Should Atheists be punished for not believing

[Soothfish]

I would obviously not want to experience hell, and if Jesus was there when I died and spoke to me, I would accept him. But In my life now, I do not believe he existed. To me, Jesus is only words on a page in a book. Would I really go to hell for not following words?

There is some historical evidence regarding Christ. That means he is a legend at the very least just like King Arthur (who actually existed) and NOT a myth. Is there really a specific amount of historical evidence needed for confirmation? If 100,000 pagans wrote identical accounts of his miracles, would that be sufficient evidence? Or could we still claim that they all used the same source?

It is easier to disbelieve the life of Christ because it is so far beyond what we experience with everyday people. I don't know anyone else who can raise the long dead with a single word! So "ordinary" historical figures are regarded as "factual" only because their existence is easier to 'digest' than the existence of someone like Jesus.

If he came down to earth, walked on water, I would certainly believe

If it happened in the 21st century he'd merely be one-upping Chris Angel. Scientists would test it and say "dang that's one good trick. His secrets are safe!"

The only people who would believe that he used real power would be those who WANT to believe it. The rest would still call them "ignorant", "crazy", etc.

 

[brittany111]

I would obviously not want to experience hell, and if Jesus was there when I died and spoke to me, I would accept him. But In my life now, I do not believe he existed. To me, Jesus is only words on a page in a book. Would I really go to hell for not following words?

That is why it is called faith. If you wait until you are dead and then see that He is real, it will be to late. Only those whose names are written in the Lambs Book of Life with see eternal life. The only way to get your name there is through faith in Christ.

If he came down to earth, walked on water, I would certainly believe

He did over 2,000 years ago.

 

[Birthew]

That is why it is called faith. If you wait until you are dead and then see that He is real, it will be to late. Only those whose names are written in the Lambs Book of Life with see eternal life. The only way to get your name there is through faith in Christ.



He did over 2,000 years ago.

Its either that, or waste my entire existence following something I can't be certain is true

 

[Birthew]

There is some historical evidence regarding Christ. That means he is a legend at the very least just like King Arthur (who actually existed) and NOT a myth. Is there really a specific amount of historical evidence needed for confirmation? If 100,000 pagans wrote identical accounts of his miracles, would that be sufficient evidence? Or could we still claim that they all used the same source?

It is easier to disbelieve the life of Christ because it is so far beyond what we experience with everyday people. I don't know anyone else who can raise the long dead with a single word! So "ordinary" historical figures are regarded as "factual" only because their existence is easier to 'digest' than the existence of someone like Jesus.



If it happened in the 21st century he'd merely be one-upping Chris Angel. Scientists would test it and say "dang that's one good trick. His secrets are safe!"

The only people who would believe that he used real power would be those who WANT to believe it. The rest would still call them "ignorant", "crazy", etc.

But its still people telling me about him, and there's so many different things that you hear. Mormons say he came back 200 years ago, the whole point that god wanted humanity to pass on the message i feel is its flaw. How do I know if what has been said about him as been corrupted over the millennia? Jesus well may have been a person, perhaps someone who did good things, someone like Gandhi and then people in a positive of power took his image and turned him into something to worship? I don't know but its a possibility.

 

[mattyoung]

There is some historical evidence regarding Christ. That means he is a legend at the very least just like King Arthur (who actually existed) and NOT a myth.

Scientists would test it and say "dang that's one good trick. His secrets are safe!"

There is no concrete evidence that King Arthur actually existed. Just because you read it in a book doesn't mean it's true.

And also, that's not how science works! "we can't explain it at the moment so, oh well we'll leave it alone"

Geez mate, get your facts straight!!

 

[Soothfish]

There is no concrete evidence that King Arthur actually existed. Just because you read it in a book doesn't mean it's true.

There was SOME King described in the Annales Cambriae and the Historia Brittonum. The historical evidence for Arthur is as scarce as pretty much all human stories during that period. That is one of the reasons they call it the "dark age". That doesn't mean no powerful kings exist during that time.

Jesus lived prior to the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Dark Age so there are far more sources regarding his existence.

And also, that's not how science works! "we can't explain it at the moment so, oh well we'll leave it alone"

Geez mate, get your facts straight!!

Actually that's exactly how it works. I've done it for years. Eventually you run out of grant money and you move on to something else. xD

 

[brinny]

I am thankful for God's grace to me. I pray that His very same grace reaches the hearts, minds, and souls of others, who do not believe, as i once did not believe.

This song says it all. I thank Him for His amazing grace.

Andre Rieu Amazing Grace - YouTube

 

[mattyoung]

There was SOME King described in the Annales Cambriae and the Historia Brittonum. The historical evidence for Arthur is as scarce as pretty much all human stories during that period.

Like I said:
There is no concrete evidence that King Arthur actually existed

 

[RaiseTheDead]

licensed to commit atrocities

So that's what this icon is for!

Interesting that both Peter and Paul were guilty of that mindset for a spell, isn't it?

 

[RaiseTheDead]

The Dalai Lama said publicly that he loves Jesus. It doesn't matter what trademarked 'club' one belongs to. As long as the Dalai Lama is generally aware that he sins from time to time and sincerely repents of those sins he's going to heaven. Simple. The Bible doesn't say 'join the club or die' it says 'accept the grace of the lamb or die'.

If salvation was complicated then the work of the sacrificial lamb Jesus would have been less than perfect!

It's especially good, seeing this being written by a Catholic!

 

[WithLoveFromAlyssa]

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20. Although, It may be hard to believe the Greatness of God, it is because we can not fathom him, such purity, and love...."Evolution" did not Create love.

 

[cricket0206]

I'm an agnostic, and sometimes you can't just believe. You can't just have faith. It's not enough for some people. Even if I say I believe, and I try to believe, still deep down that doesn't mean I do. It's hard to push aside what you feel. It's hard to change what you feel.

JMHO. Not trolling or anything.

 

[brinny]

Hey

So, should Atheists be punished for not following the word of God when they don't believe he exists or that the Bible is legitimate.

Punished? How?

 

[trientje]

I'm an agnostic, and sometimes you can't just believe. You can't just have faith. It's not enough for some people. Even if I say I believe, and I try to believe, still deep down that doesn't mean I do. It's hard to push aside what you feel. It's hard to change what you feel.

JMHO. Not trolling or anything.

OK, I'm answering this post on the assumption that your post is sincere. I do not like to assume anything BUT I will at this post. Do you want to believe in God? If you truly do then it starts between you and God. Read the book of John then get down on your knees and ask Jesus to come in to your heart. Confess your sins and ask him to reveal himself to you. Faith is a gift from God and the gift can only be received when you sincerely go to him and form a relationship with him. You see, its not about you and any religion, its between you and him. Then study his word, get into fellowship with other believers, find a church that is a bible teaching church. And as you are fellow shipping and learning God's word always question and do your own reading while asking for understanding and truth from the Holy spirit. Cause, you see, when you ask Jesus to come in to your heart he gives you the gift of the Holy spirit and the Holy spirit will reveal the truth to you.

 

[cricket0206]

OK, I'm answering this post on the assumption that your post is sincere. I do not like to assume anything BUT I will at this post. Do you want to believe in God? If you truly do then it starts between you and God. Read the book of John then get down on your knees and ask Jesus to come in to your heart. Confess your sins and ask him to reveal himself to you. Faith is a gift from God and the gift can only be received when you sincerely go to him and form a relationship with him. You see, its not about you and any religion, its between you and him. Then study his word, get into fellowship with other believers, find a church that is a bible teaching church. And as you are fellow shipping and learning God's word always question and do your own reading while asking for understanding and truth from the Holy spirit. Cause, you see, when you ask Jesus to come in to your heart he gives you the gift of the Holy spirit and the Holy spirit will reveal the truth to you.

The things is, though, I can't just confess to my sins and ask for Jesus to come into my heart when I know that God may or may not exist. It's not that simple. It doesn't work like that. Of course I'd like to believe that there's someone looking out for me and that there's an afterlife, but just because I want that to be true doesn't mean it is.

 

[trientje]

The things is, though, I can't just confess to my sins and ask for Jesus to come into my heart when I know that God may or may not exist. It's not that simple. It doesn't work like that. Of course I'd like to believe that there's someone looking out for me and that there's an afterlife, but just because I want that to be true doesn't mean it is.

Well, you can't absolutely prove that God exists and you can't absolutely prove he doesn't. So with that you will forever wonder if God exists. God does love you, he tells us that in the bible but the unfortunate part is, even though he tells us about an afterlife, those that haven't accepted him as their saviour will never see that afterlife,{heaven}. A person comes to God by faith and accepts him by faith.

 

[cricket0206]

Well, you can't absolutely prove that God exists and you can't absolutely prove he doesn't. So with that you will forever wonder if God exists. God does love you, he tells us that in the bible but the unfortunate part is, even though he tells us about an afterlife, those that haven't accepted him as their saviour will never see that afterlife,{heaven}. A person comes to God by faith and accepts him by faith.

I can't believe in something that doesn't seem probable to me. "Faith" will not get me anywhere. I think i'll be just fine without a religion. There may or may not be a God, but either way, I think we're on our own.

 

[trientje]

I can't believe in something that doesn't seem probable to me. "Faith" will not get me anywhere. I think i'll be just fine without a religion. There may or may not be a God, but either way, I think we're on our own.

OK then, One thing about God is he will never force himself on a person and if a person chooses to reject him he just walks away. Good luck to you. I will pray for you.

 

[Christian-Catholic]

I can't believe in something that doesn't seem probable to me. "Faith" will not get me anywhere. I think i'll be just fine without a religion. There may or may not be a God, but either way, I think we're on our own.

Crickett the question is why does it seem improbable?
Are you sure you have gone over all of the evidences properly?
Sometimes all you need is an initial breadcrumb

Ever heard of the shroud of turin?
It is the most scientifically studied relic on this planet.
The image on that shroud fits what happened to Jesus perfectly. An image whose technology we dont even have today to replicate. The only 2d image on earth with 3d spatial information encoded on it. Many believe (as I do also) that this image was formed during Jesus's resurrection.

Like I said, sometimes all you need is that first breadcrumb
What have u got to lose by looking into it? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Be honest with God when you pray and ask him to give u that first glimmer of light that will lead u to him.

As far as faith, without it you cannot love because with love there comes trust.

 

[Mustang56]

Ever heard of the shroud of turin?
It is the most scientifically studied relic on this planet.
The image on that shroud fits what happened to Jesus perfectly. An image whose technology we dont even have today to replicate. The only 2d image on earth with 3d spatial information encoded on it. Many believe (as I do also) that this image was formed during Jesus's resurrection.

You do know that the shroud was radio carbon dated to be only 6-7 centuries old, right?

As for everyone telling Atheists and Agnostics to simply look at the Earth for proof of God, that is completely absurd. People back then thought the clouds and the sky contained heaven, until we finally reached for the skies ourselves and discovered nothing of that nature.

There is nothing wrong for demanding proof to believe in something. Paul only believed in Christ when he supposedly saw him in the flesh resurrected. Thomas demanded to even touch the wounds of the resurrected Christ.

Don't Christians say God wants us to test ourselves and our faiths? Why can't we ask for answers to all the biblical plotholes that abrahamic theists just like to swerve around and either say "God works in mysterious ways", or "Satan is deceiving you!". Just listen to yourselves.

Look, I'm Agnostic, not atheist. I do not say with certainty that God doesn't exist. But I simply won't just believe in something because I'm told a book written millennial ago has all the answers yet our technologically advanced civilization now somehow has absolutely no contact with God for answers, or how scientific finds are being decried by some zealots as deception by Satan. I especially won't just cherry pick and believe this one because countless other religions and belief systems have existed BEFORE Judaism and still exist today. No disrespect meant towards Christianity, it's just that we live in an era where proof is demanded and verifiable. When I say proof I don't just mean communication with God somehow, but historical records more importantly.