Do good people who have never heard of Christianity go to heaven?

Question

I'm talking about some sort of native tribe isolated somewhere in africa or south america, who have never fully heard about any of the major religions. They lead good lives and are good kind people, but dont believe in jesus or the christian god because they simply haven't heard of it. Do they go to heaven?

(I don't really believe in religion or god but want to hear some people try to defend/explain this)

Answer 1

The short answer is yes.

However, our own conscience and the bible tells us that nobody is good, except god. So the problem is how do we reconcile a good god with bad people.

The way that god solved this problem was through Jesus Christ, who was both god and man, and was able to go thru human experience while remaining good, but he was killed and took the death penalty of Hell upon himself, that those who believe may be saved.

This salvation came through Jesus, and is revealed through the holy spirit, who even revealed Jesus Christ to someone who was directly opposed to the message of Christ (St Paul). If God can do that, then yes, He has the power to save even bad people who have never heard of Christ, as it is not up to what we have done, but what Jesus did (which is grace).

As the bible says it: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of satan, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
-Ephesians 2:1-10

Answer 2

Mormons believe that if you never heard of God the Father or Jesus Christ then you will have the opportunity to accept them in the spirit world and thus be able to go to heaven. Would you believe in a God that condemned Billions of innocent souls to hell just because they were born at the wrong time or place? We don't either. Christian Fundamentalists believe that if you do not know Jesus while you are alive then you will have no other chance to do so and will be condemned.

Answer 3

Here is a theory-- In the Bible it speaks about a 1000 yr reign of Christ on the earth with people. In this time Satan is imprisoned and cannot tempt anyone, after this time, Satan is released and can tempt people one more time before he and those who chose him are cast into the lake of fire.(Rev 19,20 & 21) now the theory is that some of the people that are on the earth with Jesus at the time are those who never heard, those who didn't have a chance in life to believe or reject Him. Had they known Him before then, how could they possibly be tempted away from Him later? Not saying all these people would later follow Satan but it is less likely it would be someone was a Christian in life, lived through this time and THEN rejected Him. See what Im saying?

Answer 4

I believe that they do. You see, I feel that all religion is based basically on the same thing - all worship some kind of God or Gods, so really, what is the difference? I think we ALL go to the same place. I call it Heaven, but I am sure that whatever heaven means in other religions, it is the same thing and just a nice

Answer 5

I don't follow an organized religion, I prefer to set my own rules and control my own fate. The way I see it, religion's purpose is to give people guidance in their everyday lives, whether or not they are convinced of the principles behind the religion. Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other main religions differ greatly in fundamentals and principles, but they all teach their followers how to be a better person. Whether this involves meditating, praying, confessing your sins, or doing mitzvahs; all of these religions are designed to guide you and help you be a better person. Your question takes a Judeo-Christian standpoint, because many religions and hundreds of millions of people do not believe in heaven. Buddhists believe in reincarnation. Some religions don't believe in any form of an afterlife. Jews don't believe in Hell. Every religion is different, and these "Native tribes isolated in Africa or South America" that you speak of may not want to go to Heaven at all.

On a lighter note, South Park asks the same question in the "Do the Handicapped go to Hell?" episode. Are people who are unable to follow Christianity because of mental handicaps doomed to Hell? I asked that question to a priest and he truthfully did not know. I would like to hear someone answer that question.

-Adam

Answer 6

Okay here is my answer to this question...
I am a Christian. That does not mean i have all the answers and other Christians may dis agree- Typically it is not your religion but weather or not you know God personally that matters. however I choose to believe that the god i choose to believe in it Many things, Just, pure, sovereign, Merciful. He is not standing there waiting for you to fail. He is not looking for the few who will cut the requirements. he is wanting you to be with him in heaven. I think his love is sufficient enough and merciful enough to cover this. I choose to believe when you don't know to believe in him. He Knows this. i choose to believe the God I know welcomes these people to him. Also as a note. You commented on "good people"
I don't believe it matters weather you are good or bad as a person. I believe that some of the people in the world who have done the vilest things in life with see eternity with Christ. While also some of the nicest and most giving people with not. it is all about the relationship. and let me tell you It is real! and a heck of a ride!

Answer 7

YES, OF COURSE.
I'm a Christian and I will explain something to you. In the beginning, God created human and blessed them. Everyone in the world are alike, so whether you are a Christian or not, if you have a good life, you will go straight to Heaven. On the contrary, if you are a Christian, you know all the rules of God but you are still guilty, you will be punished more than those who don't know the rules.

Answer 8

you will ought to study Revelations slightly nearer to comprehend what occurs to those that, for one reason or yet another, under no circumstances get to go with. in certainty, there are 2 judgments. the 1st one will in basic terms pertain to the believers, residing and ineffective, on the time of Christ's return. they're going to then be taken away, regular with the aid of fact the rapture, and formed right into a protection tension which will come lower back on the tip of the trbulation to occupy the earth and set up the dominion of God, which will final for 1000 years. on the tip of this time, devil would be loosed lower back for a quick season, and all people who ever lived, would be raised lower back to be certain the two devil and Christ of their midst. After this could come the 2d day of judgment, wherein all people who weren't an element of the 1st one gets their hazard to go with. in this type, no person misses out in the previous the perfect holiday to heaven, although they're going to pass over out on the dominion era. I thnk maximum human beings will make the superb decision at that factor, so Hell must be a sparce place.

Answer 9

I think about every culture and civilization of people believe in their own form of a deity. And if religions today will just keep on the path of deciding it's the same deity just by different name, then I guess that tribe already knows now huh? No reason it would have to have the Christian name on it.

Answer 10

Even ppl on remote islands have some form of religion. Interestingly enough the majority of religions all have some type of god, savior, and book of life values. And yes...I believe the whole point of trying to follow a holy life is that you go beyond to a better place. FYI everyone goes to one place...god forgives everyone. It is your soul which goes to the next place and you soul is pure and good no matter what tainted it here.

Answer 11

I know that God is a fair being and that He would never punish someone who ddn't know the truth. We are all equal in the sight of the Lord and those who didn't hear about God here will hear and learn about Him in the next life and will have a chance to choose Him and also Christ as their Savior. We will all be given an equal opportunity.