Why is it that some religions say that if you do not believe this way then you are going to hell? They try to tell you God gives you free choice and you have the choice to except it or not but telling someone they are going to hell if they do not believe this way is not a choice its a threat. I will never believe God to be cruel like that. So why do you think the religious people follow that route?
2007-02-26 03:08:35 · 22 answers · asked by daisy322_98 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Historically, it works. It brings many to covert. Preying on fear.
If you are a religious group that wants to control the populace, threats of eternal damnation work. Many religions have used this.
If religion said...afterlife is actually pretty good for all, but we want you to do this or that - how many would follow?
The actual religions may not be so bad, because if you look into it - the founders of those religions did not use those tactics. That came latter. The founders were accepting of people of other faiths, and taught to be kind and loving to all (even enemies).
I read the Bible because Jesus' teachings are profound and good. Do not worry so much about what today's followers do...that is not the true faith. They have lost their way over the years.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-02-26 03:27:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
People are imperfect, and they try to play God by themselves. The admonishment part is easy and so are the threats. It is setting the Christlike example in everyday life that eludes so many of them. And other people look at the loudest voices of Christianity and see hypocrisy because those who speak loudest often think the least and follow only the superficial examples of a good spiritual life. Some take these loud voices for the voice of Christ or God, and in that they are deceived because they, too, are only human. So when a human threatens you with damnation, do not automatically take their voice for God's or Christ's, because more likely it is their own ego speaking.
I tend to think that the Zen Buddhist way might be best; attain enlightenment, follow the path, and only THEN go out into the world. (I'm no expert in this either; it is but a superficial observation, but I think this falls under the rubric of "Physician, Heal Thyself.")
2007-02-26 03:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Black Dog 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that the religious bible thumpers that say it is their way or you are going to hell are actually very uneducated and uninspired individuals. Truly they are like sheep following the most popular Shepard holding up a flashing signal. Meaning, they don't question what they are told they just assume that it must be right and any other belief is wrong. if they were educated and informed then they could have a rationale and intelligent debate over the religion. Generally the most ignorant folks in life are the ones that hold fast to a belief they do not know why they follow. They think they know why but when you ask them to really explain why they feel that way, they get angry and say "your just going to hell anyway".
2007-02-26 03:14:40 · answer #3 · answered by karenlanea2 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I believe people of faith shouldn't claim to have a corner on religious truth, but instead should view life as a journey toward that truth.
People who claim to have the only Religious truth I feel are on the wrong track because it closes minds, hinders compromise and demonizes opponents.
The Bible teaches that "in this world we see through a glass darkly, and know in part." To believe one knows the whole truth is a dangerous religious heresy "that makes evidence irrelevant and argument a waste of time."
Firmly held convictions should be tempered by the recognition that they could be wrong . Given all the people who worship God and the many different interpretations of the scriptures I'll stand by that .
2007-02-26 03:41:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No matter what religion a person follows, they all speak of having two choices. In Christianity, the choices are believe and go to heaven...disbelieve and you go to hell. Islam is similar I believe. Even the religions practiced by so called "uncivilized" people have at least two choices. The key to all of them is faith vs. no faith in their God.
Everything we do in life is made up of choices. Whether or not to believe something is a choice. Going to heaven or hell is the result of the choice you make. It is not a threat, it is a promise. It does not differ from any other portion of our lives that are affected by choice. For example, do you take it as a threat if a traffic sign says 50 mph? No, it is your choice as to whether or not you wish to follow that law. Disobey it and it is very likely that eventually you will suffer the consequences of your own actions.
2007-02-26 03:22:57 · answer #5 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
First of all... "spiritual people who do not follow one belief" is a contradiction in terms. You can't be spiritual and not follow a belief. Your spiritual side is based solely on your belief because your spirit is subject to the guidelines of a belief.
As far as your question, Man has forever been given freedom of choice. IF it were not for that, God would have simply prevented Adam from eating of the fruit, Jesus wouldn't have come to earth, and the events in the bible wouldn't have happened. The issue of 'hell' is simply giving your foresight of what is to come if you make the WRONG choice. You cannot simply make yourself believe that God doesn't give you a choice. The CHOICE has always been the same as it has since Gen.3...
Follow me or follow Satan. Those are the only 2 options available. That is the only choice that matters. Because he loves us, he tells us the dangers of following Satan - which is going to hell. Satan will agree. Satan knows it. Why can't you understand it?
2007-02-26 03:19:31 · answer #6 · answered by se-ke 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
a VERY good question!! I've always said organized religion is a crock; so many sects, only one GOD, and so many versions of the bible, not to mention more than one version of the ten commandments!!!!!!! what's with all this, anyway?? Possibly preachers make these statements as they want your money and to have you join their little misguided group!! I don't think that Jesus, when/if he comes back, would approve of ANY of the so-called reglious groups that are around today!! just remember 'do unto others' and you won't go wrong....you don't have to go to church or join one to be a good, trustworthy, honest, decent human being!!!!!!!!!!!! are you listening, Christians?????????
2007-02-26 03:15:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
One of the reasons why some religions think that their God is that way is because it's a fear tactic. Through fear, people can be controlled - especially if they're told that they know the truth, and all other beliefs are false.
2007-02-26 03:23:47 · answer #8 · answered by Joa5 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
there are religious people and spiritual people - the religious have it in their heads - they believe - and they get a bit mixed up about it all. The spiritual people take it into their hearts and have a much deeper understanding. Generally it is the religious not the spiritual who talk about hell etc. I don't think its worth taking much notice.
2007-02-26 03:15:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
eveyrone has thier own definition of spirituality, I see the guy digilooks questions or don H or Pagel, theyre what i would consider spiritual, The bible teaches Jesus is the only way, but something people need to consider, Jesus never wrote one word of the bible, and whoever did write it did so for personal gain. Most devout followers will deny this, but its true.
2007-02-26 03:14:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋