I would like to think that a good god allows good people to heaven. Wouldn't you like to think that?

Question

It seems to me that a wise, loving, and benevolent god would prefer if people behave in a virtuous way, as Jesus would behave for example.

My personal problem is this - I am not a follower of any religion. I try to be as good as I can, however my brain is one of those that is unable to have faith in a specific God and religious doctrine/text.

If you are a person of great faith, it might be difficult to understand just how impossible it is for me to believe. So, that means that at best I can only pretend to believe, at least at this stage.

Could you please provide some advice in regards to the above? It is similar to my last question, but I think this one describes as exactly as possible, my present position in the matter.

PS Given my comments about the lack of belief, I would really appreciate if, at this stage, you refrain from using bible quotes as the the predominant substance of your advice, as it really doesn't help me in any way.

Thanks again
Jeremy.

Answer 1

"I would like to think that a good god allows good people to heaven. Wouldn't you like to think that?"

that is actually the original idea of God (good deeds more important than faith) but christians came along and invented hell and hell has been associated with the bible ever since. the original idea is that "all the righteous of the world" (not "all the christians of the world" or even "all the jews of the world") can count on being let into heaven. (although the modern idea of heaven is also a christian concept and is not all that biblical unless you consider the NT as being part of the bible)

Answer 2

First off, you don't define "good". Is it good according to what you think is good or what God prescribes as good? And, since you don't believe in God, why should He allow you into His Heaven? You have two choices, you can either try to gain salvation through your own merit, which means, according to the Scriptures, you must keep the law perfectly, from birth till death. There is no grading on the curve. Have you sinned once? Then you are guilty of all. God cannot allow sin into His presence. So how do you deal with your sin problem? The only way prescribed is through receiving the work of Christ on the cross, the forgiveness of your sins. God is all loving, caring, merciful, etc,, but He is also righteous, holy and just. He cannot override one of His attributes for another. He cannot set aside His righteousness for His love. He wants you to enjoy Heaven forever, but, if you are unwilling to acknowledge His existence, refuse His gift of salvation and are determined to do it your way, I am afraid you will find out that it was a bad choice, and probably too late.

Answer 3

Don't have any advice for you- well probably not the kind you're looking for. I'm in the exact same mindset as you it sounds like. I focus on trying to be a positive person in other people's lives, and I find solace in some Buddhist philosophy. No religion is perfect, if you believe in God, then maybe just focus on who you think God is. You can still thank a higher power for the good fortune in your life and pray/meditate during bad times. Find what works for you.

Answer 4

How good are we talking here? Yes, God does allow good people into heaven, but the problem is that nobody is good, except for God. Jesus was once approached by a dude who said "good teacher, what must I do to be saved?" Jesus replies "why do you call me good, only God is good."

It is good that your brain doesn't allow you to have faith. Why? Because my brain was exactly the same. I was like "Jesus raised from the dead? not likely, scientifically impossible if you ask me." Anyway, nothing made sense until someone explained to me the reason for why Jesus had to die. Problem is that being bad (and remember that we are all bad - nobody is good) means that you can't go to heaven. The only way that you could go to heaven is to be good.

So, long story short, Jesus dies a perfect God-man, taking our punishment, and was raised to life again, giving us new life by giving us his goodness (called grace). And after reading everything about it, I have been convinced of this.

For you, I would start with Jesus' resurrection. If that aint true, then there is not point for Christianity to exist.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I can't get deep into this question because I'm an agnostic. I'm just courious why when a person on death row(say for murdering someone) and he has a priest with him,the priest absolves him of all his sins? Is he in heaven?Is he there with the little infants that were taken away from loving parents? (no I didn't loose one) If Hitler had a priest with him,he would have been given absolution?I'm not sure who makes it to heaven.

Answer 6

If you want to believe in a good God, and believe that God is above man, then God must have a Godly standard for 'good'.

Therefore, man can never, by manly goodness, attain the goodness by God's standards.

Hence, it is difficult for man to go to heaven as God sees good with a different set of eyes.

Man needs to find a way to ride on God's goodness to enter into God's home (heaven).

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I'd like to think that love--especially "unconditional love"--would come without, you know...conditions. Like groveling and kissing egos for the chance to get into an afterlife groupie social club. Churches aren't about love and forgiveness, they are about social unity and toeing the line. Obey or be fried extra crispy in the afterlife is the message.

Answer 8

I think everyone wants to think that they are being good enough to get into heaven. That's one reason why Christianity is so despised, because it teaches that if you are as good as God is you can get into heaven on your own merit but otherwise, forget it.
You have to remember that Jesus didn't come to earth, walk around, and teach people how to be good. He taught that they weren't good enough to be good and they needed God's forgiveness. He was also crucified, if you remember, because he proclaimed that people were sinners. People who were convinced that they were good enough to please God on their own didn't like it when he told them that they weren't.
Also, faith isn't something that you generate on your own. God gives you faith to believe in him. If he didn't no one would believe in him because the Bible clearly teaches that NO ONE seeks after God on his own. Everyone wants to go his own way, do his own thing, and be his own god. If you are interested in believing in God, sincerely, then you have to ask God for the faith to believe.

Answer 9

Why would god make the earth for man to live on it.
Iam sure he is the most loving and justice and wise and
powerful one so he should choose who goes to heaven
and why.

Answer 10

The point is you want to. Even believers questions when you see all the evils of this world. Many paths lead to righteousness. And righteousness leads to God. That's what I believe.

Ok I know you wanted no quotes, but I truly have always believed in this one: Seek and ye shall find, and God helps those who help themselves. He can open doors but only you can walk through them. You have to try however. You can't hang in limbo and wait for it to fall into your lap.