I've been participating in Q&A for a week now. Many non-religious types often say that they feel justified in being down on other people's faith because they're told that they're "going to hell." The problem is that I don't see that response very often. Sure, it comes up when someone says something obviously, blatantly offensive, but when people are being civil, it just doesn't come up. I'll be honest, I don't read the more ingorant questions - there's no point. I'm not sure what answers are appearing there.
I was once an athiest, and I used this excuse myself. Honestly I can't remember anyone actually telling me that I was in danger of going to hell. I know that it was a major issue that I feared about major religions, but no one actually said it to me. I was always worried that I'd never be good enough. So, I used this cop out so I wouldn't have to think about it. Luckily I found Jesus and He told me that I didn't have to be.
2006-08-21 15:02:32 · 8 answers · asked by luvwinz 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Interesting point you are making. I have heard conversations where Hell was mentioned as a threat and my theory is that a generation ago, the baby boomers tend to be more driven and affected by fear and guilt than generations following them. The fear of hell converted many people to Christianity, not that their faith isn't substantial or real, but fear was a guiding force in their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Younger generations seem to have been taught that their, our, salvation is based on a deep and meaningful relationship with God where we play an active part in our faith. That's just my opinion and how I see the difference in my parents' faith and mine. Good question though.
2006-08-21 15:32:24 · answer #1 · answered by disneychick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, once some people, who say they are faithful Christians, find out i am a Mormon, they inform me (instinctively almost) that i am going to hell, and I can't do anything to change that. It does not seem very christian to me. But i try to be understanding to these people.
2006-08-21 15:59:47 · answer #2 · answered by Pace 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for your honesty. I've never really heard it either in general conversation. Now if someone asks what will happen if they don't accept Christ, I would tell them, but for their information purposes, not to put them down. I'm glad that you are on Gods side!!!
(And for all those who claim that Christians tell them this a lot, what about all those who just tell us to "Go to hell" - isn't it just as bad? At least ours is a warning, theirs sounds like a hope that we will. Really it's probably just their anger talking...)
2006-08-21 15:22:16 · answer #3 · answered by savannah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trying to express the love of God to people by threatening them with Hell isn't biblical. Unfortunately many people focus on this in their condemnations because it scares them.
2006-08-21 15:10:30 · answer #4 · answered by foxray43 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AMEN! Those who do not choose to believe will consistently find a reason to condemn those who do: all Christians are hypocrites, all Christians sin anyway, there is no Heaven/Hell, etc.
2006-08-21 15:27:48 · answer #5 · answered by Sherry K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you'd like to see it in action, I invite you to read the responses to some of my questions. It happens to me a LOT.
2006-08-21 15:08:59 · answer #6 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Christians (not aLL of them) do say it a Lot.
2006-08-21 15:09:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He told you, huh?
When you try to talk to god... that's called 'prayer'.
When you think you hear god talking to you... that's called 'schizophrenia'.
2006-08-21 15:10:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋