Then why is there so much discord in the world? Christianity says you must forgive all transgressions and turn the other cheek. But no Christian that I have met lives like this. Why not?
2007-01-10 09:12:38 · 32 answers · asked by kiku 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Today:- in answer to your comments, yes those people are living a good life. But did they need religion to do that. No, they would be like that regardless of their religion.
Many people have very good altruistic lives. Few of these are religious.
To life an honest life, all you need is integrity. Religion often compromises this. I am not just talking about Christianity.
All religions seem to box in any free thought, and give directions on thoughts as well as deeds.
2007-01-10 09:42:43 · update #1
they like to talk the talk, but not very good at walking the walk.
2007-01-10 09:15:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
To quote George Carlin, "If you think there's a solution, then you're part of the problem."
Every religion ultimately claims "If everybody would simply behave like US and followed OUR rules, most of the world's problems would go away." You can even hear this being said at times by some hard-core atheists as well as those who place faith in books like "The Celestine Prophecy".
But you're never going to convert everybody to the same religion. There are 6 billion bodies on the planet all having their different life experiences, influences and interpretations on what they see in the world, so inevitably people will come up with different ideas on what "journey" they want to go on, and to what extent they want religion in their life. And time and time again history has shown that even when you do have large, isolated populations where everybody essentially follows the same religion, it never ends up being a utopia.
Personally, I don't throw out religion all together. I think it can be a great tool for personal growth. I don't see the problem in using religion as a private tool rather than a public cause.
2007-01-10 09:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you carry out the teachings of Jesus and God with the correct motive, then you are a CHRISTIAN. But you have to allow the teachings to change your thoughts and heart. It can be done but it isnt easy. In fact that is what the Bible says that it won't be an easy task. But in order to be Christian you MUST apply what you learn. So basically there are True Christians and False Christians. This is what Jesus says at Matthew 7 verse 15 to 24.
2007-01-10 10:10:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as an agnostic.
Jesus Christ according to the Bible, came not to bring peace but to turn father against son, mother against daughter etc.
Quote from James Moffatt's translation;
Jesus 'Never imagine I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Yes, a man's own household will be his enemies. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He who will not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.......'
That explains according to the Bible why there is so much discord.
But a religion which condemns people for not believing something which people (apparently made by God), are unable to believe, is not a religion I would get any pleasure believing in.
If we call God, whatever it is which enables anything to exist, it would be a unjust God if it condemned anyone. And a heaven without peoples sons, or daughters, could be a Hell.
2007-01-10 09:46:48 · answer #4 · answered by Sprinkle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because the Bible tells us how to live doesn't mean that we are strong enough all the time to live that way. because there are people out there that live different from our ways, there is temptation out there and sometimes we give in just as well as the next guy.
In america we have a law system and if you break that law you are punished and you have to serve time or pay a fine. Just because you break the law though doesn't mean that you are no longer an american, just that you broke a law.
If we all lived the way the bible says, there would be peace, but we are not perfect and there are people who will never accept God so there will never be peace.
2007-01-10 09:25:40 · answer #5 · answered by Hi 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well let me address your first question first....There is an answer to world peace, but we christians wait for it, knowing there will be no such thing until it occurs...according to prophecy. We know there will be no world peace until the Lord returns so we don't strive to perfect an imperfect world but we just hold back the tide as best we can by doing what we can in our own sphere of influence. That's all any of us can do. But world peace? No,not happening ever until Jesus returns.
Turn the other cheek...no many christians don't turn the other cheek when they need to, myself included. I do try though and that again, is all anyone can ask. No christian is perfect. We christians face everyday knowing that the Spirit of God is within this body of sin. Our own sinful will battles with the Spirit of Truth in us. So we try, falling again and again, over and over, falling short of the very tenets we espouse to be true. What hypocrits we are. Because NO ONE can live up to the tenets we espouse perfectly. This too we know. But we try. We just pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and again try to reflect that perfect love and will of God. I'm sorry if any christian has been less than kind with you. We are imperfect and perhaps need your understanding as well?
2007-01-10 09:19:36 · answer #6 · answered by sheepinarowboat 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Theres never going to be peace and happiness in this world, only in the kingdom of heaven- which is for those who turn from their sinfulness and trust in Christ as their saviour and king. I try, with God's help, to live how he wants me to, but I'll never be perfect until heaven.
Peace :)
2007-01-11 00:30:51 · answer #7 · answered by trebor88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Throughout history there have been countless millions slaughtered. Mostly in the name of one god or another.
Religion is not the answer to peace but is often cited as the catalyst for war.
2007-01-10 09:32:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's one might big "if"!
I do not for a second believe that religion holds the answer -- not as long as any religion includes believing that you are right and everyone else is wrong.
.
2007-01-10 09:16:21 · answer #9 · answered by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's too hard to do so they talk about the next life rather than this one, which is the one that (1) exists and (2) matters.
2007-01-10 09:15:37 · answer #10 · answered by Incoherent Fool 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christians don't live by their own religion unless it suits them. Religion doesn't give world peace and happiness.
2007-01-10 09:17:13 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋