You should recall that in the story of Jericho, a woman named Rahab confessed her belief that the God of Israel was not only the Supreme God, but also the only holy and good God there was.
Not all Canaanites were ignorant. Rahab knew about God and acted on her knowledge of what was the truth and what was good. She was raised a pagan and heathen, born in a world of demon worship, and yet she took the chance to be with God's people. God didn't even have to open the heavens and show her His blinding glory.
Women were never "nephilim" as far as I can find. But they were taken by Nephilim to be the wives, concubines and offspring bearers. Doesn't mean that women of Cannaan, didn't believe in God at all (probably knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, when taking into consideration the company they were forced to keep).
As I said, God shouldn't need to reveal Himself explicitly. If people don't listen to God there's no point. It would be nice if we could be obedient even if we can't see Him!!!! Many good people have done that, even though they never have seen God.
Then how would we know there is a God, unless He reveals Himself in some way/form/or fashion? I believe He must (and does) reveal Himself to us. That is what get's us going after Him...
Moreover, your chance to be one of God's people doesn't end in physical death. Remember that Christ preached to the world of the dead. Those who had never heard of the Christian Gospel were raised to life in heaven because they were destined to be God's people.
I agree on this point, with only one tiny exception.
The Ten Commandments says "do not murder" but as I said killing isn't murder if it doesn't involve hatred. The Israelites didn't hate the Canaanites. Ritual cleansing does not involve hatred. It wasn't something racist.
Surely you have overlooked certain things here. "Hit men" kill for no reason save their job. It is nothing personal...Does that mean they did not commit murder? Killing isn't murder if one is at war with another nation. Doesn't make it right, but it is a sanctioned action that all nations in general agree to.
Lately it isn't nations, but rather "entities" who are conducting war. This in and of itself makes them "mini nations", subject to the consequenses of "War".
Exactly what point are you making here? It seems to me that you're just re-affirming what I said. The Jewish and Christian faiths are the same religion. We simply say "Jewish" to refer to the Mosaic Law and "Christian" for the Christian Gospel. It's part of one single story. The Jewish faith is not "part of" the Christian faith. The two "faiths" are complements of each other. It's rather like Yin and Yang. You can't have the Law without the Gospel to fulfill it. On the other hand, if there is no Law, there's no point having a Gospel.
Interesting point. However I do not think the Jews would agree with you, however the the Christians might/could.
Yes, that's besides the point, but I think you should realise it's murder that's wrong, but not killing. What about euthanasia? Is euthanasia wrong? Is it wrong to kill terrorists or people who are a threat to the country?
Killing the feeble or the elderly, by deliberate attempt is WRONG. That is murder in the first degree. IF there are no feelings toward the victim, then it is doubly wrong.
The Pope is not the Head of the Church. It's Christ that's the Head. The Pope is the head of a political system that considers itself Christ's Church. The Christian Gospel is a message. It was never supposed to be about a political system. Christians are messengers of this Gospel.
Oh, as much as would love to agree with you on this point (I'm gonna kick myself for this later), the Pope IS the head of the church, here on earth. Jesus is head of the "church" as in people of His flock. The Pope is head of the religious organization and representitive of Jesus here on earth, while Jesus is not physically present. Jesus is head of the Pope as well.
just my thought.
v/r
Q