I'm not athiest, but I'm not any religion either. I've never been baptised, read the bible, or been in a church, but I don't "not believe" in any of it, I've just never learned about it. I'm not 18 yet, so I don't have the choice to go to church on my own (I can't drive or anything). Does this mean I'll go to hell?!?
2007-02-18 10:34:57 · 58 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
no, hell is a mythical place, it is not real
2007-02-18 10:37:01 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 9⤋
When you stop to think about it, Jesus wasn't any religion either. He wasn't Jewish (by their standards) and Christianity hadn't started yet!
I don't like the word 'religious'. A lot of people are 'religious' but aren't going to be recognized by God come Judgement Day.
I do believe there is a Hell, a real physical place Hell and I do believe that those who have snubbed their noses at God will spend all of eternity there. Not because God is cruel or unjust, but we all make a choice while we're here, whether or not we serve Him or ourselves. A water baptism does not guarantee automatic admittance into heaven. Neither does reading the Bible, you can 'know' an awful lot of biblical facts from the Bible and still not KNOW Him which is what counts. Church attendance does not guarantee a ticket to Heaven, either. But if you want to learn more about God before making a choice, church is where you want to learn it, not here on the internet.
Just a suggestion here: Are you within walking distance of a church? A good Pastor can answer a lot of your questions, but always double check what someone is telling you with what you read in the Bible. There are some churches I wouldn't exactly call Christ led churches.
God bless and I hope this helped somewhat. It's hard to give a good, complete answer on a message board because a lot of times what one writes just brings up more questions. Take care.
2007-02-18 10:48:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you need is a relationship with Jesus Christ, not a "religion". And this is something you can pray to the Lord for yourself with no depending on others. Now is the time to start the "I'm nots or I've never been". "Now is the day of Salvation" says the Lord. The Lord accepts you right where you are, nothing required but a true desire and it sounds like this is the driving force that led you to ask this question, praise God!! You are old enough to read the Bible. The Holy Spirit dwelling in you is a requirement to be saved and the Holy Spirit will not dwell in you if you are WILLINGLY sinning and letting sin rule your body. So, walk faithfully in the Lord. God knows your heart and mind. Do not let anyone deter you from your newfounded relationship with Jesus Christ as many will try thru satan's cunning schemes. Be careful what you read and hear, and ALWAYS use discernment. If it steers you from the Word of God, it IS NOT TRUTH!!! God did not give us a Spirit of fear (biblical), but to trust always in Him. You can't sit on the fence with indecisions, but must make a choice one way or the other. You cannot serve 2 masters(biblical). Choose your Master God / Maker. Continue to ask with discernment!!
2007-02-18 10:54:07 · answer #3 · answered by connie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask Jesus to come into your heart and let you know Him. Jesus is already tugging on your heart and all you need to do is call on His name and you can be saved and never worry about hell again. God Bless You. You will learn peace and comfort that you have never known. Find a Bible or find a person that you know has a Bible in their home and borrow it. Read the Book of John first and enjoy some of the Book of Psalms, then try to finish it all. The Lord is drawing you close to Him.
2007-02-18 10:41:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What you are saying is that you “don't not believe“. That you are not caught up in the practice of religious activities. That you haven't understood or haven't read where Jesus teaches about those that believe and follow Him will follow His lead and be baptized as He practiced and instructed. That you are just unknowledgeable about all of it.
Not a bad place to start from. As you point out, you’re young and just starting to look at the bigger picture that makes up what life is.
First, you can go to church with someone you know other than your parents if you want to - or even walk to a church that might be in your neighborhood.
You can check a bible out from the library and read it for free. Many congregations that I know of would just give you a bible if they found out that you were wanting one.
None of what you have written would indicate to me that you’re going to hell. It indicates to me that you have questions that you need to find the answers to.
I would suggest that you pray. That is nothing more than talking to God personally. You can do it out loud or silently. Ask God to give you the answers that you are seeking. Ask Him to bring someone into your life that can help you along the way even. I would like to warn you that there are all sorts of - shall we say 'colorful' types out there that make all sorts of claims (the devil loves to lie and will use all sorts of people that make all sorts of claims),
If you really want the answers - just ask. The answers really are just a personal conversation away with God.
2007-02-18 11:28:24 · answer #5 · answered by Toe the line 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some say there are thousands (or more) of Heaven and Hell because it is created within one's mind... so whatever you believe will become real to you. Don't believe everything what they say in the book... some debate that it is used to comfort the oppressed (mostly the poor, the misfortunate ones) who wish for something from the creator as if they were children who cannot do things themselves, and poverty and misery still exist.... I'm not saying that religious is bad either but there are some hints that whatever you give, something good will come back (the law of attraction... they discussed it on Oprah).
I'm sort of in a same boat as you.
2007-02-18 10:53:02 · answer #6 · answered by Jess3e 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes Heaven and Hell are real actual places. You do good to believe in God, but the Bible says that even the demons believe in God. The question is do you believe in Jesus as your Savior. I am a youth pastor and I know that you could find a way to a church if you so chose. Jesus said that he is the way to salvation and a personal relationship to God. I pray that you will find Jesus before it is too late.
2007-02-20 05:28:12 · answer #7 · answered by rhino 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep believing and have faith. Try to pray. If you don't know how, ask a friend you trust. Then when you are old enough check them all out. Find the one that you feel has the most important thing for your heart. Don't settle in one because the people like or dislike you. Or your peers make you feel liked or disliked. Remember, truth is in you and your heart.
I would still ask my parent(s) to take me.
If you can do these things I have mentioned I feel you have no worries of hell.
2007-02-18 10:46:01 · answer #8 · answered by Bigdog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By you asking this question makes you well aware of the consept of Jesus and God. On judgement day when you face Jesus saying you didn't know who he was isn't going to hold water you will be cast into hell on judgement day. If you dont repent of your sins and believe. Dont let anybody deceive you. You dont have to be in church to believe. If you will just ask Jesus now that you are sorry that you are a sinner and you believe in him. Ask him to make a way for you and be patient he will lead you to someone who can help you.... try it
2007-02-18 10:46:38 · answer #9 · answered by Tommiecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not worry. You do not need a religion to pray to God. I will list down for you the steps to perform the best prayer to God which no religous worship can rival.
1. Appreciate life and be contented with what you have.
2. Try to make the people around you happy.
3. Do not create problems for others.
4. Share what you have with needy.
So just follow these simple steps and live your life to the fullest.
2007-02-18 10:47:06 · answer #10 · answered by Rakesh 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as you're a good person, then of course you're not going to hell. Ever hear of the Seven Universal Laws?
1. Believe in God
2. Don't curse God
3. Don't commit adultery
4. Don't murder
5. Don't steal
6. Don't be cruel to animals
7. Uphold the rule of law
Anyone in any religion who follows these seven laws goes to heaven no matter what.
2007-02-18 14:01:21 · answer #11 · answered by barx613 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋