it won't attract them by focusing on sin and hell and God's retribution.

there needs to be some balance, i agree. but putting more of that stuff on the scale won't strike the balance that will bring ppl of the world to church and then to God and salvation. b/c don't nobody wanna hear all of that. and unlike when the Bible was written, ppl have too many other options besides church in general or the xtian church specifically and any particular denomination. so if a church is preaching that fiery mess and another is on the grace tip of course ppl are going to be drawn to grace. so maybe that fiery church needs to tone down its message. it can stay on that fire stuff if it wants - and watch its membership continue to dwindle. which may result in more lost souls.