Christians, why do you participate in societies progress if the achievements in this life are so unimportant?

Question

I've read many Christians comment on how this life is primarily a testing ground to gain entry to heaven. I've read many comments about how so much of science and technology is at odds with Christian faith. I've even read comments that technology is in direct conflict with what Jesus Christ and god wanted.

So what I don't understand is this... if mortal life is "relatively" unimportant, and if gaining entry to heaven is the primary focus, why do Christians bother to participate and contribute in the progress, the science, the technology, the achievements, and all the other advances of mankind? Why care about progress?

Why not reject it all? Why not forget about the mad rush to acquire possessions and a more prestigious job? Why not give up your boats and cars, and vacations to Disneyland? Why not pursue the simple "shepherds" life, live off the land, never-change, and spend your days spreading Christ's message? Isn't this what he wanted you to do?

Answer 1

First of all, I'm sure your intelligent enough to figure out that not all Christians feel that way. I'm also sure you're intelligent enough to figure out that this forum is not a fair representation of any group of people because it is so limited.
I, for one, do not feel that way at all. But, I agree, I've seen many say that.
Of course, there are Christians, and actually people of all faiths that feel that way. BUT, they are not on here, because they probably reject the internet along with other "trappings."
So, why do people say that? I think it is because they think they are supposed to. They think it is the religious thing to say. The "right answer," that saying that will make them sound "oh so holy"
My Bible says that Jesus came that I may have life, and enjoy that life. That does not mean my life will be free from trials, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying my life.
I seriously think people need to get a grip and think before they speak or type.
I know tons of people that say stuff like that, while they wear their nice mall clothes, and check their cell phones, and hop in their SUV's. Nothing wrong with that stuff, you just look silly saying it under those circumstances.
Now, on the other hand, I know people that do give it all up to spread the Gospel. They are happy with that, called to do it, strengthened by God to withstand it.
Those people are not on here either, as they do not boast of themselves, but of Christ.
Probably didn't make friends with that answer, but oh well.

Answer 2

Dear Lady
Life is not as always is important, there was once a Creator named God, he was like an alone person, having only righteousness in all mankind aside the Christ without anyone's knowledge of how what God means to be a God. God made man on a sixth day, and out of the third of that mankind are broken down in favourable reincusion on how man should live. That third of mankind were named Demons and demons are the only ones who make rumor look good. Those rumors are primary targets to those who know the Son. And still none of that same mankind have any possible ability to uphold the mystery of the knowledge here and about the things were dissed. That same mankind should not have any boast to make repent. But will be a mystery defynation. if you are knowledgeable of the way you just put christianity more on a simpleto say ana, then there are evidence that you're sinning.

Answer 3

Not all Christians believe that science is at odds with belief in God or Jesus Christ.

We do not all believe that mortal life is unimportant. If that were so why were we given this life to live?

And in fact as far as I was taught the point of Christianity is certainly NOT entrance into heaven, but learning and following the teachings of Christ.

"pursue the simple "shepherds" life, live off the land, never-change, and spend your days spreading Christ's message? Isn't this what he wanted you to do?"

Actually, no. There are people who feel "called" to live in this way. That doesn't mean everyone was, is or will be.

Answer 4

Your question is a good one! Because all people are different all Christians are too. What is good for one man is not good for another. Sometimes God calls us to a life of missions; travelling the world spreading the word. Other times He calls to a life of 9-5 job, soccer games with kids, and stay at home moms. No matter what you are doing if your focus is Christ, and you're doing your best to stay in His will He's pleased.

Jesus knew that His life would be short, heck he only got 33 years; however he worked as a carpenter and when it was time God sent Him out to preach the News. This life is temporary for all, but we are suppose to be the body of Christ. That means there needs to be hands in the office place, feet on the streets and so on and so forth. If we gave everything up to live a "simple" life how would we, as Christians relate to people in the world and get them to listen to us about Christ?

The bottom line is if you accept Christ as your Savior, a heart change occurs as you get to know Him better. His plan for your life will be totally different than mine, but that doesn't mean He doesn't want us to have fun!

Answer 5

The Christian life isn't just about doing stuff to earn entry to heaven. It's about loving God... because He loves us. And as far as progress? If we love our fellow man, which Christ said was the second-greatest commandment, we will do things to make things better for them. It all comes down to love. Also... gaining entry to heaven isn't the primary focus. In fact, if I were to get to heaven and find there a god who does not love and is concerned purely with rules and regulations, I'd be really disappointed. If on the other hand I ended up in Hell and found that God who loves... it would be heaven.

But you make a good point there.. I don't need a boat (good thing, too, because I haven't got one), or a vacation to disneyland. The Bible actually says that God "richly provides us with everything to enjoy." So then.. you make an excellent point about living life and spreading the message, but as for not caring about progress... then we'd be Amish.

As Christians, we do not reject progress in general, like the Amish do (who I cannot fear offending because they don't have computers). But yes, you make a good point there. And that is an excellent question. I'm giving you a star.

Answer 6

As with all religions, there are fanatics in the Christian faiths that look at much of our technological progress as abominations against God, Allah, etc. However, there are also many of us who believe that the power behind creation instilled within humanity the drive to be better than what we are now. Let's not lump all Christians in with the Jerry Falwells of the world.

Mortal life is in no way "relatively" unimportant. Is it a proving ground? In a manner of speaking, certainly. The proving, though, is likely a universal concept at its core. You have two choices in life... good and evil. It's not enough to simply BE good by meditating and pondering the wonders of [insert your faith here]. You have to DO good. If I were living off the land and never changing, would anyone read this? Would you listen to some strange person who lives in the woods and wants to "spread the message"?

In order to share one's faith, one must be in society... at the office, at the park. I will grant, however, that there is far too much emphasis on the "me, me, me with my SUV" and too little on living for others. I would love to see the CEO who is a self-professed "believer" give most of his money to charity, keeping only what he needs to live.

I am a Christian. I live in a small house in Ohio. We own one car. I am a professional with a college degree and a (very) modest salary. Do I want for more? Sure. I want to give my new-born daughter all she needs in the hope that she will be happy and know God and share her faith with others and understand the faiths of others. Do I want a million dollars? Sure. And I would end up giving most of it away. The bottom line is this. Though all Christians believe in the same God and all Muslims believe in the same Allah and so on down the line, each of us has our own relationship with that divinity, and in the end, the goal is the same... to meet Him/Her/It and say, "I did my best."

Suggestion... try to find some Christians who practice more than they preach.

Answer 7

Well I am a Christian. My belief might not be what you expect.

The Current theme of Christianity is all about money.

I personally do not like this current theme of Christianity. And I get tired of being tossed in with the rest.

But do not be fooled, because my "own kind Christianity" tries to justify it. And I am tossed out with the garbage and called a blasphemer against the word of Jesus.

But this I know, This is not what Jesus intended for His people. Soon the money issue will be challenged and a choice will have to be made.

For me I am already there. I have already made the choice. But for some it will become a surprise, because they do not know the real cost.

Answer 8

Not really. God created us to glorify Him. Therefore, we are to be a positive witness in the world. Jesus prayed not to take us out of the world but to keep us in this world to be a witness for Him. Kinda like the kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman put in three measures of meal. How can Christianity spread if all Christians lived in a bubble? We are to live amongst the nations to be a positive influence for God.

Answer 9

Everybody gets hungry.
But really, why do you generalize? There are many Christian faiths, not just one, and as such there is a wide range of beliefs on everything from science and technology and prestige to how one gains eternal life. So pick a specific Christian religion and ask them.

Answer 10

Making use of the gifts God grants to us developed by those in medicine, science, engineering, etc. is not against the will of God. It is the glorification of these things and not God that takes us off the righteous path.

If all the gifts we have through God were used for the betterment of mankind, peace, etc., then the rain that falls would be the weeping of the angels' joy rather than their present sorrow for our selfishness.