2006-06-07 08:32:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
a choice is more than two options. blackmail is when you only have two options,one being a punishment.
2006-06-07 08:40:26 · update #1
Ive heard of christians that convert people at gunpoint. in my opinion thats a true christian (TM) they have done that since Roman times and they will never stop being that way. the Mafia came from Rome and so did christianity. i dont think thats a coincidence.
2006-06-07 08:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 7⤋
First, even a person being blackmailed has free will. He or she can choose whichever outcome they like better -- or, perhaps, dislike least.
Second, not all Christians *do* believe in free will. It's a fairly complicated theological question, with Calvinists on one side and Arminians (followers of Arminius, not "Armenians" as in people from Armenia) on the other. Check an online resource like Wikipedia for more details.
Third, in the Christian theological construct, Hell (whether considered literal, or as the figurative sense of an eternal separation from God) is not a punishment for not accepting Jesus; it's a just punishment for your own sins, which Jesus has willingly agreed to take the blame for -- if you agree to let him. (It's the difference between being told "stand right here on the deck or I'll throw you off the ship" and "this ship is sinking -- stand here in line in my place to be sure you get on a lifeboat." Okay, the analogy's a little crude, but you get the idea.)
The construct ties into the ancient Hebrew notions of the "scapegoat," a word we still use today to describe someone who receives the blame for someone else's actions, and the "kinsman-redeemer," a role specified in ancient Hebrew law that allowed one person to continue another's family line -- see the Book of Ruth for details.
Hope that helps.
2006-06-07 08:54:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jay H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free will is having a choice. Just like we go to work, if we do a good job we get a raise, if we do not, we get fired. If our parents go away for a week and say "If you do what you're supposed to and keep the house clean, we'll bring you gifts, but if you dont, you will be punished" is this blackmail? All of life is choices and making the wrong ones bring trouble. Thats how life is.
2006-06-07 08:37:58 · answer #3 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still have the choice of not caring, lol.
Perhaps cohersion is a better phrase to use, but blackmail fits as well. It seems an authoritarian kind of existance, one of absolutes. You do this, you get this, no variation, yeah that sounds like choice doesn't it?
A christian version of free will is a macdonalds with two choices and no variations. "You can have ANYTHING you want, as long as it's on the menu."
If I don't go to hell who's gonna help all the christians get out of there?
I'm not so sure about the existance of free will, in fact I'd probably argue against it, given the chance.
2006-06-07 08:37:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not "blackmail", it's choice. You can believe what you want, all I'm going to do is tell you the fact. And the facts are that Jesus went through immense pain, died, and rose again so that all you have to do is accept Him. Now, can you go and do whatever you want? Yes. Do you have to accept Him? No. But every action has an opposite, and if you refuse Jesus, you refuse eternal life in Heaven, and accept eternity in Hell, where the smoke of the torment of unbelievers will rise forever (Revelation 14:11). You make your choice; Live for Christ, live for nothing, live for yourself, or just kind of make your way through life. Only one way leads to Eternal life, living for Christ. I'm not going to force Christianity on you. But you can go talk to a Christian pastor. Hope this helps, and God bless!
2006-06-07 08:41:18 · answer #5 · answered by eefen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its blackmail sure, but you still have a choice to decide wich one you want to do.
Of course, the other option is choose jesus, or go to hell, or believe the way you want and dont fall for it all.
2006-06-07 08:35:57 · answer #6 · answered by sweetie_baby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because free will means it's your choice! Jehovah's Witnesses believe that hell is the grave. We believe the the choices Jehovah gives us are clear.. life forever or death forever (Romans 6:23) So the free will is your choice. Live forever, or when you die, stay dead forever. I think the choice is a beautiful gift. Think of the alternative!
Later: Sweetheart, who on EARTH told you that a choice was more than two?? What fairy tale are you living in? Welcome to the REAL world! It seems as if you just don't like your choices!
2006-06-07 08:39:03 · answer #7 · answered by themom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Working in a hospital , We know that there are certain diseases that only respond to certain medications this is not being narrow minded this is just the way it is.
Christians believe that the only cure for sin is through Jesus Christ this is not blackmail it is just the way it is.
2006-06-07 08:38:18 · answer #8 · answered by williamzo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not blackmail. Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. God only wants what is best for all of us and that is to spend eternity with Him.
2006-06-07 08:37:48 · answer #9 · answered by giwsd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. christians think that two options is choice. two options according to a CHILD psychologist is what you give to a two year old to make them think they have a choice, but in all reality you have the control and power.
2006-06-07 08:43:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You actually have the choice to turn to God or to ignore Him and to live a life against Him, really.
But let me ask you, what's more important to you; a few stupid things in life, or your eternal life? It is not blackmail, it is honesty.
2006-06-07 08:36:15 · answer #11 · answered by Soga 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋