Story time!

In spite of her troubled past, Jessica was a highly successful high school student.  She escaped a troubled home life and abusive step-father by diving into her schoolwork.  As a result, she earned a full-ride scholarship to a well respected university, and flourished in college life.

She met Todd at a party and was immediately smitten.  In contrast to Jessica, everything seemed to come easily to Todd.  He was well liked, a star athlete, and on the student council.

At the party, Jessica had a bit too much to drink, and is quick to accept a ride home from Todd.  Instead of taking her home, though, they drive to a lookout point.  She tries to say no, but he’s too strong and powerful, and he rapes her.

In the months following Jessica deals with severe depression.  She was saving her first time for marriage, and is too embarrassed to go to the police.  Word gets around, and she gets branded a slut.  She loses her faith and stops going to church.  How could God have let something like this happen?  When she finally can’t take it anymore, she hangs herself with a belt in her closet.

After her death, Todd feels guilt.  He becomes more involved in his church, and earnestly prays for forgiveness.  He feels like his prayers are answered, and considers himself “born again”.  A month later, he is tragically hit by a random drunk driver while walking home from the library and killed instantly.

This is a contrived story, but it’s plausible, isn’t it?

Some questions:

Would you consider Jessica to be the victim of a crime?

Would you consider Todd to be a criminal?

Who, if anyone, is in heaven?

Who, if anyone, is condemned to hell?