jester
Do you know any of these scholars personally? I know several and they are fine Christians in the true sense of the word. These are men who have studied and done their best to understand both the past and the present. They too have much to impart. We are clearly warned not to lean on our own understanding. If we do not learn how the Bible was written and the style in which it was written as well as the purpose of the writer and the audience we cannot hope to come close to an understanding. An example is the word faith. Many seem to think it means correct belief but the biblical meaning is expressed by our word trust. Of course scholarly people and clergy are real men and women. They have wisdom to offer.
Christ is known as the suffering servant. If he is part of the Godhead then God suffers as does the Holy Spirit. You are equating the word justice with retributive justice. The word justice in the Bible originally meant distributive justice. The idea of retributive justice arose out of the martyrs. Christians began to think that it was not just to martyr someone. If the martyred cannot have justice here he will have it in the future. Yet, we are told that God is not willing that any should perish. Jesus also told us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.
You are correct there are others who have not helped. However, it must begin somewhere. Our illustrious prime minister takes the attitude if the Chinese or the Americans can pollute so can we. Not a very bright stand. If we know better we should be leading the way. We are called to lead.
I have no problem saying we are judged corporately as well as individually. I still to not believe that God causes innocent folks to suffer in that judgment. If that is the case then God is not just.
Actually I think we are coming to understand each other. We don't always agree but that is life. Paul didn't agree with James at one time either but they managed to live with disagreements.
Shalom
Ted