what if there was no "heaven"?

Question

this is a hypothetical question, so don't anyone stain their britches before you here me out

what if the bible and christian theology all said mostly the same as it does now, but never mentions a heaven and just stated that god would help you out in THIS life if you believed in him.

Would you live the life prescribed in the bible (denying sexual impulses, give to the needy) if the bible said that if you did those things, god would look out for you in this life, not an afterlife?
would living god's will still be worth it or would it be a dealbreaker?

i think that every christian answerer dropped the ball on this one.
take a step back and consider your life and the life of the typical secularist.
is your life on earth that much better, more enjoyable than that of a normal, people loving atheist?
no.
you say god has helped you get past hard times and has provided for you.
does the atheist not get past life's "little hurdles" to be alive and well, hear on earth?
Following god is not easy
the bible says this.
and those who try to live their lives by the bible's commands COMPLETELY and LITERALLY would be lying if they told you otherwise.

to be fair though
i don't think anyone really thought about that before they answered
so its not like they had full knowledge to answer wrongly

Answer 1

Now there is a question, impressive to say the least. *claps* But you know what my answer is going to be. YES. It would be worth it, here and always, I don't love God because I know that way I will get into heaven...I love God because he firsted Loved me. He gave his life for me, how could I ever denine living for him here, even if I had no life after this one.
I hope I answered your question, and thanks for asking.

God bless, and merry Christmas

Answer 2

Heaven is a state of Mind, and a place, and actually a dimension. The Bible teaches 3 heavens; and 3 hells. And then the earth we live in is separate from these. One of these dimensions are where radio waves and television waves exist. You need a tuner to focus into these dimension. Some people are spiritual and can sense these worlds where angels and demons live, but actually If you don't believe in Heaven, most people know of Hell, because it is right here in America, and we are wasting more world resources than all other countries combined. Why are so many Americans on drugs and drinking and smoking themselves to death. There are fearful people knowing evil and judgment are upon us. People that are good natured would do good anyways, people that would do evil do evil anyways; religion makes no difference. Bible teaches not to kill and all Nations of the world kill. Bible says not to swear for any reason and American courts ask you to swear upon a Bible to tell the truth. There are many evil people going to churches and paying tithes and when they pray they say within their hearts ; I thank you Lord I am not like the sinners but then in the end God says I didn't even know you.

Answer 3

If there were no eternal existence (heaven or hell) beyond this life, then the grave alone would be nothing to fear. We would simply decay and that would be that; we wouldn't even be the wiser.

Life, however, is not so linear. Life is often difficult, regardless of what religion a person follows. Jesus Christ sustains me every day and my whole life is worth living because of my relationship with Him. I would certainly live the Christian life on this earth, even without the concept of heaven. I am convinced that God watches over me and will care for me always, even when this life is over. This assurance gives me a peace that comes pretty close to heaven right here on earth. God bless.

Answer 4

The Bible is our guideline line life. Standards set to live according to.

What if I say religion is man made? Everybody has a religion.. and is all insane?

The Bible is the only standard and religion we need to live up to. It passed the test of time. Past the test of many religion. Past the life of many people.

Even if there is no heaven or no hell.. will you change yourself? The person you are to be different?

Can you really become someone in yourself .... your inner soul, the you ...your inner self is not?

Answer 5

Heaven as a reward. Are you suggesting that if Jesus was to impose His will on us and require that we do as He says, "To Love God, and to Love our neighbor as ourselves" and "To Love your enemies" and there be no reward for doing so that we should comply? Anyone with a heart regardless of religious beliefs including the ideas of Heaven and Hell knows that it is our Human Duty to comply to the Law of Love that Jesus preached regardless of consequences. Even if you don't believe in Jesus per se. But what are the consequences? Let people starve, die of diseases transmitted sexually, murder, lie to gain, steal the innocence of children? What is the Law about? What is Heaven and Hell really about? It is about consequences! If not to be taken literally then how should it be inturpreted? That we should bring Peace on Earth by this Law of Love. Then so be it! If you say we can do this without the Ultimate consequences of God with the reward of Heaven and/or the Punishment of Hell then I would like to examine your plan for Peace on Earth because I seek Peace. Those who in love preach peace and generosity are slaughtered without mercy. If you have a dream for a better tomorrow like Martin Luther King Jr. you get shot. Even Jesus was brutally murdered for preaching that we should love one another. The reasons were purely politically motivated. The struggle is for Power and those who deny God want Power. And still people die. When will it end? Judgement Day! And those who deny God shall be cast into the Lake of Fire.

Answer 6

My grandma had the right of this I think. She says "even if there is no God and what I'm doing is totally pointless and I'm WAY off about the whole thing, it is still the best possible way I can live my life." Living life according to God is the best way because it makes EVERYONE happy (if, hypothetically, everyone LIVED it). No one feels offended, no one feels violated, no one hurts anyone else's feelings and everyone takes care of themselves and the earth they live on.

Answer 7

The Bible is full of Wisdom that even applies to today's life. If I wasnt a Christian I'd still follow it's examples.

Answer 8

You are assuming a lot. We don't have to deny our impulses, we fulfill them in marriage. We don't have to worry about giving to the needy, as God gives enough that we can liberally give to people who need. Doing what God wants is never a burden and he doesn't ask Christians to do anything that he doesn't give us the resources and strength to accomplish what he has asked..
God is good and he will never do anything that is bad. What you might percieve as bad is really for the general good of all mankind. Anything with God is worthwhile..

Answer 9

You see, the main reason why Christ wants us to be good is so that we could be like Him, and not so that He would feel that we deserve to be helped by Him (in this world or not).
Nobody deserves heaven, and nobody actually deserves God's infinite love. So, yes...I'll still try to be good, not because I want to do well in this life, but because I don't want to hurt God.

Answer 10

living God's will is for the best. example: acting on sexual impulses (promiscuity) everytime you have the urge would be gross. how many STD's would you have do you think? the Bible sets good standards to live by.