Say a guy who used to run with a crew out in Jersey happened to want to attain enlightenment. Say during the course of his life he may have stolen lots of stuff and offed a few guys who were also crooked, or at least this is what he tells himself to feel better. Can this person ever attain enlightenment?
2006-12-01 14:13:21 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To answer your question with a question, didn`t Jesus die between two criminals on the cross and say "you will be with me in heaven." One was a murderer and the other a thief. That is why it is so important to remember and not pass judgement on others, as they can be saved by the grace of GOD, if they believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose again..
2006-12-01 14:15:48 · answer #1 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not so sure about attaining enlightenment, but if this person believes that Jesus died for his sins and sincerely asks for forgiveness of these sins (if he's Catholic, like I am, he'll need to go to Confession), then I believe that his past actions will be forgiven of him. However, he still must pay for what he has done, whether that be by doing time in a prison, or whatever other fate the courts decide.
In other words, he may achieve enlightenment, but he's still got to pay the piper.
2006-12-01 22:20:16 · answer #2 · answered by kenrayf 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes all people can attain enlightenment, and evolve. They must only look to change their ways. They will still need to repay their debts, but with evolution, they may have an easier time recooperating their losses, and accepting thier corrections for wrong-doings.
2006-12-01 22:21:44 · answer #3 · answered by Joe Carioca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know anything about enlightenment, but I know that you will be accepted by Christ no matter your past, if you ask. All you have to do is tell God that you are sorry for your past sins and turn away from them. Thank him for all the blessings in your life and ask him to come into your heart and lead you.
2006-12-01 22:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by Suzie Q 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, read the story of Buddha and Angulimala, a serial killer who achieved enlightenment...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angulimala
2006-12-01 22:27:15 · answer #5 · answered by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enlightenment is for everybody who is willing to accept and believe it. So the answer is YES. You need God in every small and big adversaries.
2006-12-01 22:21:27 · answer #6 · answered by Claudette 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this person can obtain enlightenment. However first this person must receive forgiveness from God.
2006-12-01 22:35:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Moses did. King David did. I would like to think that Bar Abbas did.
2006-12-01 22:17:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes. enlightenment can happen for anyone who is willing to be open to it- not that's it's an easy thing to acheive- but its nondiscriminant
2006-12-01 22:19:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are all sinners. To go to heaven you have to be genuinely sorry for your sins and believe Christ died to save you.
2006-12-01 22:17:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋