Thank you all for your words. I am a believer, but my views are a bit different. I know on this site that is not okay. I get it.
One last question: why is Jesus death always emphasized but NOT his life and his teachings. It seems people quote the Old Testament a lot or they quote Paul but not Jesus ... not anything about what Jesus said. He said so much ... a new way to live. Isn't that the REAL challenge?
I could tonight say to God ... God, i am a sinner, I repent and I want to be born again. Well I have said all those words except the wanting to be born again because I think I already have been. It is not a one time event ... it is an ongoing event.
For me it is about repentance and learning not to sin and wanting not to sin ... but so much more. So my point is that the whole Bible points to Jesus. Jesus is the good news ... but not his death ... his lilfe ... his teachings. Love God with all your heart and love your neighbour (those two things together ... who can do it? almost no one .. but we try and we try. That is what being a Christian is all about.
It is not about judging the fate of other people (saying their religion is wrong) or they are going to Hell. Leave all of that to God. Judge not is better than righteous judgement because, too often, we get it wrong. Only God knows a person's heart.
I was recently told on her that I live in darkness ... I assure you I most certainly do not. I was told my theology is all wrong .. my answer: so what? I do the best that I can do just like we all do. I dont judge you. Please dont judge me or others who are different from you. You do not, contrary to what you think, have all the answers. No one does.
Yes Catholics, Muslims, Jews and many mainline protestant sects such as Lutherans and Episcopalians do believe in universalism based on behaviour. Not a free ticket for all ....