Why can't I just be the kind caring person I like to be, and get into Heaven?

Question

What kind of egocentrical deity would overlook the goodness of a person, just because that person did not worship Him? Is God insecure? or just a construct of humanity that has been carried on through the ages to pacify the masses and make some cash?
Hmmm...

Answer 1

Simple. There are some rules set by God to follow to go to heaven.

Answer 2

Because You're A Bitter Old ****,You Better Watch Which Subject You Pursue,GOD Doesn't Play Boo Boo...I'd Stick To The Less Intellectual Questions..A Spiritual Question Seems To Be Beyond Your Grasp

Answer 3

Good question!
Why have one more instance of the ELITE?
Is that a good value?
For them, yes - they've been 'saved'.
Thumbtack a handwritten sign to the clubhouse door:No un-saved allowed.
F*ck that
They just like the feeling of being part of something exclusive - and get defensive about it, too.
Back to what you were originally wondering - It's true - I've asked priests and sh*t - they'll actually look you in the eye and tell you that you can spend your whole life doing wonderful, caring, giving things and you still don't DESERVE heaven unless you've joined their club.
Again: Is elitism a good value?
Last note: Fine job ruffling some bible-thumpin feathers, friend. I only made it through some of your answers, but it quickly became clear that these people love nothing better than getting uptight about their elite club.... a little buried guilt, maybe?

Answer 4

I see what you are saying, but trying to get fundamentalist 'believers' in just about any form of religion or cultural belief system to consider the possibility they may not have the Ultimate answer is pretty futile.

Ideally, we would look at all major religious groups and realize that each holds pieces of the greater truth, for there is a common thread of teaching that runs through all... well, all of them I have studied at least.

I think, if we can ever reach the maturity to see beyond the vehicle (Qur'an, Bible, Torah and such) of these profound instructions, beyond the numerous translations and interpretations of each of those translations, often colored by the governing bodies of the era in which they were made... we just might gain true enlightenment.

None of these were written by the hand of God or even (as far as I know) put into writing by the original prophets and teachers... most were handed down orally and written years or centuries later by devout followers and scholars. Some of these scribes probably had their own or their rulers' agendas governing much of the finer details relating to war, the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of their day and even the punishments for actions or beliefs other than what was perceived as their own at the time.

I don't honestly believe the prophets, teachers or even God, in all His/Her manifestations, meant for us to use the original teachings provided to convince ourselves we are so superior to any other as to justify the atrocities we have committed in the name of these teachings. I think we did that all on our own and if there is to be punishment, it will be for our arrogance and self-serving use of the gifts of knowledge we have been given.

Answer 5

Because God says that the only way for salvation is one way, through Jesus. Yes, He is a very jealous God, and why shouldn't He be? He gave us everlasting life as well as this wonderful world to live on with beautiful gifts of people to enrich our lives. When you give someone a gift, for birthday or such, that they truly love and cherish, don't you feel a little egocentric for a moment yourself? What an amazing gift to know that as a saved Christian, I know exactly where I'm going and what will happen when I leave this physical world. You cannot use philosophy to find God. Use His word. "He who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life" John 5:24

Answer 6

According to the Christian Bible it started out simple, "Don't eat the fruit." By God telling this to Adam and Eve he gave them choice to follow him or not, instead of just being puppets. They chose to eat. The reality is none of us are really that good on the inside. We all have these crazy thoughts. God still wants us to choose and not be puppets. Not just choose to be good, but to choose to accept him and his son, a guy we've all come to know and love, Jesus.

Sure some have exploited him for cash. Sure some people only run to him when they are in trouble or sad, but God is more secure in himself than we will ever know. He made us to enjoy us, and created us to be able to enjoy him. We are the ones who distorts these things. It's good to be kind and caring, but that alone won't make heaven.

Answer 7

You answered your own question. Are you doing this goodness for God or for man? If you are glorifying man or the world then you are not Glorifying the one who made you. God does not need YOU at all. He honestly could care less if you did this or that.

I would ask that the things you do that are good - follow God and what He has set out just for you. If He set out a specific plan for you and never followed it then how would it be expected that you would know God's perfect will for your life?

Answer 8

Good people will be able to get in to heaven
a*Moroni. 7: 1, 44-47
1 And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon, which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue which they had built for the place of worship.
• • •
44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. b*see also 1st Corrinthians 13:1-4,8,13
Christ also told his followers to c* 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Answer 9

Read section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, it will tell you the requirements to attain each level of glory, Celestial, Telestial, Terrestial.
Why would we have come to earth if there were no reward for being good and obeying God's commandments???

Answer 10

Do you believe that you have done wrong? Have you ever lied? Anything wrong? Well, God says the the wages of sin is DEATH. That's why He sent his only begotten Son, Jesus. Am I right in assuming that you try to do right by your own strength and for your own good? Well, you see that's the problem. It's not about being good that gets you into Heaven, It's about following God. It's about relying on Him and doing good FOR Him.

I hope this helps

Answer 11

Christianity believes that only people who worship as they do will go to heaven. This is a fear tactic and is extremely effective as evidenced by most of the responses you received. Other religions are not so rigid and believe that all good people will go to heaven. Good works, not mouthing rituals are what count.