Why can't people live for today and be a good person NOW, instead of worrying about an afterlife?

Question

why do you have to be bribed to do something that right?

to those who made comments about my avatar. what do clothes have to do with this question?
explain please. thanks.

The Beast= read my ENTIRE question.

Answer 1

You feel as though you've been offered a bribe, have you?

Let's look at the Christian perspective. Being a good person NOW is NOT associated with the afterlife. If you thought so, you were brainwashed (oops, wrong question!). Being saved, in Christian terms, is not dependent on being "good." It's dependent merely on accepting God's grace through Jesus. The promise of eternal life flows therefrom--the acceptance of God's grace, freely available to all, "good" and "bad" alike.

If you're still reading, let's go back to the first part of your question, "why can't people live for today and be a good person NOW?" The answer is, both those who are concerned with an afterlife AND those who could care less can do this. Christians believe that their lives become inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, which gives us strength and peace in our lives (this life, that is). So there are good things to recommend faith, here and now.

Answer 2

People will never live for today, because they are not ultimately connected with themselves in the present. With work, school, and routine activities, mankind does not pause to consider enjoying life as it is. And thus, within this unintelligible myriad of emotions and obligations, we do not stop to ponder our actions, either. They are oftentimes not the best, but are the only available with the little thought devoted to that problem, or but a mundane day.
Mankind in general will always dwell upon the mystery and lot of that which is the afterlife, for mankind as a whole is imperfect. We all have committed actions not to praised, and some not to be thought nor spoken of. And thus, we shall always worry. It is the conscience hindering us, for it dwells upon the indefinite future, rather than immersed in the actions of the present. We cannot be certain that there is even an afterlife, for it could be desolation devoid of all else: of darkness, and eternal wandering. And yet should an afterlife exist, we mortals bound to these pales and ethers have no reason to concern ourselves with the afterlife at this state. That is, suffering that we would live thoughtful lives that have been given to us.
Not everyone requires an incentive to implement a righteous action, but some individuals do. Mammon and covetuousness are common ills that lie within all of our nature: it is in everyone. We thrive for it, and crave for it. And while some it is a ardent mania, others it is a dormant thing. Thus, to do something right, some do not obtain a gracious feeling of performing a righteous act in itself, that they need some kind of reward for it. Otherwise, it would seem not worth their time. Morals and ethics have decaded from society now for generations. And with that, so many others. Also, no one would have to be bribed to peform something good, if we as a people provoked the conditions to be right and wrong. Is it not our fault, as well?

Answer 3

God lives in the eternal now, and we should concentrate on taking care of business today. Say that I will be bad today, but good tomorrow is futile because that tomorrow never comes. The tomorrow that we desire must be planned out today, for tomorrow arrives with each second that ticks off of the clock. The afterlife is planned today, for the actions of today will determine the kind of afterlife that we shall either enjoy or regret. So, you are correct that we should be good today and live a good life today, but we should do so with the future in mind. Jesus said that we know not at what hour God shall require our souls. Jesus loves you.

Answer 4

The afterlife is a continuum...the more we learn now the More we will Know in the afterlife. Spirituality in life is the key. Is it a bribe, so much as a promise? Eternal progression available to every human soul.

Answer 5

I agree that people should live for today instead of worrying about an afterlife. After all, life is too short. Nobody know's what to expect in afterlife.

Answer 6

You seem to have an "either or" thing going on. You imply that those who are worrying about an afterlife are not being good people today and that those people who are doing their best to be good today are unconcerned about the afterlife. Why can't we be the best we can be now and look forward to heaven?

Answer 7

Typically if you live just for today, you're somewhat selfish. Living for the moment has consequences, and not just in the afterlife. In living for the moment you could find yourself burning all of your bridges. Everyone needs someone and living for today you could find yourself alone tomorrow. Being a good person means being aware of consequences and/or people's feeling from your actions. Living for today and being conscious is kind of like a conflict in interest. ?

Answer 8

Some people would live a better life now if they knew there was an afterlife that was without worry or care. I personally don't expect anything after my death so I am living my life to the fullest.

Answer 9

Good question. There are too many people preaching their religions to others, and trying to scare others into following their particular faith ('You'll go to hell if you don't believe in our God etc."). For example, the evangelists that rant and rave, and go on and on about God/Christ like crazy people, are living with their head in the clouds. They judge others unreasonably and unfairly, and have divisive views. Quite simply, they scare me. All of these people who are caught up in religion, should stop and smell the roses.

Answer 10

Indeed...in fact our destination in the afterlife is supposed to be determined by what we do now...lazing around or doing evil (cause you think your forgiven already) is just plain stupid unless you want a not so pleasant afterlife...