for my God or my fellow man. However, I also believe that we, as Christians and Americans and men, have a duty to protect the innocent people, expecially those who may not have had a chance to hear truth. I believe our duty is to protect our family, our community, our country and our world, in that order. Unfortunately, when those who would harm us hide amongst the innocent (or at least non-combatants) then we must do what we must, as carefully as possible.
While I do not speak for all Christians, I hope my words are clear to you.
Adios all,
