A few questions...

[wintermute]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

 

[SNPete]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.


Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

IMO the issue is straight forward. Forgive me if this sounds like preaching.



We live our lives and make choices. Those of us that seek a relationship with God, through Christ, will spend eternity with God. Those who don’t won’t. The won’t is not a good thing.



John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life.



Eternal life of perish. Fairly simple.



I should mention that whether you believe there is a God or not does not change the nature of reality. Do yourself a favor and seek God to find out if He does exist. He will not be found by logic, but through seeking his presence.

 

[wintermute]

hmmm, so basically I got hell because I am too proud? Or what are the exact reasons for going to hell? Again, I don't want to provoke or anything. I just want a clear explanation that explains what happens and why.

And what about the thing about children? Does the bible require you to make your children become believers?

 

[TerryToggs]

I was baptised, yet never brought up to believe anything in particular

 

[SNPete]

hmmm, so basically I got hell because I am too proud? Or what are the exact reasons for going to hell? Again, I don't want to provoke or anything. I just want a clear explanation that explains what happens and why.

Well think about it. Why would God want to force you to live with Him if you don’t want to or are disinterested in Him?



Turns out pride is one of the things that God hates according to the Bible. I do appreciate you honesty though.

Rejection of God. Rejection of Jesus will cause God to send you to hell. Sorry I can't say it any more gently than that. In a broad sense, hell is being seperated from God for all eternity.

 

[talitha]

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists?

Those who deny the existence of God are foolish, meaning it's not a wise choice. We don't hate atheists; on the contrary, we love them and want them to choose Jesus and be in heaven with us.

As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death?

In the unfortunate instances in which atheists refuse to submit to God all the way to death, I believe they go to hell.

Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

None of that matters. All that matters is Jesus.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I would say that would be a guiding principle. I believe that free thought is not possible without Christ.

blessings in Him
tal

 

[-Frank-]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

God doesn't ask you what your values are when He judges you. He looks in the Book of Life for your name. All others will be judged according to their works (not their beliefs; the beliefs are reflected in the works).

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

"going to church" is not a 'requirement', and, yes, we teach God as a reality (as He is). Do we make them? No. No one can be forced to love God. Forced love is rape.

 

[Adstar]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

Well i believe in separation of state and my faith and i also do not believe in taking part in war. But as a Christian i believe all people who reject the Messiah Jesus will have their eternal destination as the Great lake of fire.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

Well i do not have any kids but if i ever do i will endeavor to teach them all about God and the Messiah Jesus. Of course it will be up to them to accept or reject Jesus as their personal savor.

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

As i have already said the great lake of fire is pretty bad not only is it a place of great suffering that suffering is eternal/never ending.

Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

Well how can one answer faith questions without preaching???? Anyway i hope my answers satisfy your curiosity.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[jul7246]

Well, what u mentioned is just all against Scripture..my best friend was an atheist,but now after being friends with me for 4 years,she finally figured out that there IS a God and tht He's obviously working in my life and that when u don't believe in anything,your life is very empty =(
About bringing up children: i went to church since i was 3,but i became a believer only when i was 12,so for 9 years i was just sitting really bored at the services. My parents chose what was right for me - they didn't push me into their faith, they led the way..by their example they showed me how much better it is to be Christian than not to be..
i think it's wrong to force anyone into any religion or faith,but you just need to bring a person to the point of realization that it is best =)
God bless!
jul

 

[DIVA_for_Christ]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death?

They spend eternity in hell.

Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

They spend eternity in hell.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

We bring them up in a Godly environment. Teaching them all we know about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. But most importantly, allow them to see us not just talk the talk, but walk it as well.

My daughter is very strong willed and minded. I have raised her to speak her mind/feelings/thoughts/beliefs, etc. If anything goes against what God instructs I explain to her God's view. Then I leave the rest up to God. Living under my roof, requires going to church whether or not she wants too. Shoot there are times I don't want to go but I go because I would be a hypocrite to make her go, then stay home when I don't want to go.

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

Hope I answered in the manner you requested.

 

[NothingButTheBlood]

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death?

My only view on atheists is they don't believe in God. Atheist are separated from God in life and death. Hell is the place of separation.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

I will have my child attend church, Sunday school, I will read the Bible to them and they will see a Christian example in me I hope. A person can not be forced to believe in God. They do or they don't. I would hope my children are free thinkers and make their own decisions. Church will be a requirement until the age of 18. Just as things like go to school, do homework, curfew, chores, etc.

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

Christ stated He was the only way to the Father. Christians believe you have to believe and recieve Christ to enter Heaven. Heaven is where God is and you will be in His presence. Again those who reject God and Christ in life are separted from Him in death as well.

Hopefully you don't consider my answering your questions as preaching. You should try to remember your on a Christian site.

 

[SNPete]

Come on people, I politely asked for no preaching! IS this some sort of provocation? How about you let me decide what I value and want to pursue in my life? Is it so hard just to provide factual answers?

What sort of facts are you interested in? To me God is a fact.

Well think about it? Why should I go to hell if I didn't do anything particularly bad? Is keeping your mind independent a crime that should be punishable by eternal pain? Lets get things straight. Do you guys support the view that I should live in eternal pain after death just because I an atheist? Regardless of my moral outlook.

An important rule of theology is that God makes the rules. I am simply telling you what the Bible teaches. It is written that people who say no thank you to God and Jesus will suffer eternal seperation from God. It is a choice a person must make.

 

[Adstar]

Well i do not have any kids but if i ever do i will endeavor to teach them all about God and the Messiah Jesus. Of course it will be up to them to accept or reject Jesus as their personal savor.

So essentially you will start taking them to church from a young age.

Did i say that? No. Please do not put words into my mouth that i have not said. When i said "i will endeavor to teach them all about God" I meant exactly what i said, Nothing more nothing less.

Make sure they don't hang out with anyone who can provide some sort of alternative viewpoint?

As they grow they will interact with unbelievers. That is inevitable. But i will teach them the truth, they will decide if they embrace the truth or run after lies. That’s the way it always has been.

How exactly are you going to teach him? And in general, why would you teach him?

I will tell them about the salvation that God has made available to all humanity throughout the Messiah Jesus i will read the Gospels to them and let them know the love of God. I will teach them in the hope that they will accept the Messiah Jesus as their personal savor when they finally come to the point of decision.

I am sure, your children will will be capable of deciding by themselves what they want to learn as they grow up.

Your wrong. Children need guidance. they need boundaries. If they do not have them then they end up going feral, Then the legal system has to deal with them.

I am sorry for being so 'untactful' but I don't see any other way to formulate my question.

No worries mate, i have faced so many "untactful" atheists in my life that i feel more un-nerved when one comes across that is polite and mild mannered.

Is there any chance that your children will be able to really choose their own course? I mean after 15 years of constant education about jesus et al, won't their minds be already set?

Of course they will if they have no love for the truth. The most rabid anti-Christians are always the ex-christians. Every person comes to the point where they have to make up their own minds and from experience i can see that when teens are entering into adulthood they make their own choice no matter how they have been taught. Most of the teens i witness to come from atheist families, they seek out God because they know deep down that their is something beyond the physical.



All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[talitha]

None of that matters. All that matters is Jesus.

Do you even understand what rubbish your saying? You know I am an atheist and it doesn't take much brains to understand whats my view on god et al. What purpose does your statement serve? I asked what happens to atheist after they die according to Christian belief? You answered, you go to hell, why did you add the sentence above?

Gosh! Now who's preaching? First of all, if you claim to be "tolerant" as most atheists do, you are definitely not practicing what you preach. Secondly, I don't think I gave you any indication that I don't understand what your view is. I merely answered your questions. Either you don't understand my answers, or you are offended by them. If you looked at my post and the way I responded to each section of yours, you should have understood why I added "the sentence above." You qualified "atheist" with several specifics, and I wanted to make it clear that what you think about homosexuality and abortion and what you do with your time, etc, all of that, is irrelevant in light of the afterlife. You will not be judged according to any of those things, but only on whether or not your name is written in the Book of Life. I didn't add any explanation of why I said what I said, because I figured that would be preaching. Besides, I guess I gave you the benefit of the doubt that you would understand what I was saying. I'll try to be more clear in the future, because I see that no matter what I say, I will be accused of "preaching."

bless you in Christ
tal

 

[Rafael]

Once a person grows up, they simply have the choice to ditch the ideals and training of their parents. Nobody can force a person to believe in God, nor does He force people to believe in Him. I didn't pay much attention to the upbringing my parents gave me, but I wish I would have, now that I can look back and see my life's work - the good and the bad of it.

The official Church doctrine towards the unbeliever, if the Bible's words are taken seriously, is that of love. The Christian is supposed to care and love even their enemies, knowing that it is by grace that they walk with the knowledge and faith they have of the Lord. It is a gift from God, as Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. To those that cannot see that God surrounds them with design and beauty so awesome that words are not enough, the Christian can only wish they could open those eyes to the truth. We pray for the closed eyes and ears to be opened, and are commanded to preach the good news, but only God can give the increase and open blind eyes to the truth.
It isn't very easy loving people that hate you and mock you, but that is the commandment we are given.

Mt. 5: 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

I JOHN 3:16-19 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.

 

[-Frank-]

To the OP:


I know you are receiving a plethora of answers, and are getting frustrated at being preached at;

My advice to you is the eat the melon and spit out the seeds. But don't go and just eat melons until you are sick. Listen to posts that answer your questions and if you receive good answers, politely bear the preaching. Someone who speaks truth deserves to have audience.

 

[bethdinsmore]

I was an atheist for many years. If you are ever interested in why people believe the teachings of the Bible are inerrant (and that it contains the only way to Heaven and rescue from hell,) Christian Evidences are a big help (external evidences). Please pm me if you ever wish to discuss.

Aloha in Jesus, friend.

 

[12volt_man]

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death?

Each of us are sinners, seperated from God by our sins.

Apart from Christ, there is no hope of salvation.

The atheist is no worse than the Christian, only wandering lost.

The Christian is no better than the atheist, only found and on our way home.

Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

But where do you stand on Jesus Christ?

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

How much free thought are we talking about? Do you mean just turn them loose in the woods and let them be raised by wolves?

No matter what you tell them or don't tell them, you're still shaping their thoughts and their beliefs.

The job of the parent is to teach the child to become and healthy, productive and morally upright adult.

I can't imagine raising my child without teaching them about Jesus any more than I could imagine raising them without teaching them not to run into the freeway.

What sort of parent would I be if I didn't teach them about God and His great love for them?

 

[jasperbound]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

1) Atheists, whatever they believe, where go to the same place that all who aren't saved will go. They will go to hell.

2) I'll raise my children in the church, although I do understand that in the end, it'll be their decision to believe what they desire.

 

[PhilosopherDave]

Hello everyone, I am an atheist, but I would like inquire about certain aspects of christinaity. Don't mean to start a flamewar or anything like that...

I would like to know what's the official christian view on atheists? As in what is supposed to happen to an atheist after death? Lets say we are talking about an atheist who supports typical liberal philosophy (homo-sexuals are fine, natural drugs are fine, total separation of religion and state, pacifism except in extreme situation like Sudan) along with moral relativism (a simplification of this would be: You can do whatever you like as long as you don't harm others, the environment we live in and society as a whole - but again thats an extreme simplification). And of course dislike most religions with the exception of taoism/budhism.

Secondly, I would like to know how do most christians /plan to bring up/are bringing up/ their children. As in do you permit free though, or do you essentially do everything to make your children believe in god? As in is going to church a requirement and so on?

This is just a sort of clarification about christian views on this issues. I just found out my fate according to strict islam (can't link, just google Islamic QA and then search for atheism on the first result). Pretty bad (the whole site seem like hell on earth), so I was interested in what christians have to say on this issue.

Again, I don't mean to start a flamewar or insults. Can you please just answer my questions without preaching and so on? Thank you in advance!

Wintermute,

I'm not sure that there is an official position on what happens to athiest after death from a Christian context. As for myself, I tend to lean more toward what is called an 'Annihilationist' position. Which means your punishment for not pursuing eternal life in Jesus Christ is in receiving what you likely expect at death...eventual obliteration. Even Hades (Hell- which is not a person, is thrown into the lake of fire at the end of the book of Revelation--it is metaphorical for a real event...the end for all that counters and resist God)

As for my children, of course I encourage academic excellence. My son is 'free' to explore world religions and ancient myth if he so desires. But, I will teach him to be a critical thinker of those things, as well as Christianity, and I believe, that if God calls Him, he will have any easier time responding to God's call.