Heard it all before

[cryforhelp]

The answer you get here will depend on who you ask.
I believe that not everyone who is not Christian will automatically go to Hell. I believe that if someone who does not know the alternatives to their own religion, or has Christianity misreperesented to them and therefore does not follow it will be judged by their actions. If they are good people, they will follow the Laws of God we believe God has inscribed on every human heart. Thus they would be baptized by unknowing intent or whatever the technical term is. If I remember correctly, what I have stated up to here is offical Roman Catholic doctrine. If they are wicked, I think that they will be given the chance to repent right after death tht they never had in life. I don't know if that is standard RCC doctrine, but I think it anyways.

Hope that helps!

Metherion

I hope you'ew right, that sounds much better.
thanks

 

[trustgod]

If any of those other religions were right, Jesus wouldn't have had to die and rise again. He just would have taught those religions, or pointed to them.

In those other religions, Jesus is not the Messiah, and is a very minor player. For those other religions to accept that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, they would have to, by definition, be Christian religions to accept that. We don't accept Mohammed's teachings, but to a Muslim, that doesn't make Islam any less false.

 

[PaulAckermann]

Does Christianity have any scope that other religions may be right? Does the Christian doctrine mean that all Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and all the believers of other religions are going to Hell?

I am a Catholic, and I would like to give a Catholic response.

The Catholic Church teaches that there is an element of truth in just about all religions and all denominations. It is not an issue of what religion is right and what religion is wrong. That is looking at things too black and white. Except for Satan worshippers, no religion is entirely wrong. The issue is not who is right and who is wrong, but what religion has the fullness of truth. For instance, both Muslims and Jews believe in one God. So in that aspect they are both right and in that aspect they have the truth. But they do not have the fullness of truth, because they do not believe in Jesus, who is the Truth.

The Catholic Church teaches the invincibility of ignorance. If a Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists or Sikhs is sincerely ignorant of Christ, or because of their upbringing they sincerely do not grasp the real Jesus Christ and His claims on their lives, then God could still have mercy on them, providing they are obedient to the level of truth God has revealed to them. The Catholic Church has not declared anyone in partcular is in Hell. Only God can judge the heart. Only God can judge whether the non-Christian is sincerely ignorant or non-Christian deep-down know that Christ is the Truth but refuses to follow Him.


This teaching is very similar to CS Lewis. Read the last book in the Chronicles of Narnia. I believe it is called The Last Battle. In this book, the army of God is fighting against the army of the Enemy. After the army of God is victorious, there is Judgement. One soldier in the army of the Enemy stands before God in Judgement. All his life he sincerely thought he was on the right side. He sincerely thought the Enemy was the real God. He was sincere and devout, but he was obviously wrong. In the Book, this soldier received mercy from God, he was allowed into Heaven.

This does not mean that everything is relative. It does not mean that it does not matter what you believe as long as you believe something. Both CS Lewis and the Catholic Church would condemn this view. Truth matters. The more you have the fullness of truth, the more fully assured you can be of your salvation. The less truth you have, the less advantage you have to live for God, who is the Source of all truth. This is why the Bible calls us to be lovers of truth. It is far easier to live in the truth if you have of the fullness of the truth.

 

[Breaking Babylon]

God is merciful. Those outside of Christianity still have a God who very much loves them, we should leave their salvation in His hands. Do I believe that because a child was born and raised Hindu and those beliefs were sewn in his mind as the one way that God will not be merciful? No. God is not some dictator in the sky holding us over a pot of boiling water waiting to drop us, He wants to save us, wants us to repent. Salvation isn't for 'the lucky', salvation is for all who have accepted. How can you accept what you've never heard?

Let God care for them, and offer your prayers for them. As for you and I, having heard the gospel, how much more will we be held accountable? With greater knowledge comes greater responsibility, more will be expected of us. Did you ever stop to wonder why Christ spoke in parables? His parables were mercy, because to those outside of Him who didn't understand, He cannot say, at the Judgment, "You have heard and not believed!" Let's stop putting God in a box. His mercy extends far beyond our smug assurances.

Worry about your own salvation, and let God's mercy abound.

 

[salida]

cryforhelp---

Since christianity was founded on the Bible I would first examine the validity of the Bible. The Bible is the most true book in the world because facts and evidence overwhelmingly point to it. It is not just spiritually true but intellectually also. If one were to choose a religion based on intellect alone - it would be christianity.

Read Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (athiest to a christian - his conversion). And The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel - also was an athiest but now a christian). And "A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell. They did the research for us - these are objective facts not some biased view from someone.

Christianity is the only religion where its book has hundreds of prophesies that has already come true - detailed prophesies and that its leader claims to be God which is Christ. Salvation is a gift that can't be earned unlike all other religions which arn't christian. We are saved by grace - its a gift then works is a byproduct of our faith unlike other religions. Other religions its by works alone - they think they can earn it.

**Do your own research and you will find this to be true.

 

[Sketcher]

In those other religions, Jesus is not the Messiah, and is a very minor player. For those other religions to accept that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, they would have to, by definition, be Christian religions to accept that. We don't accept Mohammed's teachings, but to a Muslim, that doesn't make Islam any less false.

Where are you trying to go with this?

 

[cryforhelp]

cryforhelp---

Since christianity was founded on the Bible I would first examine the validity of the Bible. The Bible is the most true book in the world because facts and evidence overwhelmingly point to it. It is not just spiritually true but intellectually also. If one were to choose a religion based on intellect alone - it would be christianity.

Read Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (athiest to a christian - his conversion). And The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel - also was an athiest but now a christian). And "A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell. They did the research for us - these are objective facts not some biased view from someone.

Christianity is the only religion where its book has hundreds of prophesies that has already come true - detailed prophesies and that its leader claims to be God which is Christ. Salvation is a gift that can't be earned unlike all other religions which arn't christian. We are saved by grace - its a gift then works is a byproduct of our faith unlike other religions. Other religions its by works alone - they think they can earn it.

**Do your own research and you will find this to be true.

but my post wasn't questioning the validity of the bible. i do question the validity of some of the bible, but that is through not having studied it in much depth, and also is for a different thread. my question was that if the bible is valid, what about everyone else (non Christians), especially thoses of other faiths. i didn't want people explaining that other religions are wrong, i wanted to know what happens to people who believe in them if they are wrong.
but thanks for the tips, i'll certainly try to get hold of those books for my other questions.

 

[trustgod]

Where are you trying to go with this?

It doesn't matter. Our paradigms are too different to make resolution of this possible.

 

[The Virginian]

Anyway, I'll get to the point.



Does Christianity have any scope that other religions may be right? No! This is based upon who those of the Christian faith, believe Jesus Christ to be.
Does the Christian doctrine mean that all Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and all the believers of other religions are going to Hell? Again, this is based upon who we believe Jesus Christ to be, and the veracity of His statements. "...I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life, no man comes to the Father but by me." It matters not what label one puts on their religion, if they deign to approach Almighty God, it has to be as stated by Jesus!
If so, why would the all loving, compassionate God that you believe in, condemn a person to everlasting Hell, just because they were brought up to believe that they should worship Allah, rather than God (I know that Allah means God, but you know what I mean).
For arguements sake, if you were born in a Muslim family/city/country, and you were brought up to believe that the Koran is right, in the same way we're brought up to believe that 1+1=2, and you live a moral life, what justice is there that you will be eternally damned because of the misfortune of being born in the wrong place? "...for since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse...." Every person who does not choose to believe on Jesus Christ, says to the face of God; "I don't care that you let your Only Begotten Son, die for my sins. I choose to live my life the way that I want to!" People seem to think that because God is love, they can summarilly blame Him for being unjust, while they (completely and conviently) forget that God allowed His Only Begotten Son to die (something He did not have to allow), so that those who accept His free offer of mercy and grace might once again be in communion with Him!

Is there a possibility that all religion is ok, as long as you believe in something, or is there a set in stone right and wrong? To be honest it hurts my head just thinking about it, so any help would be amazing. If a person wants to be "inclusive", sure, anything is fine for religious beliefs. However; even with some of those religions which you mentioned as "...going to hell..." require exclusivity. Syncretisim, that is mixing other beliefs in with their belief in the One true God, is what got the Children of Israel into trouble in the Old Testament, and now again under the guise of being kinder, gentler, and more loving it rears it's ugly head in the Christian faith. If God is all powerful, why do we the creation insist on saying He doesn't have the right o make the rules the way He wants. Hmmm?

Thanks.

I sincerely hope and pray that the answers I've given will settle some of your questions!

a sinful and unworthy servant

 

[InnocentOdion]

Hi there! I hope you've had your questions answered. I thought I'd give you my take on the whole thing, since I was an atheist, a Buddhist, a seeker, a pagan, etc. Only Christianity has ever worked for me so well.

It depends on the person who you're talking to. Some would say that all other religions are wrong. I wouldn't. Neither would many people.

My take on it is, if you are unware of the truth -- that is, you don't ever even hear the name of Christ in your life. God knows if you haven't got the chance to know him, does he not?

I personally think that people who do not believe in Christ, whilst not going to "Hell" as in a lake of fire and eternal punishment of brimstone, fire and eternal prodding with pitchforks, will go to "Hell"-- a place without God, a place of loneliness, but they will get the chance to go to God, as God is all forgiving - but they will have to make up for their sins. Whether or not people choose to go to God or not is up to them.

Some people have said they would rather die in the wrong religion than be in Christianity if it's the right religion - people who seem like that probably will refuse to go to God.

Some people might not agree with me, but this is my take on it, as God is all forgiving, all loving, and all knowing.

Hope this helps.

God bless,
IO

 

[cryforhelp]

I sincerely hope and pray that the answers I've given will settle some of your questions!

a sinful and unworthy servant

"...for since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse...." Every person who does not choose to believe on Jesus Christ, says to the face of God; "I don't care that you let your Only Begotten Son, die for my sins. I choose to live my life the way that I want to!" People seem to think that because God is love, they can summarilly blame Him for being unjust, while they (completely and conviently) forget that God allowed His Only Begotten Son to die (something He did not have to allow), so that those who accept His free offer of mercy and grace might once again be in communion with Him!

Funnily enough, i was reading this Chapter last night, and that verse did jump out at me. But a verse in the following Chapter jumped out even further:

" 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism. "

Surely that at least suggests that Jews, if they are good Jews, are going to heaven? And furthermore it does say to me that people are judged on a more individual basis, rather than it being like St Peter at the gates of Heaven saying.......... " ah you're a Christian, come on in! Ah you belived in Jesus, welcome! Oh sorry, you're a Hindu, down to Hell with you. Hard luck, you got it wrong"

I'm starting to find that it's easy to (consciously or sub-consciously) find a passage in the bible to suit what you would like to believe (within reason of course). I would love to believe that any good religious person will not be punished with fire and brimstone, or whatever version of Hell you choose to believe in (lets be honest, whichever version of Hell your going to go with, its not going to be nice). And I'm finding bible verses quoted at me to proove that Heaven is occupied with just Christians and other verses that suggest that it depend on a number of factors.
I think I'll choose a religion with a nice short holy book that you can't misinterperet! (I'm joking, I'm just a bit blown away by all the information, thoughts, feelings, questions blowing around in my little brain)

 

[cryforhelp]

Hi there! I hope you've had your questions answered. I thought I'd give you my take on the whole thing, since I was an atheist, a Buddhist, a seeker, a pagan, etc. Only Christianity has ever worked for me so well.

It depends on the person who you're talking to. Some would say that all other religions are wrong. I wouldn't. Neither would many people.

My take on it is, if you are unware of the truth -- that is, you don't ever even hear the name of Christ in your life. God knows if you haven't got the chance to know him, does he not?

I personally think that people who do not believe in Christ, whilst not going to "Hell" as in a lake of fire and eternal punishment of brimstone, fire and eternal prodding with pitchforks, will go to "Hell"-- a place without God, a place of loneliness, but they will get the chance to go to God, as God is all forgiving - but they will have to make up for their sins. Whether or not people choose to go to God or not is up to them.

Some people have said they would rather die in the wrong religion than be in Christianity if it's the right religion - people who seem like that probably will refuse to go to God.

Some people might not agree with me, but this is my take on it, as God is all forgiving, all loving, and all knowing.

Hope this helps.

God bless,
IO

thanks, hope you're right!

 

[duskiness]

This teaching is very similar to CS Lewis. Read the last book in the Chronicles of Narnia. I believe it is called The Last Battle.

I think you were speaking about this:

"Then I fell at his feet and thought, Surely this is the hour of death, for the Lion (who is worthy of all honour) will know that I have served Tash all my days and not him. Nevertheless, it is better to see the Lion and die than to be Tisroc of the world and live and not to have seen him. But the Glorious One bent down his golden head and touched my forehead with his tongue and said, 'Son, thou art welcome.' But I said, 'Alas, Lord, I am no son of thine but the servant of Tash.' He answered, 'Child, all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me.' Then by reason of my great desire for wisdom and understanding, I overcame my fear and questioned the Glorious One and said, 'Lord, is it then true, as the Ape said, that thou and Tash are one?' The Lion growled so that the earth shook (but his wrath was not against me) and said, 'It is false. Not because he and I are one, but because we are opposites -- I take to me the services which thou hast done to him. For I and he are of such different kinds that no service which is vile can be done to me, and none which is not vile can be done to him. Therefore, if any man swear by Tash and keep his oath for the oath's sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he know it not, and it is I who reward him. And if any man do a cruelty in my name, then, though he says the name Aslan, it is Tash whom he serves and by Tash his deed is accepted. Dost thou understand, Child?' I said, 'Lord, thou knowest how much I understand.' But I said also (for truth constrained me), 'Yet I have been seeking Tash all my days.' 'Beloved,' said the Glorious One, 'unless thy desire had been for me thou wouldst not have sought so long and so truly. For all find what they truly seek.'"
--Emeth, the Calormene, describing his encounter with Aslan

now a bit more grown up part : my parents are both atheists, so your question is quite important to me also. I have no good answer. Once i was told that if i put myself in His hands, than maybe I should put my loved ones also there.
Maybe you should look up for "empty hell" theories? ( i don't believe it personally but maybe you will....)
His judgment will be just. What is left to us is believing, hoping and praying.
one more: if you are waiting to get all answers before committing yourself to God - then I'm sorry but you won't get them. Faith is probably moment when we come to terms with the fact that we don't understand so many things. And then we try to trust.
all the best on your way.