If you new for a fact that there were no god would you still be living in a way that would benefit your fellow man?
now if you answered no does that mean you are only living a good life in the hopes of getting into heaven?
trying to buy your way in with good works so to speak.
now please don't get mad i am only courious and this is not meant to offend.
2006-08-17 15:48:14 · 13 answers · asked by bgdadyp 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
rp_joe
i am asking a hypothetical question.
i do believe that you are sure there is a god but thats not what i asked.
2006-08-17 16:06:49 · update #1
I would be living in an entirely different way if I knew for a fact that there was no God.
That said, no, I'm not living the best life I can in the hopes of getting into heaven. I am living it in hopes of serving God and carrying out the purpose he has for me. Only God knows if I am worthy of heaven. God knows my internal struggles and conflicts, since God is the searcher of hearts and cannot be fooled by good behavior. I behave fairly well most of the time--but behavior is not all that God is looking for. God is looking for true intentions, selfless motives, true hearts. I hope that in conforming my behavior to God's laws that God will transform all that is in my heart that is impure, prideful, and selfish.
He has done some of that work. He may yet do more still.
But as for heaven, who knows? I am content to work out my salvation to the best of my ability...and leave the judging and deciding to God.
Whatever his decision, it will be just.
2006-08-17 15:59:16 · answer #1 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you have a good point. I am a born again Christian. I hope that my answer would be yes, but I'll never know for sure. God knows the intentions of each person's heart, including mine. No one can buy their way into heaven or fool God. Christians' actions should stem from their love for their Savior.
I also believe that all my good works are worth nothing unless I believe in Christ. no one will enter heaven based on their works/deeds. They will only enter with faith in Christ Jesus as their savior.
I hope this helps. And don't worry, no one should be offended, if they are they are being immature. This is the kind of question that I don't mind reading in the religious section. I think it should be to find out more about other religions that you are curious about.
It is good to question and challenge religion and faith. How else will you know that what you believe is true?
2006-08-17 22:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by Schnickle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would continue to be kind and respectful of others. Personally, I don't feel very good about myself whenever I am rude, intolerant or nasty to another. I feel better as a person when I'm thoughtful and understanding.
Although, if I knew for a fact there was no God....I'd probably be less confused about the differences between what's right or wrong, and I'd stop worrying so much about "what if I actually am doing this wrong and end up with some hellish after-life experience".
2006-08-17 23:03:14 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe in a God and I'm a good person. In fact, doing something like leading a good life ONLY to get into heaven is in itself quite selfish and shouldn't make you a good person. I do what I do because it benefits others and it makes me feel good... which is selfish as well, but at least I can admit that.
Very interesting question!
2006-08-17 22:56:34 · answer #4 · answered by Ashlee S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I knew there was no god I would still live the way I am living now. I have morals, regardless of whether there is a god or not, I think the "golden rule" treat others how you want to be treated shuold still be a rule of life because even if there is no god, people still have feelings and don't like to be treated disrespectfully.
2006-08-17 22:58:01 · answer #5 · answered by dawn27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would hope to benefit my fellow person in a way that also benefits me, if that makes sense. (Like being such a good writer that I inspire others through my books and have to hire a secretary who needs the job.) I think enlightened selfishness is overrated as a force for good.
2006-08-17 22:53:50 · answer #6 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I think I would still be walking the Christian path and doing good, or at least trying. Besides, God knows if you are faking it or not, you can't fool him into getting into Heaven. Good question.
2006-08-17 22:56:08 · answer #7 · answered by chulita 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Befor I got SAVED, my Mom and Dad taught me thing's and helping other's was one of them.
Getting into Heaven is Freely Given, and one of the Easiest thing's to do.
You cannot be Good enough to get into Heaven.
You have to be Recreated (you are a Spirit).
JESUS will do that for you for Free, you cannot be Recreated by being Good.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-17 23:03:01 · answer #8 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would, make the most of my life while im here. I get that warm fuzzy feeling then I help peoples :) ok i also get it when I drink tea too so who knows
2006-08-17 22:55:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
most people don't live in a way to benefit their fellow man regardless....
2006-08-17 22:56:25 · answer #10 · answered by how dare I 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋