Very much appreciate this Prudence, and I agree, it is a tough question which needs to be wrestled with even if I am sure I can't answer it. but, challenge accepted. I'll see what I can do. I sense some of your answer to it in this response, but would be interested in your further thoughts. the question as I view it is how do we reconcile the God of Love , Mercy and Grace with the God of Justice and Punishment.