If that is true then freewill is uneven. Everyone should have the same opportunity to go to Heaven, but they don't. Education is never equally accessible.
2006-11-10 10:11:19 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You can say what you want about missionaries or whatever. God did not give everyone a fair shot at Heaven because any man can be a better man under better circumstances.
2006-11-10 10:23:30 · update #1
Despite what others have said, you are right. Although there are exceptions, CHANCES ARE that you will practice the religion of your parents. Not everyone has an opportunity to know Christ. There are people who have never heard the name. Or there are those who have been introduced to Christianity in a negative way (ie. colonization). Religion is more likely to be determined by geographic location than anything else.
2006-11-10 10:17:40 · answer #1 · answered by Eleventy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Education may not be equally accessible but there are missionaries in every country in the world. . . and if you are blessed to live in the United States...there are Churches in every neighborhood.
Not to mention the Internet.
I was raised a Christian. When I was a young teen I became rebellious and walked away from the path. I didn't give up my "faith." I just wasn't walking with the Lord, as I had been taught.
In the dark years (20+ years that I walked in the secular world)...I knew sin well. Sometimes, I think it's a wonder I've made it as far as I have.
I went back to what I was taught as a child and have not looked back. I have an amazing and intense relationship with Jesus Christ. I never knew of this in my dark years or even as a child. I didn't know it could be like this...and I'm so glad He kept knocking on the door of my heart seeking me for a relationship.
He seeks all of us for relationship; most of us just ignore the knock. I know I did for a long time. I can't change the past...but I know I have a much brighter future!
2006-11-10 18:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly. Though I was raised Christian and am definitely not now. But I think if youre raised strongly Christian, it can feel very much like 'home' for you in a way it wont for converts. Also, if you havent been educated about Christ, that is definitely an unfair disadvantage. Parts of the world may not even know much about Christianity.
2006-11-10 18:18:03 · answer #3 · answered by lady_s_hazy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you on some points, but not all points. Where I agree with you is on the matter of free will and freedom of religion (if you ment that in your additional info). I am by no means wealthy, nor is my family filthy rich, but with the help of the State of Texas Government I am able to go to college, but in return I have to get a job and hold it for at least three months so they can close my case file. Why is the State of Texas paying for my college? Well it's not because my family is rich (which they are not), it's not because of my religious affiliation (I am no longer a practicing Christian), nor is it due to my ethnicity (I was adopted as an infant so I do not know who my birth mother is nor do I know the identity of my biological father). The reason the State of Texas is paying for my college is because I have a physical handicap to such a degree that I have a hard time finding a decent job, and I jumped through alot of hoops to prove to the U.S. and Texas governments that my disability was real and I was not trying to rip them off.
Odds had nothing to do with me getting into the college I attend, but utilizing the oppertunities that came my way played a major role in it, and what religion I am has nor did it have anything to do with my getting into college. Now granted I don't think I could get the govenment to pay for me to go to an ivy league college, nor could my family afford to send me to one. To top it all off one degree is just as good as another, and all that really matters is the schools level of accredidations, and nothing more.
There is a phrase I like to use when this kind of question is asked: Like it or not, believe it or not as you will. Your perceptions will not change reality; merely color it (a). I got this quote from a video game, but regardless of the sorce the quote is accurate for this question.
Peace Out to all
24 y.o. Pagan College Student
2006-11-11 17:41:37 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix Summersun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents became Christians when I was about 7.I am 14 now,and I recently went through a phase where I really didn't know what to believe.It was one of those,"Am I just following what my loved ones follow" type thing.So I searched my soul for about a year and I remained a Christian.A few things concerning my beliefs changed,but most of them remained.My heart has guided me to where I stand now.
Many people do this,they are raised Christian,and then make a decision on what they believe,not what their parents believe.Everyone at one point in thier life chooses a path,regardless of how they were raised.
2006-11-10 18:16:26 · answer #5 · answered by Myaloo 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is more likely you will be Christian for life if you are raised Christian, but that doesn't necessarily mean you will go to heaven; being a Christian doesn't mean you are going to heaven. God is the judge and I don't believe he would hold it against you if you never knew of him. God is a just God, thankfully.
2006-11-10 18:27:53 · answer #6 · answered by straightup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free will should not be equated to education.
At least not education in the college / university sense.
Being raised a christian seems to be an advantage on the surface. It isn't a big plus.
It is not a big plus because everyone must decide for themselves as to what they choose.
Surely someone raised non-christian can recognize truth.
Truth is what we opt for ...our free will should push us to adopt it.
Growing up christian is but a small advantage ...if any.
2006-11-10 18:17:12 · answer #7 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not really. I have seen many situations where the children revolt against their parents views. That's like saying that if you are bornin or live in a repblican family you will be come a republican. Well arnie's wife is a democrat.
PM of Australia John Howard is a liberal his brothers are left wing.
No the children will make their own choices if life based on their own experiences.
2006-11-10 18:18:55 · answer #8 · answered by scruff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becoming Christian is not a best odds thing. Everyone is shown in one way or another that God exists. It is the person's choise to believe it or not. I know people who grew up in a Christian home that reject religion. Mind you, they had it shoved down their throats. I however did not grow up in a Christian home and I am Christian. I had a very loving christian Grandmother. So by free will, you are given a choice when God reveals himself. At that point, it is up to you.
2006-11-10 18:16:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily as hurts, rebellion and other things usually cause people to give up on God.
The bible says that Jesus won't come back until everyone has heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ...
In short every one has equal opportunity and in places where Christianity is suppressed children have been found who already knew the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. (I know that wasn't short - I thought it was gonna be)
God is supernatrual and works in ways we don't understand, therefore giving the ability that every one can know Jesus.
2006-11-10 18:18:19 · answer #10 · answered by Abbasangel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋