Aren't Bible based religions similar to a shell game? (see details for explanation of shell game)?

Question

Summary, there are many variations:

The shell game is usually a con game that requires the sucker to choose under which shell a pea is hidden.

For more complete explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_game



Bible based religions generally require a person (the sucker) to correctly choose under which shell (cult, denomination, religion) the pea (salvation) is hidden.

And Bible based religions are promoted much the same way shell games are promoted, e.g., "give me your money (time, effort, support, dedication, etc.) and I'll give you salvation."

How are Bible based religions any different in practice than a shell game?

Yes, Funnana, that is the come on most commonly used. The other is if you don't play, you can't win.

But, that didn't really answer the question I asked.

Thanks Jesus freak, but I prefer Jainism.

It makes more sense than any Bible based religion or doctrine. Christianity is based on Jainism, but Jainism doesn't require a human sacrifice or groveling before imaginary deities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism

Answer 1

I'm not a believer but I'd like to be fair.

Religion is really only money centred to such a degree in the US, where money is the only god that really counts, no matter what else you believe, and every organized religion there seems to be at it, not only Christians and Jews.

And for many people they are actually giving value, because if they did not have their faith and the hope of being better off than others, at least in the next life, their lives would be quite unbearable.

And it's exactly that same hope that makes it very much like the shell game.

Answer 2

Wow man I am sorry for the way you feel about bible based religion. I only have one question for you. Who hurt you? I apologize for what ever you have been through. All religion is bad no matter what it is. I follow Jesus and fellowship with other people who follow the Master.

check out this site

http://www.notreligion.com

Answer 3

No one ask my husband and I to give our money but we do regardless, because our money belongs to God in the first place. By grace He allowed my husband to have a great career, therefore, we give our money back to God through our church to support missions ... We help send to many countries as well as to the Hurricane Katrina area where there are Habitat for Humanity teams there sent out from our church, building homes for victims, buying appliances, and building supplies. Homes are also built in other countries, plus they are given water wells, churches, schools, clinics, hospitals, clothing, food and health care. Our time, effort, and dedication are also given freely because we want to support God's work to help people in need. Nothing is required of us. We give and support freely because of our love for Jesus Christ and helping others. This is all done by the funds we and others give to the missions work of our church.

There are no games involved. Salvation is a free gift to everyone, it is not bought and paid for. There is no price, money wise, placed on salvation. God will give anyone His free gift of salvation.

Answer 4

All God fearing religions (judaism, christianity, muslim, and a few smaller ones) are right religions, the bible was translated off of the hebrew bible and the greek bible, and the quran was nearly identical to the bible. We all worship the same God, and Muslim and Christians believe and accept Jesus (Is, in the Quran)

Answer 5

You have strayed far from the wise teachings of FSM.

Repent immediately, and avoid a soggy overcooked hell!

Answer 6

nicely put, i guess. you could just put that as a parable, because Bible religions are actually CRUCIAL for where you end up after you die. the shell game is for temperary entertainment. BIG DIFFERENCE there, buddy

Answer 7

THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD.