It would stand to reason that there MUST be something more to the Christian faith than doing it out of fear, but I've not seen much of it. I was raised Christian, I've read the Bible, but as I grew older, I could not resolve the inconsistencies I saw either in believers or in the bible itself. Since then, I've read the Qu'ran the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, the Elder Edda, bits of the Torah, some Buddhist texts, and even some fluffy new-ager stuff (pretty funny, that). Often, I've been presented with the statement, "you better be a Christian, or you'll go to hell. You don't want to go to hell, do you?" It should be clear to these so-called Christians that there could be so much more to their religion. Why just stick with fear?
2007-02-10 07:58:04 · 12 answers · asked by wookie_x 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because they are simple-minded and ignorant. Fear is the only reason THEY believe in their god.
2007-02-10 08:01:11 · answer #1 · answered by Heather 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Fear was a highly effective tactic in the 1950s - 1980s. The popular tent meetings where all fear based responses.
Of course there is more reason to follow Christianity then fire insurance. There are numerous benefits of being a Christian here on earth. Also I believe that Christian spirituallity meets many needs that are common to mankind.
Why do they still use fear? Well some are just stuck on that way of thinking. Others use it as a last resort. And others will use it occasionaly because the reality of hell comes across in their Bible reading or prayer life and they are concerned for someone.
Unfortunately some Christians talk about hell not out of concern but because they enjoy talking about it and making people have "fear." This is wrong.
Listen, I have also read bits and pieces of all the books you have listed. I am still a Christian. And I am still open-minded and rational. Not to mention patient and kind. Oh, what else can I say about myself? LoL!!!
Hey feel free to EMAIL me OR IM me if you want to chat sometime.
2007-02-10 08:19:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friend, I don't try to put fear in people heart. I keep my mouth shut, until I am ask something, I am not one of those kind of Christian that has to babble all the time thinking they are doing God a service, I have been serving God for 37 yrs. & I have learned in those years how to conduct myself. I have always said, If I can not live it, I will not talk about it. I just retired a year ago, I never try to push my beliefs on anyone else, & the last day I worked, They told me that I set a good example of how a True Christian should live, & they will never forget that. I even worked one time with an atheists, & I never try to force anything on him, & he told me personally that he appreciate the way I conducted myself, & right before he passed away, Guess who call me wanting prayer, Yes The atheist.
2007-02-10 08:09:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
worry? the only factor I extremely worry is that as a society, we are able to surcome to the methods of lack of information, blinded by using media hype, to have confidence all and sundry is inheritantly undesirable or evil an could be corrected for the greater beneficial good, despite which could be now-a-days, because of the fact government or religious leaders declare to understand what's 'top' for all and sundry. i stands out as the 1st one to admit, i'm no longer continuously top, yet no longer purely like the many of the moronic leaders of this international, i'm not greater off than on.
2016-10-01 22:28:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Traditionally fear was used to control the Christian mob for the purposes of clergy and king. Its the same today and it keeps the sheep adding to the collection tray and bringing in more potential contributors and most importantly, voters. Its a good business. The state can control it through granting, denying or pulling the tax exempt status. With those strings on your church can you trust?
2007-02-10 08:07:47 · answer #5 · answered by regmor12 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because you must be talking mostly with fundamentalists. there is much more than that to our faith. These are usually the same folks who like to start fights with other Christians and other religions. Most of us do know better. You can feel free to contact me. I really feel bad for them because I think they really believe like that. God is not fear. God is Love.
2007-02-10 08:34:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It worked for centuries when people couldn't read and were uneducated. In the modern age they are using tactics that worked in the Dark Ages but are laughable, today. Jesus didn't use fear as a method of conversion. He was stuck with love.
2007-02-10 08:03:12 · answer #7 · answered by Buffy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
So true. If there is one absolute truth, then we should be able to talk about it all sorts of ways. I think if someone raised from the dead then we should listen to what they have to say. I think if science backs something up, we should pay attention to it. I think if a book stands the test of time and attacks we should pay attention to it. If you want more info, check these sites.
GotQuestions.org
AnswersInGenesis.org.
2007-02-10 08:03:15 · answer #8 · answered by yaabro 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why don't you stop interacting with Christians online? What have you got to prove? Go be whatever you want to be. That's like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer and then asking why it hurts.
2007-02-10 08:03:24 · answer #9 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fear is the motivator of last resort.
2007-02-10 08:03:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fear is a valid motivator.
2007-02-10 08:18:50 · answer #11 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋