Tom, please don't take this as an attack against your beliefs. The quote you gave is one of the more sane and comforting things to come out of the Bible. It's merely a major curiosity of mine to pursue the contradictions I see in Biblical verses.

I don't have the time right now to go read a Bible or find a website link to support my impression but I think you'll admit that what you quoted simply doesn't square with one of the overall messages of the Bible that one basically is doomed to burn in Hell without any belief.

How can one understand a quote like you gave with that seemingly contradictory message? If one is "blessed" for their actions how could a compassionate and loving God damn them to Hell for their lack of belief?

As far as Mother Theresa is concerned I'm not at all surprised she would have agnostic tendencies. I've stated on here often that I think many in the clergy are no longer believers simply because their forced religious historical education would open their eyes to the real gaps in logic and the documented manipulation of religious texts by political forces. I think many stay in despite their loss of faith because they believe rightly they'll help people more by the increased exposure the church will give them.

I'd like to believe that most truly care about their flock but I also know there are the inevitable ones in it for the ego and power that comes with church leadership.

Art