Question for everyone?

Question

Agnostic here, not trying to convert anyone.

Philosophically, what is wrong with a religious person telling people that if they don't believe as the person does that they will go to hell? Is there anything wrong with this warning?

Limiting this to the verbal aspect of it, and assumeing they are saying it to an adult, not a child, is this acceptable protected speech in America?

I'm not talking about when Christians go and do bad things like kill Ryan White because he was a homosexual, or try and ban gay marriage because of Romans 1, or try and blow up an abortion clinic, or try and say jesus is the great philosopher and then become President and order men into war. Clearly religious and non religious alike kill or try and legislate the way they feel, havent seen any non christians trying to ban gay marriage but heh, not a lot of atheists blowing up abortion clinics.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I see nothing wrong with Christians warning others about the fiery pit. Righteous indignation and zeal are important perks they've come to expect as believers. Who are we to deprive them of this harmless source of excitement? Many of them are overcome with sheer joy at the idea that one day they'll be watching the rest of us suffer for all eternity.

I say let them have their fun!

Answer 2

For an "Agnostic here, not trying to convert anyone." You sure do look at things one sided. First off if a person does not believe in Hell what does it matter that another person tells him he is going there? Second: There may be Christians that do bad things but it seems very leading to only list what Christians do bad in your question. Homosexuals have raped Christians in jail, and ordering soldiers into war as the leader of a nation is not against the Christian teachings. While not a lot of atheist blow up abortion clinics they do commit petty theft to murder every day. As a Christian I do not profess to be better than you but I am no worse than you either. Why you must try and paint a picture so slanted when asking this question is very telling. You could ask: "keeping in mind that Stalin and other mass murders were atheist, are atheist bad people?" Very leading, but nice try not trying to convert that is.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say there is anything philosophically wrong with it...it would make sense for an exclusivist to believe that anyone who does not share the same belief will suffer whatever fate that religion has for nonbelievers. It is also free speech, I respect the value of free speech even when it concerns something that I don't agree with.

But, it really is simply pointless for the believer to tell the nonbeliever that s/he is going to go to a hell s/he doesn't believe in. People who push the hell concept as a reason for belief really should find a better approach.

Answer 4

You are singling out a small % of radical so called Christians when saying they all bomb abortion clinics. That is the same ignorance that alot of Christians have saying that all Muslims are terrorists or kill for their God. Only about 10% of the Islamic faith believe this way. You are also giving Christians the benefit that they are perfect. By no means is any man perfect. Now, gay marriages are against the faith of Christianity and in my opinion, are against nature because of the elimination of reproduction. Due to the Ten Commandments "Thou shall not kill" so I don't condone murder. But i would peacefully protest or vote on the issue. This is what our country has been founded on. Now in the question of war, is it in defense actually? Are you fighting forces against your own? Sometime, I believe, war is justified for faith. It has gone on since the beginning of time. To conclude, I am a Christian but I do not judge others hearts. That is between them and God and they will have to answer for what they have done.

Answer 5

That's quite the biased picture you've drawn there, I appreciate the "extra effort" you put in to define what you're not trying to talk about.

Are you saying that philosophically there is a problem with somebody offering an ultimatum?

Does hearing said warning endanger you? Are you psychically hurt by ideas and propositions?

We’re all sorry when the “aggressive” Christian types apply their theology with a hammer. In fact, that’s not how it’s supposed to be.

Christians ought to be expressing love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 in all areas of their lives, and evangelize with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).

I’m sorry in the past you’ve had such negative experiences, but please remember not to judge the theology in whole on the actions of a few; just like we shouldn’t judge all Americans as being unilateral, hawkish Neo-Conservatives.

Diversity in humanity is still applicable to Christians, and not everybody has it right. Go to their book, the Bible, to find the how-to proper. Unfortunately, you can’t get it from the news.

Answer 6

If the intention is good then there wouldn't be a problem with Christians saying "If you don't believe you will go to hell"...but what could possibly be the intention behind such a policy? Nothing more than fear mongers in an attempt to get someone to convert. Why couldn't it be said "If you choose not to practice Christianity I think you risk a life of problems, but I will continue to respect you, and your right to exist".
It's not said that way because no one will convert having that said to them...which means less followers to the Church, which means less $$ for the Church which means less Power for the Church...

Answer 7

Some people give Christians bad reputation. Just because those who did those horrible things call themselves christians and say that they are doing Gods will doesn't mean that all christians believe in doing what they did. I am going to tell you that some people get it wrong. I believe that everyone has their own opinion about what is wrong and what isn't. Also I think that if you are gay than that is your business if you are happy than do what makes you happy. but just because a few people want to say that they are christians and go out and do such unchristian like things then they're not christians at all because God doesn't want us to hate each other just because we have different points of view about someithing. If we all want freedom then we shouldn't hate something or someone that we don't understand. You don't have to throw your beliefs at someone if they don't agree with you. lets all just be who we are and stop caring what others think about certain lifestyles. Just everyone should care about their own life and stop trying to destroy other peoples life because it doesn't concern anybody what someone else does in their own home.

Answer 8

When people state it like a warning, or say things like I'll pray for you, in the hopes that you will change your mind. That isn't so bad. It isn't going to make me change my beliefs but it at least gives that individual more respect in my eyes. I don't like it when it is more of a threat than a warning. I also hate it when people say that god loves everyone and then show a sign that says god hates fags (sorry for the word but it is just what those stupid signs say). I wonder if a bunch of atheists did blow up an abortion clinic if that would scare the christians off, since they wouldn't want to act like atheists.

Answer 9

I find the balance between freedom of religion and free speech a tenuous one. I am a "reverent agnostic" I believe in a power outside, I also believe this power to be outside our comprehension or above description..

religions have adopted social issues for membership reasons.

I like what AA does in the 10th tradition..


"Alcoholic's Anonymous, has no opinion on outside issues, hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy."

Many religious sects see drawing attention to a cause as a way of furthering the cause. I local methodist church adopted gay rights and leftist ideologies, while the church across the street adopted a baptist or catholic church adopted opposite social views. man talk about a bad traffic jam on sunday morning on my way to an AA meeting!!

Answer 10

As to your statement:

"what is wrong with a religious person telling people that if they don't believe as the person does that they will go to hell?"

Christians of any maturity know that there are different doctrines and dogmas and most do not strongly push one view only but they seek to convert someone to Jesus Christ first and foremost because only Jesus Christ can save you from hell.

Answer 11

There is nothing wrong with the freedom of speech but one must be prepared to be challenged or laughed at. The intent of free speech is to give us the ability to weed out the bad ideas and nurture the good ones. As you have noted, it is when the words get put into action that the trouble begins.