Religion & Spirituality - 1 December 2007

If it requires good works, how do you explain verses such as Romans 10:9

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved"

and John 6:40?

"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life;; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

Then again, it definitely seems to suggest that you need good works. Look at verses such as:

James 2:17+24

(17) - "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."
(24) - "You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone."

Revelation 22:12

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."

Please go into as much detail as possible explaining your views. I'm really confused on the matter, and would like to know what others think about it. Thanks, and God bless!

2007-12-01 07:47:30 · 12 answers · asked by Sam 3

for how I can make the transition from Christian (who rarely attends church or reads the Bible yet believes in God and Christ) to atheist. The atheists on this website make some convincing arguments against the delusions of religion and have compelled me to join them in their bliss. I want to see what it feels like to be a free-thinking, self-actualized individual.

If I don't like it I can always go back to my old ways.

2007-12-01 07:45:09 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous

Seems to me that no God would plant us here on this Earth, clueless, and expect us to come to a certain conclusion regarding religion, and if that conclusion is wrong, we will burn in hell for all eternity. That just doesn't sound right. How can a person be a career criminal for 40 years, then murder someone, go to jail, "find Jesus" and repent and be gauranteed entrance to heaven, when someone who never does any evil there whole life but simply doesn't believe in Jesus will go to hell and burn? Does that make sense? I know many, many good people that don't believe in Jesus. So am I to assume they are doomed for all eternity when they die?

2007-12-01 07:42:36 · 16 answers · asked by J 2

I read this question and the linked article:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Alj0mTNWDGErnHPE_lmoyiXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071201121944AA1hy8q&show=7#profile-info-f4c5f36a540069fbe952ea342c721c74aa

I then started to wonder at what age can a child make the decision for themselves that they die? How do you test whether they can or not?

2007-12-01 07:42:33 · 8 answers · asked by meissen97 6

Hypothetically speaking, if you had some way of definitively knowing God was not real would you tell the world and put an end to all religions or would you keep it to yourself and allow people the comfort of their beliefs? Also, could work the same if you had a fool proof way of knowing who/what is the true God. A friend asked me this earlier and was curious as to what others would do.

2007-12-01 07:41:16 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

We can draw from Peter’s words is that God is patient because he desires all to attain to repentance. Those who stubbornly refuse to turn back from their bad ways face execution at the hand of Jehovah. However, God finds no pleasure in the death of the wicked one. Rather, he delights to see people repent, turn back from their bad ways, and keep living. (Ezekiel 33:11) Consequently, he is exercising patience and is having the good news declared in all the earth so that people may have every opportunity to live.What a delight that will be! Gone will be the things that cause so much sorrow—strife, violence, poverty, crime, sickness, and even death. People will live in perfect peace and unity under the loving rule of God’s Kingdom. How we yearn for that Paradise!

2007-12-01 07:39:05 · 9 answers · asked by JOHNNYO 1

Say what do you think about them and why
And what is your opinion based on?

2007-12-01 07:39:02 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-12-01 07:34:31 · 46 answers · asked by Anonymous

Obviously, an aborted fetus does not believe in Jesus, so according to the Bible, does it go to heaven or hell?

2007-12-01 07:32:17 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous

An hell for that matter. Do you think they are a stae od mind rather than a physical place. Do you think they exist in a different dimension.

Also I'm very curious as to what your religion says will be avaolable in heaven(your reward), etc.

2007-12-01 07:27:26 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous

it seems everything is turning wrong...

INSPIRING WORDS PLEASE!!!

2007-12-01 07:26:12 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-12-01 07:26:09 · 3 answers · asked by rebecca m 2

What would be your strategies to get more people on your side in the 21st century?

2007-12-01 07:22:29 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous

See the answer by Rev. Michelle here:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApdwsLtfkVTnoQeB7AJK0mbd7BR.;_ylv=3?qid=20071201120510AAHU59h

apparently some Christians give their children Christmas gifts with notes saying they are "from Jesus". Do any of you know this practice? If not, what are your opinions on this?

2007-12-01 07:22:26 · 9 answers · asked by Ray Patterson - The dude abides 6

If i were a christian which im not!!!!!! im just me Brandon Fix
a kid with a lot on his mind and cant help it but i think religion is the main problem in the world..... could you imagine if the bible were never created? Im pretty sure you can!!!

You know i dont see why Christians get all offensive

i dont belive in gods!! i do believe in my myself


Havent you ever heard "you can do whatever you put your mind to" I dont see why you need to ask questions to someone when there right in front of you........

I know that sounds weird cause i question why am asking this question right now............

Im not looking for answers or FACTS of god i allready know the answer


I just want to hear what you all think of my OPINION which remember is just my opinion

2007-12-01 07:20:13 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous

14-year old Dennis Lindberg, a Jahovah's Witness who lived in Mount Vernon with his aunt, died because he refused a blood transfusion. The article at the link tells the story. In part, it reads, "Born to drug addicted parents, Lindberg moved into a Mount Vernon home with his aunt four years ago. He joined his aunt's faith and became a Jehovah's Witness."
http://www.fox11az.com/news/topstories/stories/kmsb-20071130-NWjc-leukemi.5531bccb.html

MY QUESTION: Considering the influence his aunt had on him, would Dennis still be alive if he had stayed with his drug addicted parents, rather than with someone who's lifestyle contributed to his death?

2007-12-01 07:19:44 · 16 answers · asked by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7

The Sudanese anger is not totally due to naming a teddy bear Muhammed. Prophet Muhammed himself never said not to name anything after him.He wouldn’t care.
But those gestures of disrespect and degradation of the muslims’most respected religious symbol serve as reminders to muslims of the ongoing campaign against their religion and culture,it just adds up to :

1. Early Christian Crusades
2. Colonization

And in modern history,

3. the Wstern conspiracy with the Jews to carve out a country for the latter by slaughtering the whole muslim nation of Palestine for the last 60 years against the UN resolutions and voices of freedom all around the world.

So,it is not totally due to the Teddy Bear.

That teacher is an idiot,British people have been dispatched to spread the English language in muslim countries for years. They have a tradition of what to expect,how to respect other people's religions and habits.
Besides,she must have heard of the riot following the cartoons.She was supposed to be a good example of respect for her students.

All countries have laws that are expected to obey.Let us say,she speeds in her country-Britain and a cop chased her and fined her or sent her to jail,wouldnt it be ok or would her prime minister and people like you interneve to condemn the cop ?

Britain also has defamation laws where individuals and businesses are fined and sent to jail with no fuss,but defaming the most noble teacher of more than 1 billion people is fine with you.

Or how about this Iraqi women,why I dont see you defending them ?

Iraqi women jailed in Abu graib

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0528/p01s02-woiq.html

US women abused in the US

http://www.ndvh.org/educate/abuse_in_america.html

http://www.amnestyusa.org/Womens_Human_Rights/Abuse_of_Women_in_Custody/page.do?id=1108288&n1=3&n2=39&n3=720


Enough double standards !

Try to think about the thousands of innocent mulsims thrown in Guantanamo for no crime other than they happened to hold muslim names like mohamed in some of airports in the land of freedom,tolerance and loving god.

http://www.islamreligion.com/category/85...

2007-12-01 07:13:34 · 8 answers · asked by Hope is Positive 3

‘The Superbly Relenting” (At-Tawwab)
“At-Tawwab” is the name of Allah that we will talk about today. This name renews hope in our life. Basically, it means that if a sinner returns to Allah in repentance Allah will accept him happily and He will never reject his slave’s apology. Allah says what can be translated as, “And He is (The One) Who accepts repentance for His bondmen” (TMQ: 42:25(, “Do they not know that Allah He, Ever He, accepts repentance from His bondmen” (TMQ, 9:104).
Allah always accepts apologies and never rejects them, even if humans do. People fear rejection of their apology by others, so some tend to avoid that, but with Allah they need not have this fear because ‘The Superbly Relenting’ always accepts your return to Him (SWT)[3].
Do you think your sins are major and unforgivable? Even though, your true apology will still be accepted. When Allah says that He accepts repentance from His slaves, He does not address one particular group. Rather He addresses all sinners, even if they have committed sins such as, adultery, disobedience to parents, bribery, betrayal, drinking alcohol, marital abuse, gossiping, etc. Whatever your sin is, He will happily accept your return to Him.
On the Day of Judgment your bad deeds will be listed openly and you will be in a shameful situation that could be avoided by going back to Him (SWT) in this world.
What are you waiting for to reconcile with Allah? Return to Him. In fact Allah is the one telling you to return to Him. He (SWT) Himself is calling us to go to Him although He has no need for us, and we are the ones in need of Him. There is a place in hell called saqar; it is prepared for those who do not pray and do not help the poor.
Spare yourself from facing a great torture by Allah ‘The Superbly Relenting’.
Furthermore, those who are aware of their sins usually repent and return to Allah more easily than those who are unaware of their sins. Those who are aware of their bad deeds tend to get frustrated by their wrongdoings and hence repent, but those who are unaware of their mistakes cannot repent, for they do not know! This is a critical position that many might find themselves in. Everyone should think of what they have done to improve the world. Try to recall the sins you have committed and repent. Save yourselves from a terrible hereafter by recalling your sins or mistakes and repenting for them. Return to Allah; He has given you this chance to return for He is ‘the Superbly Relenting’.
The Prophet (SAWS)[4], whose sins are already forgiven, used to ask for Allah's forgiveness and repent a hundred times a day. What about you? Allah named himself ‘the Superbly Relenting’ because He likes you to return to him. He likes you to repent and go back to Him. Allah (SWT) misses us when we are away and He will accept our repentance at any time. Humans on the other hand grow tired of your mistakes and may reject your apologies. Notice how mothers are so caring for their children, forgiving them when they do wrong and apologize; Allah is even more caring than a mother. Praising Allah and being thankful makes you increase your strong points. Repentance, however, makes you work on your weak points.
Allah (SWT) always wants us to return to him and He is even happier than you would be by your return. Allah's happiness is not like that of mankind because there is nothing like Him. Moreover, the happiness of one who gives is more than that of one who takes. Allah rejoices at our repentance more than we do. Besides, Allah rejoices at the repentance of His slave as he feels submissiveness and humbleness towards Allah, which represent the best way of worshiping. I am sure that each of us knows his sins; so, let us repent to Allah now. Note also that repentance raises your rank and brings you closer to Allah.
When Allah banished Satan from jannah (Paradise), he (Satan) swore by Allah’s might and majesty to misguide mankind as long as they lived. Allah then swore by His Might and Majesty to forgive us, mankind, as long as we ask for His forgiveness. Allah forgives us because He chose us to be His successors on earth and to be reformers. That is why He (TWT)[5] says what can be translated as, “And (remember) as your Lord said to the Angels, “Surely I am making in the earth a successor.” …” (TMQ, 2:30). Imagine what might happen if Allah does not accept our repentance? We will commit the same sins again and again and consequently mischief will be widespread on earth. The purpose of repentance is to introduce and maintain reform in our societies.
Repentance gives us hope, and helps us reduce our weaknesses. It also helps us to get to know Allah, because as we repent to Allah, we know that He is The Ever-Magnificent, The Ever-Merciful, The Avenger and The Ever-Forgiving. Allah could have preserved us against committing sins, but He wants to polish us. If we commit no sins, we will feel arrogance and conceitedness just like Satan. Ibnul-Qayem relates that Adam cried when he descended from jannah because he had eaten from the tree. As a result, Allah told him that if He preserved him and his offspring of sins, whom would He shower with His mercy, forgiveness and patience? Before committing his sin, Adam used to live in the jannah like a king; however, after eating from the tree, Adam became a mere slave. Allah prefers a sin that makes a slave submit to Him than a fair deed that makes him boast. Allah prefers the moaning of a repenting sinner to the glorification of a boaster.
Allah wanted Adam to go down to earth to reform and spread devoutness. Allah’s name, The Superbly Relenting is related to His name The Ever-Merciful. Allah loves to reckon us with His mercy instead of His justice. If He reckons us with His justice, He will let us do whatever we want in this life then enter hellfire in the hereafter. With His mercy, He will guide us to repentance even by treating us harshly. Sometimes He guides us by a small sign, sometimes by leniency and at other times by a trial[6] if we do not repent to him quickly. Hence, either we hurry to Allah, or He will get us to hurry to Him.
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…thereafter He relented towards them that they might repent…” (TMQ, 9:118). This means that Allah's forgiveness precedes the repentance of His slaves. However there is another ayah[7] that can be translated as, “Except (the ones) who repent and act righteously and ascertain the evidence; then, to those I relent, and I am The Superbly Relenting, The Ever-Merciful.” (TMQ, 2:160). In this ayah, Allah's forgiveness follows His acceptance of the repentance of His slaves. Allah first guides us to repentance, and when we repent, He accepts it.
There are four conditions for repentance to be accepted. Three are between us and Allah while the fourth is between us and others:
1- To regret our sins with true remorse (shedding tears, performing umrah[8] or asking Allah's forgiveness…)
2- To stop committing the sin
3- To be determined not to return to this sin again. At the time of Musa (AS) (Moses), the rain stopped for a long time. When Musa and the Israelites performed the prayers for rain, Allah told him that the rain would not fall unless a sinful person among them, who had committed sins for 40 years, left them. The man decided to repent to Allah, because if he left, his wrongdoing would be revealed, and if he stayed, they would all perish of thirst. When the sky rained, Musa (AS) asked Allah how it rained although no one had left. Allah told him that this was because He rejoiced at the repentance of this person. When Musa (AS) wanted to know who he was, Allah told him that He had covered him as a sinful person, so He would not expose him after his repentance.
4- If you owe any person a right because of a sin you should give it back to them.
Allah forgives us every time we commit a sinful deed, as long as we repent to him. If we do the same sin again and again to such an extent that we feel ashamed to repent, we must do good deeds in return. Allah says what can be translated as, “… Surely the fair deeds will put away the odious deeds…” (TMQ, 11:114)
________________________________________
[1] The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does, and the word 'Allah' in Arabic has no connotation of gender. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
[2] The extra night prayer performed in Ramadan.
[3] SWT = Subhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].
[4] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]
[5] Tabaraka Wa Ta`ala [Blessed and Exalted be He].
[6] A tremendous trial by Allah, in which the faith of a true believer is being tested.
[7] A verse in the Qur'an
[8] Voluntary short pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year

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2007-12-01 07:13:14 · 3 answers · asked by alainaljaria 1

2007-12-01 07:11:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous

If Jesus said you shouldn’t do something and someone else told you that Jesus didn’t mean that , and it would be ok to go ahead and do it?
Would you say to yourself,” I wonder why Jesus said not to do that? I don’t see anything wrong with doing that and other people have said it’s ok to do that

Would you do what Jesus Said or would you ignore what Jesus said and go ahead and do what someone else said?

2007-12-01 07:09:34 · 22 answers · asked by e 2

Isa 41:4 "Who has performed and accomplished it, Calling forth the generations from the beginning? 'I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last. I am He.'"

Rev 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

In Isaiah God the Father claims to be the first and the last.

In Revelations Jesus claims to be the first and the last.

Either we have two firsts and two lasts or Jesus and God the Father are both God.

How can we resolve this logical dilemma given the propositions taken from the scripture?

2007-12-01 07:06:38 · 12 answers · asked by Miguel 2

Really if ya think about it... you basically pay him with services not to destroy you... is like the ultimate eternal protection racket... I'm just sayin'...

2007-12-01 07:04:12 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-12-01 07:00:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous

How can simple disbelief in anything be a sin? Belief is not a morla issue, it's a truth issue. How can the "believe or go to hell" assertion make sense to any thinking person?

2007-12-01 06:59:43 · 15 answers · asked by neil s 7

just wondering. i think there are many different answers depending on ur religion

2007-12-01 06:55:29 · 25 answers · asked by peepoohead7 2

for people that know the difference, please explain.
being a true witch, there is no kind of rede or law of three. so why do wiccans claim to be witches. most of who claim to be wiccan witches are these teeny bopper kids or people that just found their religion.

witches does this upset you?

2007-12-01 06:54:24 · 13 answers · asked by me 2

Someone asked "If God isn't real, than why do so many people believe in him." He argued that so many people would not believe in God if he did not exist. If numbers determines the likelyhood that God exists, wouldn't Buddha be the real God being that there are more Buddhists than any other religion. China makes up 1/4 of the population and most of China's citizens are Buddhists. All I am saying is that far more people believe in Buddha than God, and if numbers are an indication of anything, than Buddha must be the man.

2007-12-01 06:49:28 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous

I dont know if you havent noticed im asking questions about religion cause i dont get religion.
i dont see the point why cant you just belive in yourself how come you cant give yourself hope (to christians)?

If you belive in god wh ydo you belive in the devil?

And someone explain to me

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL????

2007-12-01 06:45:21 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous

There is this sin that is driving me crazy. I repent of it and then I do it again, repent of it, and then do it again. I can't seem to break the cycle. I haveen't been praying much for God to help me with this sin because I have been so concentrated on repenting of it over and over again. I am depressed a lot ofthe time and I feel like I can't do anything because there is always this guilt hanging over my head. God has even taken the pleasure out of this particular sin, yet I continue to do it anyway. Can somebody please help me?

2007-12-01 06:45:14 · 33 answers · asked by Skyline 4

We're constantly being bombarded with how we have to respect islam as a religion.

Well I dont - respect must be earned, and there is not one single thing to do with the whole global following of islam that is worthy of my respect. It is only worthy of my complete contempt.

Who feels the same?

2007-12-01 06:42:44 · 41 answers · asked by Anonymous