Can you go to Heaven if you're not a Christian?

Question

Let's say you were stranded as an infant on a desert island and raised by monkeys. If you live your life in accordance with Christian "Values" doesn't God see that you're being a good person, without being a pious Chirstian, and reserve a place for you in His Kingdom? Where would you go if you weren't a Christian?

There are some really good answers here. I asked the question somewhat flippantly, but a lot of people put a lot of earnest thought into their responses. Out of respect for those people, I'm not going to pick something that I am in strong agreement with. I'm going to put this up for a vote. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Answer 1

I might guess that there is a difference between never hearing the word of God and choosing not to believe in it. But for the outcome, I'm not going to even assume to know what God would say.

Answer 2

Yes, I think so, especially in your hypothetical situation. (See the first chapter of Romans). However, I don't have a great deal of the authority to get someone into heaven. I'm sure that I would be pretty lenient, and probably manage to screw up heaven somehow.

Of course there are other possible answers:

If you are a strict predestinationalist, you might say that the person is born in Original Sin, and that God mlght or might not choose to save him. You can't tell God what He should do, and if you ask for justice, no one goes to heaven, so you can only ask for mercy.

You might say that the answer is "no" because heaven doesn't exist, or because Christian "values" are not what you need to get there. Maybe you need to die in battle or as a Moslem.

The reason for all these extra answers is that, often, when someone asks me what I think, they decide I am narrow minded if I tell them. I believe that Christians (by whatever definition God puts on that term) go heaven. I believe that God is just, and whatever he does about non-Christians is just. I also believe he is merciful. But I'm not God, nor is anyone who will answer this question on Yahoo Answers. I can tell you what I believe, and you can choose whether to believe it. However, if someone here says that non-Christians go to hell (or that Christians go to hell), please give them a little respect. Many people who believe that are very sincere in their hopes that they can get as many people to heaven as possible. They may be annoying, and they may be wrong (or they may be right), but at least they deserve the benefit of a doubt. Most do not *want* you to go to hell.

Answer 3

I do not believe in what people see as religions - I think there are so many who join a religion but do not follow the beliefs completely - I also think some use christian in such a way to define all who believe in God. And I believe there is more confusion in what the base of what it takes to get to heaven. If you believe in God and accept him in your heart and while on this earth you do all things you understand right and avoid those things you know in your heart that are sinful, then you will be judged by God and given passage into heaven. God said that everyman will know of him before the end, so in your what if question I would say before this persons end some how he will know of God even if it be an angel sent to tell him. Their is good and bad in every religion, some will learn and understand. Many will not. No matter what religion you are. He will not judge a group of people because they all meet in a certain building but by each heart brought before him.

Answer 4

Yes... believe it or not, the Catholic Church actually teaches this. Pick up a copy of the Catechism; you will be quite surprised at what the Catholic Church actually is and what they actually believe. If a person never heard or knew anything about Christianity, by no fault of their own such as you described, but lived an upright moral life in accordance with the natural and moral laws "written in the heart" could enter heaven. Every person on earth knows the basic difference between good and evil.

Answer 5

I suggest that we get God's own view of the matter, by comparing & reasoning on what He's had recorded & preserved as our guidebook ...
The following articles go into depth to explain all the intricacies involved in the answer to your question:

Life in a Peaceful New World
http://www.watchtower.org/library/t15/peaceful.htm

The Hereafter -- Where Will It Be?:
... Earth -- Just a Testing Ground?
... Eternal Happiness -- In Heaven or on Earth?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2000/10/1/article_01.htm

What Is the Kingdom of God?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/rq/article_06.htm

The Perfect Government of Peace
http://www.watchtower.org/library/lmn/article_10.htm

True Teachings--Where Can You Find Them?
... Teachings that Please God
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2005/7/15/article_01.htm

If you are truell interested in finding the answer to your questions, you will find them covered in the printed discussions I've listed above, along with live scripture referenc links. I hope that you will ...

"Make Sure of All things; Hold Fast to what is Fine!" (1Th5:21)

Answer 6

No man can be saved by his own deeds. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The 10 commandments are the standards of perfection and the only one to ever live up to them was Jesus Christ. It is a pretty safe bet that you cannor read this entire answer without sinning at least once. Even without the bible, humans can usually tell if something is right or wrong and know that they are sinners. "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the only path to salvation.

You may not know jesus' name, but if you know that you are a sinner and put your faith in God to save you then I believe you will go to heaven. (I cant think of any bible verses off the top of my head to back this last paragraph up.)

Answer 7

A good, and often-asked, question.

The answer that most philosophers and theologians have found is that we are responsible for the revelation given us. If you never ever hear of Christ, you cannot be held responsible for knowing Him or obeying His commands. The contrapositive is that if you've heard the Gospel, you are responsible for your decision as to whether to accept it or reject it.

The "noble savage" as would describe a desert island dweller raised by monkeys (why are there monkeys in a desert, anyway?), is left to the mercy of the Lord.

Answer 8

This is one of those questions which really points the absurdity of fundamentalist Christianity. In fact, it is probably the best question to put to the morons who espouse this crap. According to fundamentalists, you either accept Jesus as your Savior, or you go to hell. No other options. Makes one wonder where the love and mercy comes in eh?
To answer your question, it really depends upon which sect you ask. Most Christian sects will shuffle their feet and refuse to answer, some will say that you are on your way to hell, and others will use justifications to show that God will figure it all out, so not to worry.
A real world answer; There is no Hell, No God, so stop worrying.

Answer 9

absophuckinlutley just make sure you apologize profusely and puchase your ticket with two weeks notice..all tickets are non-refundable and blackout dates due to acts of GOD may happen so be prepared to hang out at a hotel in limbo..all flights are smoking and the movie feature is your choice..thank you for flying AIR JESUS...whhhoooaa wait a second....monkeys? i guess it would depend on what kind of monkeys lemurs? rheesus, baboons? if they are jew monkeys than absolutelly out of the question..and what kind of god fearing parents would leave their own child on monkey island..ifJesus knew about this he would seriously be P.O.ed...Actually i think Jesus is pissed because he was trying to teach monkeys not to follow organized religions the truth is he just wanted monkeys to love and respect one another be kind and forgiving.A place of worship doesn't cost a ton of bananas and isnt made of bricks or stone or dung..if god is everywhere than you cant stop god or even contain god...he could go all the way...just look at the monkey run.......heaven hell are both on earth and inside your mind. NO

Answer 10

Yes I believe that that person is considered inocsent like a child who has not gone down a spiritual path yet, in God's eyes...but when you get to heaven (you, having the knowledge of Jesus) Jesus will ask you one question to enter the gates...
Do believe that I am your father and savior or do you not believe?
If your name does not show up in the book of life you are not allowed in because you kept your life as your own and did not give it to your creator