No. With xians there’s always waving the stick, then demanding obedience (to church leaders), followed by the promise of a far-off reward.

And, the divine one gets really riled up.

Verses 14-22 are admonitions specifically addressed to the Church at Laodicea whose members show neither zeal nor rebellion: 16” . . . because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold— I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. . . .     Rev 3:16, 19-21 NIVUK

Verse 19 is just a minor riff on: those he loves he chastises. This is by no means a minor issue to xian apologists — see also Heb 12:6 It’s part of the (insurmountable) problem of (unmerited) punishment.

The Greeks dealt with the problem with the notion of inherited guilt — if the gods didn’t get around to dear ol’ Dad soon enough, the son will get lashed instead. The xians settled on the common idea that Dad’s behavior will be punished in the next life.

Moreover, the xian god does whatever he likes to whomever he wishes, including the good man — which was the message of long-suffering Job. The xians, jews, ancient greeks, were by no means humanitarians. And verse 20 shows Christ softening his tone only after his threats and your obedience, or if he really loves you he’ll apply a little discipline — yes, xianity is BDSM.

the anti_supernaturalist