Last question was about a hypothetical accident that changed a christian to an atheist. Likewise, what if an atheist had the same personality altering type of trauma? But this time the atheist lost alot of cognative abilities and was functioning at the level of a retarded person. If this person was in this mental-state and cared for by his/her christian parents who basically guided them through everything, includeing a regular attendance in church, where they try to participate. Since this person is now clearly mentally handicapped, would they get a "free pass" to heaven or would they most likey be rejected due to their past atheistic ways? Discuss, if you will. Again, you will not be heckled in any way.
2007-01-12 07:29:10 · 22 answers · asked by naughtypiraterachel 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Speaking from an atheist view, this whole question is a load of horsegibberish anyway.
This really depends on which view you take on the accumalation of "sins" and the mechanisms of confession and forgiveness.
If the person still had the free will and thinking abilities (even if they could not communicate this to others) to decide whether to repent or not, then yes, this person would get into heaven, if they believed in the lord etc etc and repented.
What really makes things complicated is the influence of the parents. If the free will is removed, or retarded severely, then the beliefs and religious functions of the retarded person may be done on instinct, and not free will, and therefore possibly invalid in the eyes of the "Lord".
If the person loses self awareness entirely, reverting to mechanical level, then they would have theoretically "Died" as a soul in the accident, and only their shell would exist, acting instinctively, whilst they were being "judged" (Quite unfairly, according to the normal standards of this judging marlarky set out in the bible, I don't see how it is a sin to follow the most rational explanation of the cosmos, etc, etc) for being an atheist.
I hope this impartial view helps you understand the nature of the problem.
And another thing, whoever posted this:
"Salvation is in the heart, not the brain's comprehension. It's when a person allows Jesus to come into thier heart and the love and purpose that comes with it, and they turn from their old ways to follow Jesus. You just a heart and soul to recieve it."
For crying out loud, learn basic biology, you misguided fool? The last people to believe emotions came from the "heart" were ancient greeks. All emotions are the hormonally reaction to the ability or inability of the cognative functions to percieve and recieve. I don't mean to discriminate against your beliefs, but I have to draw the line when they begin to deny basic fact.
2007-01-12 07:45:08 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Socks 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So you're saying that if this person was baptized as an infant and "marked" as God's property, then turned around and became atheist after the age of reason, then fell into a mental state that would not allow any sort of decision to be made for the remainder of his or her life, what would the final destination be? Or, even if he was re-baptized in this "new" state of mind, but was never able to cognitively state his/her beliefs, then what?
Wow. I'd have to say you got me there and God would have to do the sorting out. We're not to judge anyway even though this is a fun dichotomy to examine. If there was any chance of this person being saved, I would have to go with the Calvinist beliefs of baptism in a Christian home as an authority issue rather than an age of reason issue and call it good. This would be the Christian "parents'" responsibility anyway.
2007-01-12 07:49:46 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The statements made by others comparing it to being in a coma don't have any validity. There is a huge difference between mental retardation and a coma. Someone with a mental handicap can still make the choice to accept Christ as their savior. They may not have a thorough understanding of the Bible but the basic message of salvation is very easy to grasp.
2007-01-12 07:47:25 · answer #3 · answered by Frank Edwards 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God is a forgiving God and I firmly believe that the mentally challenged person would be saved. How do you know that this handicapped person , is trapped from corresponding and yet he/she can think wonderful thoughts and ask God to HELP them and Forgive them for what they have done ? This mentally handicapped person might not be able to speak, but yet the brain could function enough to silently speak to God. In the case that you mention, I believe this person would be saved. With the prayers and support of the Christian parents, Their beliefs would see this person through.
2007-01-12 07:38:13 · answer #4 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one knows the heart of any man only God. Only God knows the heart of any person and is able to judge whether the person is accountable or not. We are saved by grace. Who can measure God"s grace? There is a verse that says This gift is to you and your household, so I believe that the blood of redemption would certainly cover those in your home such as infants or the disabled if they do not have the means to choose for themselves.
2007-01-12 07:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, God will have no mercy on this person. A person "born" mentally handicapped is different.
Your scenario is no different that an atheist dying in a car wreck. Its like you are asking if dead people will get mercy because now they are dead and can not repent for themselves.
The Bible tells us that there is hope as long as there is breath. In your case-there is hope as long as there is a functioning brain.
2007-01-12 07:39:14 · answer #6 · answered by Desperado 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that pretty much speaks for itself. Thats like saying "what if an atheist is in a coma for 15 years" or "what if he is asleep."
Nobody gets a free pass to Heaven, God judges the heart of all men. If people die in their sins or lose their mental capacities, it is all done for them!
2007-01-12 07:37:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are things that are not written in the scriptures, but are implied in the scriptures.
This is implied:
Whether or not you go to heaven depends on the state of your heart with God and His Son at the moment of your death.
If you ask the question, I will cite where it is implied.
grace2u
2007-01-12 07:38:47 · answer #8 · answered by Theophilus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that's difficult--and a bery good and legit question-- thanks for not being a disrespectful fool. :D
Salvation is in the heart, not the brain's comprehension. It's when a person allows Jesus to come into thier heart and the love and purpose that comes with it, and they turn from their old ways to follow Jesus. You just a heart and soul to recieve it.
The Bible also says that the innocent (unable to think about or choose for themselves) are saved, because they are... literally innocent. They are unable to accept Christ, simply because they can't. That refers to babies, small children, probably mentally retarded people...etc
2007-01-12 07:38:30 · answer #9 · answered by Doug 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God reads the Heart. And He will ultimately be the decision-maker.
The important thing is to make sure that we are always living as we know we should be, for we do not know when we will no longer have decision-making abillities ourselves (i.e. a similar accident to the one you described, or else death). As you live, so shall you die!
2007-01-12 07:35:29 · answer #10 · answered by Bec P 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋