What if you choose the wrong religion?

[Intrigued Fellow]

And really anything can be taken on blind faith, which seems to mean believing something without really knowing what it is or entails, essentailly ignorance of a topic though still claiming to adhere to it. So I will concede it is possible to have blind faith in religion (or again really anything), although the ignorance will not get the adherent too far.

In my eyes the only faith someone can have in religion is blind faith. No matter how much someone knows about their particular religion, there's nothing solid or believable evidence that suggests that there is a God.

 

[Eternally Optimistic]

What about Science? Does that not appeal to you?



Yet to others Islam is more logical, and to others Judaism. Which is why I believe that having to accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior throughout my life is wholly unreasonably considering so many other religions could be true. To others, like me, Science seems more logical, so if I follow Science rather than religion, does this condemn me to hell? Or at least ban me from heaven if when I die I find there is one? Even if I've lived my life as a good person?

Following science to what end though. I have never thought of science as an end unto itself, but rather a means to better explore and explain things. As for your afterlife, no one can answer that here frankly, though I pray it is blissful in the end.

 

[Rangerainy]

Why do you think we'll be in big trouble?

You go watch the video, and look at the man screaming while they light him up

They are many things that doesn't make sense to me in Christianity

Al least, it not logical to say that all people who aren't christian will go to hell coz they didn't take Jesus as their savior and lord. Although many of them are much better people than the Christians themselves, It is just UNFAIR.

MAN ! it is like a game and we put the rules for.

Well, someone can say the earth is a cube and live with that as long as it doesn't affect him in the short term.

I can't believe both the lair and the serial killer have the same penalty, death. And they will both be saved if they take ..........

The DOG wouldn't buy that.

If you talk to anyone about this they would tell one thing

YOU HAVE TO BE BELIEVE IN IT TO BE A TRUE CHRISTIAN !!

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

Yes, the human heart is wicked - true enough. But, remember, God is faithful, and it is written "Seek and ye shall find." God recognises someone's efforts in seeking truth, and He, by His Holy Spirit, does lead people to truth - even if it takes several years.

Then do some people who seek truth eventually believe in a different God? If the Christian God is supposed to lead them to the 'truth'?

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

They are many things that doesn't make sense to me in Christianity

Al least, it not logical to say that all people who aren't christian will go to hell coz they didn't take Jesus as their savior and lord. Although many of them are much better people than the Christians themselves, It is just UNFAIR.

Exactly.

 

[Eternally Optimistic]

In my eyes the only faith someone can have in religion is blind faith. No matter how much someone knows about their particular religion, there's nothing solid or believable evidence that suggests that there is a God.

It seems far more illogical to state absolutely there is no possibility of a God. Obviously we don't agree on the notion there is no real evidence to support there being a God. There isno "smoking gun" that is true, though a propondurance of the evidence points to a God.

 

[andreha]

Then do some people who seek truth eventually believe in a different God? If the Christian God is supposed to lead them to the 'truth'?

Some people are driven away from Christianity by people's mistakes. They do sometime go and look to other religions in order to find acceptance. Thing is, whatever comfort or acceptance they find tends to be temporary. That's because of God's Holy Spirit gently drawing them. Sure, they can try and resist, but they won't find peace and fulfilment that way. That's why some people only come to Christ in their old age - some even in their dying moments, when the spiritual veil is lifted, and they get to see into eternity.

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

Following science to what end though. I have never thought of science as an end unto itself, but rather a means to better explore and explain things. As for your afterlife, no one can answer that here frankly, though I pray it is blissful in the end.

Just for knowledge, for understanding.

It seems far more illogical to state absolutely there is no possibility of a God. Obviously we don't agree on the notion there is no real evidence to support there being a God. There isno "smoking gun" that is true, though a propondurance of the evidence points to a God.

I agree, there is a possibility for most things. Where is the preponderance of evidence? Please, don't state the bible.

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

Some people are driven away from Christianity by people's mistakes. They do sometime go and look to other religions in order to find acceptance. Thing is, whatever comfort or acceptance they find tends to be temporary. That's because of God's Holy Spirit gently drawing them. Sure, they can try and resist, but they won't find peace and fulfilment that way. That's why some people only come to Christ in their old age - some even in their dying moments, when the spiritual veil is lifted, and they get to see into eternity.

If that is so, why do some people believe so strongly in other religions there entire life, and feel that is the only true religion, and try to spread the word of that religion? There are also times when people do the opposite of accepting Christianity in their dying moments, and instead accept another religion, how is this explained by Christians?

 

[Eternally Optimistic]

Just for knowledge, for understanding.



I agree, there is a possibility for most things. Where is the preponderance of evidence? Please, don't state the bible.

Well now I HAVE to say the Bible!

Anyways, for a more in depth answer part of my rationale are the five proofs of Thomas Aquinas; which yes strictly speaking are not proof, but are helpful.

Also, to quote one of my close friends, "I don't know how anyone can believe in evolution (which both of us do) and not believe in God. Sexual reproduction as well; yes I understand the science behind both, and that knowledge does not make me less certain of God nor dimish the beauty and profunditiy of both, but is an enhancement of them. Think about it, I don't care if you are freaking steven hawkins himself, the fact that complex and diverse life exists, and that in all likelyhood it come from extremely simple life forms is amazing, and most certainly not a guarentee. Same with our own personal beginings, two half cells uniting and sparking a chain reaction that ends with a multi cellular organism, with unique and specialized features. For me the greater the knowledge the greater, not less, the awe and the certainty that there exists an order to it all.

That's my well past bed time ramble...I hope it is somewhat coherent!

 

[andreha]

If that is so, why do some people believe so strongly in other religions there entire life, and feel that is the only true religion, and try to spread the word of that religion?

Well, certain religions entrap followers, with the threat of execution if they try to abandon their religion. Fear of persecution drives them, at least in certain cases.

There are also times when people do the opposite of accepting Christianity in their dying moments, and instead accept another religion, how is this explained by Christians?

I must admit to never having encountered that, or seeing events like that recorded. The spirit world is largely a mystery to us, and I suppose people can mistake one spirit for another in their final moments.

 

[Eternally Optimistic]

Additionally, humans, this exchange itself, our diversity of thought and language demonstrates more than mere intelligence or creativity, but rather I believe demonstres something unique about man, are soul/spirit/spark of life whatever one wants to call it; it seems more than simply a product of our evolution.

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

Well now I HAVE to say the Bible!

Anyways, for a more in depth answer part of my rationale are the five proofs of Thomas Aquinas; which yes strictly speaking are not proof, but are helpful.

Also, to quote one of my close friends, "I don't know how anyone can believe in evolution (which both of us do) and not believe in God. Sexual reproduction as well; yes I understand the science behind both, and that knowledge does not make me less certain of God nor dimish the beauty and profunditiy of both, but is an enhancement of them. Think about it, I don't care if you are freaking steven hawkins himself, the fact that complex and diverse life exists, and that in all likelyhood it come from extremely simple life forms is amazing, and most certainly not a guarentee. Same with our own personal beginings, two half cells uniting and sparking a chain reaction that ends with a multi cellular organism, with unique and specialized features. For me the greater the knowledge the greater, not less, the awe and the certainty that there exists an order to it all.

That's my well past bed time ramble...I hope it is somewhat coherent!

I thought Christianity was against the theory of evolution? How can the theory of Adam and Eve, and evolution co-exist? I'm presuming you don't believe in the Adam and Eve thing then? Yeah I agree, it's amazing, but that doesn't suggest an all-powerful God has anything to do with it. Personally, I think a lot of things in the process of evolution and science in general are quite spontaneous, but if I were to go with your idea of it having an order, I don't see how Science cannot have order, why does a God have to be the one to give order?

which yes strictly speaking are not proof

Exactly my point

Well, certain religions entrap followers, with the threat of execution if they try to abandon their religion. Fear of persecution drives them, at least in certain cases.



I must admit to never having encountered that, or seeing events like that recorded. The spirit world is largely a mystery to us, and I suppose people can mistake one spirit for another in their final moments.

Yeah, only in certain cases. I've never saw someone accept Christianity in their dying moments, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Mistaking spirits could also be said for Christianity though, mistaking the true spirit as being the Christian one.

Additionally, humans, this exchange itself, our diversity of thought and language demonstrates more than mere intelligence or creativity, but rather I believe demonstres something unique about man, are soul/spirit/spark of life whatever one wants to call it; it seems more than simply a product of our evolution.

Things such as our language has evolved over thousands of years into what it is now, it took time, not Godly powers. Also, I agree that IF and only if there is such thing as a soul or an equivalent, and it is more than evolution, that still doesn't suggest God gave it. Just because we don't have the knowledge to explain it yet, doesn't mean anyone can fill in the blanks with whatever fairy tail they see fit. Science knows it doesn't know everything, or it would stop.

 

[ebia]

What about Science? Does that not appeal to you?

yes, but they are dealing with different things.
Science and Christianity aren't in competition or conflict.

Yet to others Islam is more logical, and to others Judaism. Which is why I believe that having to accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior throughout my life is wholly unreasonably considering so many other religions could be true. To others, like me, Science seems more logical, so if I follow Science rather than religion, does this condemn me to hell? Or at least ban me from heaven if when I die I find there is one? Even if I've lived my life as a good person?

The ultimate Christian hope is not going to heaven when you die, but being part of God's world put to rights on earth. To be part of that all of us need to be put right for ourselves and for the good of that restored creation. You can choose to be part of that putting to rights or not; God won't force you. Should you wish to be part of then Jesus is the way.

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

yes, but they are dealing with different things.
Science and Christianity aren't in competition or conflict.

Completely disagree, they're most defiantly in conflict. Christians used to prosecute people for spreading/believing in scientific theories that they didn't agree with, as it conflicted with their views. This happened until they twisted the interpretation of the bible to suit proven scientific theories.

The ultimate Christian hope is not going to heaven when you die, but being part of God's world put to rights on earth. To be part of that all of us need to be put right for ourselves and for the good of that restored creation. You can choose to be part of that putting to rights or not; God won't force you. Should you wish to be part of then Jesus is the way.[/QUOTE]

I didn't understand what you said here, explain it more clearly please?

 

[ebia]

Completely disagree, they're most defiantly in conflict. Christians used to prosecute people for spreading/believing in scientific theories that they didn't agree with, as it conflicted with their views.

it's called politics. Sadly churches are not immune from it.

This happened until they twisted the interpretation of the bible to suit proven scientific theories.

the bible was never trying to answer scientific questions.

I didn't understand what you said here, explain it more clearly please?

you, me, the whole creation is a mess.
God is fixing that up.
Do you choose to be part of that or not?

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

it's called politics. Sadly churches are not immune from it.


the bible was never trying to answer scientific questions.


you, me, the whole creation is a mess.
God is fixing that up.
Do you choose to be part of that or not?

'How was the Universe created?' is a scientific question, which is answered in the bible.

Didn't God supposedly create that mess?

 

[ebia]

'How was the Universe created?' is a scientific question,

but it's not the bible's question.

The bible's questions are about the relationships between God, creation and us. What is God's intention? What is God like? Why is the world in a mess? What is God doing about that?

Genesis 1 isn't arguing with science, it's arguing with the Babylonian creation myths.

Didn't God supposedly create that mess?

no. God allowed us to. Because growing up isn't possible without the space to make mistakes.

 

[Intrigued Fellow]

but it's not the bible's question.

It still answered it nonetheless.

 

[ebia]

It still answered it nonetheless.

No. It's answered its question. You've taken that answer and applied it to your question.

Take the creation of sun and moon. In Babylonian myths they are gods. So whoever wrote Genesis 1 treats them very explicitly as created beings, coming into existence only well into the account, on similar terms to fish, birds and animals, and very deliberately not even named.