What if it were'nt all true?

Question

Please do view this as a personal attack on your religious beliefs; my intentions are actually quite sincere. Also please bear with me as although this may be a longwinded question, I’m trying to avoid sounding hostile or accusatory, this is because of the delicacy of the nature of my question.

I’ve been listening to a lot of what people say on this website and I’m constantly dismayed when I hear someone ask earnest but pointed questions about Christianity and Islamic religions, only to be greeted by hostility from the respondents. It tells me that the art of intelligent discussion is dead, But one of the most interesting arguments that I’ve seen used in response to asking people to consider Christianity is the supposition of “what if it were all true?” That is to say, what if the Christian religious belief of what the hereafter is were all true, I guess the question I would have to ask is what if it weren’t?

I mean the one thing that I’ve noticed is that throughout history various religions have built themselves upon the shoulders of their predecessors, each one in turn adding newer subtleties and nuances that the previous one hadn’t or didn’t consider, or address if it did consider it. As a result the newer religions started to develop a more rigid set of standards and strangely enough these rigid standards produced rules regarding the exclusivity of their God. “Through us is the only way to salvation”, whereas the older religions viewed their God as all encompassing, all loving and capable of forgiveness.

As a result of this growing need by these latter (or more recent) religions for what I shall call their “exclusiveness of God”, the religions seem to be more extreme in their behavior. By this I’m referring to Christianity and Islamic beliefs and their acts of extremism throughout history

(The Crusades, The Inquisition, The Conquistadores, Bishops molesting children, Islamic jihad The tragedy of women living under Islamic tribal customs, etc).

The question I have is what if it weren’t all true. Christianity and Islam haven’t around all that long relatively speaking, and for as short a time that they’ve been around they’ve committed many sins. Why should I believe their way is the only way to true salvation and why should I want their brand of salvation especially in light of what they’ve done in the past. Furthermore (and this isn’t easy to say), why should I believe that you’re going to be granted salvation from the God you proclaim? Your religions track record hasn’t been all that good and although it may have been built on a good foundation, it has unfortunately seen itself fall astray from its founder’s message far too many times.

Answer 1

To state from the beginning I am a christian.

I HATE the arguement "what if it is all true?" I think faith out of fear... is well gutless and useless. But that is not your question.. I digress.

If the christian faith I have is not all true... I have to endure the consquences. I believe what I believe not for some need not to burn in an everlasting fire *rolls eyes* but of a true faith.

I spent a few years researching various religions. So if it is not all true... here are my feelings.. and mind you they are just my feelings..

1. The religions that are directly in oppisition to my afterlife beliefs I am not "eligible" for due to race, gender, or some other variation.
2. If regards to other it doesn't really matter what I believe here it will not matter because I will still have the same "results" as someone who is a deeply commuitted believer...for instance I will reincarnate if I believe I will or not.
3. Other religions wrap mine up in them.. so I am still sitting pretty... so speaking (Hindu--I think, sorry if I matched the religion wrong.. but the one who make Jesus Christ one of the many ways to the after life) *If someone would email me and let me know the correct religion on that I would appreciate it.

I think ultimately for me. I have to be able to live (yes pre death, prior to the after life) with what I believe now. If my morals can not tolerate my beliefs I have a problem.

My beliefs have to make logical sense to me... if they do to others are not.

Faith is not about happens, or if it is or isn't all true.. it is about at the end of the day do you lay down and know that it is true. That what you believe is the way.

I almost hate saying this as a Christian. But honestly if you can't stomach your religion... maybe your faith needs some looking at.

I think the biggest issue in religions (Christians included) is that we are all so sure WE are right.... but we all CAN'T be right.

I hope that people begin to look at earnest questions, and give thoughtful LOGICAL (as they can be in regards to religion) answers, and not overly Zealous non thinking answers.

There is an old saying, "You will catch more flies with honey than vinger."

Why would anyone want to believe what you believe if you are like a viper?

No offense to othe christians, but if someone looked at your life.. do they say...

I WANT THAT

or

WHY WOULD I Want that

Answer 2

We don't know simply, and those who say they do do not have any substantiating undeniable proof. I think you rightly acknowledge the presence of hostility regarding these sorts of debates, but there is also at least some thoughtful considered responders from both sides of the debate and their thought out views are enriching.
As a pointed out, the fact that there is no substantiating proof means all these debates take place on a theoretical and hypothetical basis, that is, a philosophical basis; which means there is no single answer, just a whole lot of varing view points - some more believable and compelling then others. In the end you are going to believe what you want to believe wether it is based on a consideration of facts and argument or just a based on ignorance and the need to -for what ever reason- believe blindly (i think they call it faith). Christianity may be true, but then many things may be true, at this point in time at least there are still many things we simply can not (scientifically, logically or spiritually) understand.

Answer 3

Religion still wouldn't be useless if it were not true. In history, it has been used to manipulate and control the population (e.g. the Catholic church). Also, it gives people something to look up to, and a reason to survive if they don't have anything else to hold on to. Many people of faith are happier because of the faith. However, there would have been countless useless wars and wasted lives.

You should believe whatever you want; religious people shouldn't force non-religious people into beliefs. Just as long as you feel good about yourself, are happy, and don't hurt others, you can believe whatever you want. It's a diverse world, and we should all accept diversity without prejudice.

But if it were true, atheists are probably screwed. If it were not true, then there are no consequences of not believing a religion (other than worldly consequences). Thus, religion could be viewed as a "safety net."

Answer 4

Personally, I don't believe that any one single religion has the right to claim that "their way is the only way." There is no one religion that is better than any other. They all have historical bases, most have been around for centuries, why would only one be "right?" The only reason one would want to claim to be the only true religion is to attract the most followers. The more followers, the more power. The only way you can be the only correct religion, is to say all the others are wrong. There is no way to prove that there is any such thing as a correct or an incorrect religion. Any religion that teaches love, peace, and tolerance is a worthy religion. Each person has the right to his or her own set of beliefs. Too many extreme religions now teach intolerance. Far too many lives are lost in the name of religious fervor. To me that should be the farthest from acceptable of any human act in any religion. Life is sacred and anyone who believes otherwise is no true follower of any God. Personally I don't attend any church at all any more. I much prefer spirutality to a set religion. No religion seems to fit all my personal beliefs & I feel no need to hear someone preach to me or try to tell me what I should or should not believe. I live my life trying to be the very best human being I can. Tolerant of differences instead of fearful, and unflappably optimistic about how good people really can be. If someone needs to hear words of encouragement, or needs a weekly reminder of what they are capable of being, I see no harm in attending religion services of your choice. The only harm I see if when those services start making you feel that you're in some way superior to those around you that don't agree with your beliefs, or that you have to come to those services and donate money to those causes in order to be considered a "good & true" member. Worship in your own way, believe what you feel is true in your heart, and live your life being the best person you can be. No matter what religion you choose, or if you choose not to afilliate with any particular religion at all, if you believe in God, you ought to believe that he knows what's in your heart, & only He (or She) - and no one else - can tell you if you've proven yourself as a worthy human being.

Answer 5

People have to believe in something. It's called faith for a reason. Basically I think people become so into religion because they need that extra rock in their lives. Life is complex, harsh, and cruel - even in today's most developed countries, living from day to day comes complete with its own stresses. People need something more.

You're raised to work. And then you work, take a decade off, and find a place to die. That's hard to come to terms with. So why should you work so much every day? Why should you form a society or embrace one another as brother and friend?

Because they're told there's more. Because people need to believe that work, death, and taxes is not what life is about. That the toil of this life is for the leisure in the next. To them, it does not matter if they're wrong or right - they believe there is more to life than the physical world, and that makes living in it much easier.

Answer 6

I can tell you, that for a great many years, I would have told you that "none of that Christian crap is real. It is just a colection of pure (#$%^&&^%$#@$%^*(()))) made up by totaly deluded fools"
Actualy I would have been much more vulger than that.... Till, in a matter of moments, at 53yrs, I heard God's call. No Bible thumpers pray'n on me. No deep study of the bible leading me to that moment. No booming voice from the heavens....
But God got me. I will tell you from my own personal experience, that The Salvation Message is God's call to all who would come to Him. It is God's free gift to all who will come to him as he proscribes. And it is your gift if you will accept it.

if this were not true I would be saying what I had said for years. *&^%^%#$%^^$#@ Christians!!!!!

I have absolutly no doubt that the simple truth of The Promise of Salvation is real... For all, and for all eterninty... I know that I am saved for all eternity. By The Grace and Mercy of God.

This is a subject that can not be adiquatly covered by this format. I accept email on this topic from any honest Seeker of The Truth.

Answer 7

If it weren't, I would go to the grave like the rest of us. End of discussion.
It the Bible proves to be true, this opens up more cans of worms than those who disbelieve wish to encounter.
"If" God is real, those who disbelieve will be accountable for their choice.
ask this;
Why do Christians believe in a God that "physically" doesn't exist? Just because I can't see Him, doesn't mean I can't feel His presence. You can feel the wind, but you can see the wind.
Just because I don't "see or hear" John Brown from Seattle doesn't mean he doesn't exist. Faith is substance of things hope for and evidence of things not seen. Many died prematurely, refusing to deny Jesus, even as they have not seen Him physically.
Christians know the hope they have in Jesus. The Bible is truth.

Answer 8

You seem to be connecting islam with Christianity for some unknown reason. islam serves a dead human god while Christianity serves a Risen Saviour. My faith tells me this and Faith is by believing in the word of God - the one true God - So there is NO 'what if' about it. Sadly, those who do not believe will eternally be reminded that they did not when they are in torture in the depths of hell.

Answer 9

To believe is a choice. All the words you hear are information only. Not all the things done by various religions has been for the good or God's/Allah's will. It has been perverted by self centered individuals. You get to choose how your walk with your higher power will unfold. Peace.

Answer 10

either way the answer is the same its impossible to be correct because we were not around 2006 years ago, to wittiness what was going on at the time and with all the smooth talkers in this world it hard to point out the truth, because every would eat crow, so instead of doing that they prefer to live a lie and vise verse