Why do wealthy people in a religion (Christianity) that clearly states that they will go to hell?

Question

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). COME ON COULD IT BE ANY CLEARER, AND DON’T TRY TO EXPLAIN IT AS IT’S A METAPHOR, IT IS VERY CLEAR.

Paul H, you are just wrong, and Camels can not walk on their knees.

Answer 1

You're right.

But Jesus then said "But with God all things are possible". So rich Christians cling to those words.

Answer 2

You're right - it is a metaphor, but it comes from an actual place and an actual occurence. The "Eye of the Needle" was a hole in the wall of Jerusalem that was very small, so when a camel passed through it it had to do so on its knees, and as a result the wealthy person that was riding the camel would have his knees touch the ground - not a humble position for the "high and mighty". Yes its a metaphor, but it came from a reality. Like most people, Christians are unaware of a great deal of their history. This is too bad as it makes it a whole lot more interesting if you know details like this one. The metaphor also suggests that you should give generously to charity if you can, as good deeds will at the very least be something smiled upon by the Creator.

Answer 3

The eye of the needle is an actual place. It is an archway that enters into Jerusalem. Rich people had their belongings loaded high on their camels and had to off load them for the camel to pass through the "eye of the needle". Thus yes it is a metaphor. Meaning you enter heaven as you are and do not take your belongings and material items with you.

It is also mentioned in the Koran.

Answer 4

The 'Eye of a Needle' is in reference to one of the many gateways into the Holy city. It was the only gate that was open all of the time. People had to unload their Camels to get all of their possessions through. I don't think that Matthew 19 suggests that all rich people go to hell, just that getting into heaven is easier for the meek and poor.

Greed is a deadly sin so mis-used wealth is not good. Money used to Glorify God is well spent. lol.

The Bible also suggests that if a man does not have a shirt then give him the one off your back...I don't see many shirtless people walking around.

Answer 5

Wealth is looked down upon in every Religion, with exceptions. If the wealthy keep on paying 'Tithe' in Christianity, 'Zakat' in Islam, 'DaanPunn' in India, then they are all blessed and shall go to heaven earlier than the poor.. In Islamic teachings, the 'poor' are warned that 'Poverty can lead to Misbelief and UnBelief ! Poverty of Soul is more aweful than the poverty in dollars. About the noble wealthy people, look at all the Endowments to be reassured that they shall be rewarded after death. However it is essential that the wealth would have been earned without any exploitation of the fellow humans. Exploited wealth, through Usury, Pillage, Plunder, Profiteering, Unethical trade practices shall lead the wealthy to a task in the hereafter, and their charities shall not be accepted. So the wealthy have a difficult 'task' ahead than the less fortunate in wealth. The more they have, the harsher is the accountability. Lip service- 'Love of God' and such usual expressions of Faith shall be of no avail.

Answer 6

I don't believe that rich ppl will go to hell simply based on their wealth. God doesn't hate the rich - King Solomon was a man of God and one of the richest ppl to walk the earth.

Abundance is God's way - not self denial. The Bible says 'Ask and ye shall receive.'
There are ppl who are wealthy that do a lot of good with their money - like charity. God asks man to serve Him by helping their fellow man. The wealthy use their money to serve others. How can you serve others if you are poor?

I'm not Christian, but I think the verse refers to those who hoard their money - hoarding is wrong.

Then again, it could just be another contradiction - which explains why I'm not a Christian.

Answer 7

It's human nature to long for material possessions - a beautiful house, furnishings, top of the range car etc, but although I think there is nothing inherently wrong in accumulating wealth(especially as money is a very useful tool and can be used to help others) there is a danger that focusing too much on possessions could lead someone to neglect other important aspects of their development, especially spiritual. I think especially there may be a danger of not wanting to leave all that lovely wealth behind when we die, and so perhaps want to hang around when we need to move on.

Answer 8

Pray for enlightenment, your interpretation is really wack !
"It is EASIER for a camel to pass through the eye of a NEEDLE (city gate entrance in biblical times) than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God"
and yes it is very hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven because he clings so tightly to his possessions than the things of God.

Answer 9

I believe Jesus said this to his disciples after a rich man asked
him how he could get to Heaven. Jesus then told him he had to give away all his worldly posessions and "come follow me".
The man refused to give up anything. So, Jesus was basically
making an example of him. And saying, look this rich man thinks he can BUY his way into heaven. NO. That was his
message. That the rich man was a hoarder, and didn't want to
share or sacrafice for the better good. There ya go....

Answer 10

The Bible was written when the Christians were poor and semetics and jews were rich.You may correct the copy of your Bible.Amen
The Bible is applicable to Christians only.Rich Christians are having an option to escape from hell.They should get converted to Buddhism or Hinduism,where one persons good /bad deeds(karma) take him to heaven or hell (not based on rich or poor)

Answer 11

All very fair & well, but God blesses in many ways. Doesn't it all depend on what wealthy Christians do with their money? If they give freely, they receive freely, ergo get wealthier as they go along. If a portion of their wealth goes to charitable works, then where is the problem?