if we found out that there was a civilization on an island and knew nothing of God.and lived on basic instincts and the laws of nature. and they never questioned where they came from. but, they lived a very peaceful life and were strong humans. but still they did not ever wonder where they came from. the accepted they were there and thats it..would they go to hell for their ignorance?
2006-12-05 07:22:55 · 17 answers · asked by Yvette C 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
these people never heard of God or any religion they are just living life.so you can take as a truth that its possible someone murdered someone for something at any time..because it happens..
2006-12-05 07:28:47 · update #1
NO.
That is explained very clearly in the first chapter of Romans. It is explained that the laws of God, the moral laws, have been implanted in man since the beginning of time. That is why most people live by the law -- the commandments -- even if they don't either believe in God or have never been taught about God.
If man has never been exposed to God, then it is written that God will judge them on the life they led, and he will take into account that they never knew of Him.
Now, if you learn about God, and turn away, that is a different story. That is rejection. God said if you reject Him, He will reject you.
That is why it is written "it is better that a man never heard the word of God, than a man who has heard but turns away."
2006-12-05 07:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by Dianne C 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Paul gives us a little insight into this:
"For whenever Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written in their hearts, a fact to which their own consciences testify, and their thoughts will either accuse or excuse them on that day when God, through Jesus Christ, will judge people's secrets according to my gospel."
God also gives more light about His plan of salvation to those who act upon the light given. The story of Irina Ratushinskaya from the former Soviet Union is but one example. At ten years old, she started seeking God because of mandatory atheism class. She decided that if the state was so insistent that He didn't exist, He must be very powerful. As she acted on that, she ended up, over a period of time, becoming a Christian in an officially atheistic state.
Remember, whatever God does is just. At the final judgment, no one will ever be able to say to God, "That's not fair."
2006-12-05 07:28:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have held a theory as being possible for many years now that corresponds somewhat to your question. I am a Christian for your point of reference.
The Bible says:
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Revelation 7:9
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Okay, so here's my theory. That everywhere in the world, even those that spent decades apart from the world, even those that apparently died and were extinct from all the rest of the world, had at least one person that was peculliar to the rest of their culture. He might go out and be by himself, while the others were doing rituals and going through the night on whatever antive drug that they could be 'spiritual' with. But this man would look to the night sky and somehow understand God, knowing that He was his creator, and not see things the same as the rest of his people.
One more piece of scripture:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
He is present to those, though He may not loudly announce Himself, some people know that He is there. They did not hear the Gospel as it is presented, yet they know Him. Like I know Him.
Does that sound plausible?
2006-12-05 07:46:17 · answer #3 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have not understood the Scriptures.
Jesus said that he was the ONLY way to salvation. But God is just and fair.
Not everyone has YET had an opportunity to know Jesus or God; but they WILL have that opportunity. NO ONE will be lost because they did not have an opportunity to know God and Jesus Christ.
There will come a time when ALL WILL know him. It just may not come in this lifetime.
2006-12-05 07:45:10 · answer #4 · answered by BC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no way. god looks at the hearts of man. they probably were simple minded and loving. like children because they did not know that much. for some reason everyone thinks you have to learn a million things to get along in this world. those people didn't have to. they were innocent and lived on there needs. I think that is greater than any other people in America that call themselves"Christians" when they do not have the humble simpleness of people like this. I am a orthodox christian, but I do not believe I am going to heaven, just because I am a christian.
2006-12-05 07:29:27 · answer #5 · answered by lillian w 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sorry. No human is ever going to live and not question where he came from. Not even in the simpliest of scenarios. Why try to imagine an answer to a question that is non-existent? By theorizing, it becomes fiction. There is no answer to the question. One can't say yes or no and have it be a true answer because it is impossible to be. I hope you understand my meaning.
2006-12-05 07:28:29 · answer #6 · answered by Catie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Romans Chapter 1 has the answer
2006-12-05 07:29:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Great question! I asked that same question in Sunday school about 40 years ago---my teacher never got over it, couldn't answer it, and asked me to transfer to another class. ;-)
Here is the simple truth: Why would God condemn good people just because of their "ignorance"? Or, better yet, why would an all-loving God condemn anyone?
Religion and dogma condemn people to Hell, not God.
2006-12-05 07:29:58 · answer #8 · answered by Darlene G 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Absolutely. God never said that life was fair.
2006-12-05 07:26:04 · answer #9 · answered by Hate Boy! 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We cannot judge other people, but the Catholic Church holds that they would not go to hell, because they have not rejected God.
Peace, and God Bless!
2006-12-05 07:26:11 · answer #10 · answered by C 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋