All right...I'll try to explain this better.
Brian writes:
The Bible says that everyone will hear the Gospel, even the dead...
Yes, and many may
yet choose him at this time -- moved by the Spirit once the truth has been finally revealed to them.
Brian writes:
I don't see anything in God's psyche that is as forgiving as you believe Him to be.
Then it's very possible that you may simply not be looking too hard.
When I read the Gospel according to Luke, I read the following:
NIV writes:
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals ”- one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they
do not know what they are doing ."
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Consequently, when I read other accounts of what happened to Christ during this same time, I read things such as this...
NIV writes:
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"
To be honest, I don't think I would have the kindness in my heart to dismiss such actions simply because those who did the actions "didn't know better". But, as I've been maintaining all the way, I believe that God judges in
proportion to what is revealed to each individual -- and that he holds each individual
accountable to what they believe their conscience holds to be true.
Or, stated more clearly in Christ's own words, from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Brian writes:
Perhaps I am wrong, but His character doesn't appear that understanding to me.
Again, and I may be wrong as well -- but his character does appear quite forgiving to me.