An atheist who lived his life well and good being shown he was wrong by being allowed into heaven, or a Christian who shows nothing but hatred and fanatical disdain but believing in God being allowed into heaven
2007-04-10 03:44:14 · 16 answers · asked by guhralfromhell 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I'm glad you said it is a hypothetical, because I don't think either concept expresses my belief. But clearly, since we are told (and I believe) that God is Love, then the atheist who was a good person would have a better chance than the (so-called) Christian who is a bad person.
2007-04-10 03:47:55 · answer #1 · answered by auntb93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, I cannot see into anyone's heart. Only God can. Let me address the hatefilled believer first. Can one truly believe in God and hate his fellow man? I John 2:9 says "The one claiming to be in the light, but hating his brother, is in the dark until now." (LITV) If ones life is marked by hatred, you have to wonder if they are truly followers of Jesus, who not only prayed for his enemies, ate with "sinners" but also died for them.
If you have been hurt by some who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, I am sorry. I am sorry that there are hypocrites who profess one thing and do another. I also recognized that there are those who love Jesus who are struggling with the woundedness and inadequecies that come from being human and living in this world. Many desire to follow God and are still in the process of being transformed into what God calls us all to be. I am sorry. Forgive us, not for our sake but for yours.
As for the "good" atheist, only God knows how he will be judged. However, not only is God loving, God is love it self, He is also just. Do you not believe that every crime must be paid for, that every pain that someone inflicts on another should be called into account. No one is "good" we have all hurt other people. We have all lied. We have all poured out anger and hatred against another person. If you do not think so you have never been the parent of a toddler. All parent know that we were not born "good".
Jesus died to pay for all these sins. (No this does not excuse the ungodly behaviour of believers) True Chrisitanity is the only faith in which God does the redemptive work for us. This is a gift. It cannot be earned. However, in order for a gift to be valid it must be recieved.
Just a few thoughts.
2007-04-10 11:18:50 · answer #2 · answered by dmjrev 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How could either go to heaven?For an athiest to be one that person does not acknowlege a higher power than his or herself,so the actions and conduct are as such,..no consequences on poor conduct,and they are apt to fall into the seven deadly sins and break the ten commandments because they don't "believe"in them.These are some pretty good morals to live by,so regarding your question it would be very logically impossible for the athiest to go to heaven and obviously the fanatical Christian wouldn't go either!
2007-04-10 10:58:02 · answer #3 · answered by albert.brady 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a true Christian would not live his life full of hatred and disdain... if he is truly saved then he will have a love for mankind as our Father does... there are those that parade around saying they are Christian's, and they talk the talk, but they don't always walk the walk... and believing in God is not what gets you into heaven, it is accepting that Christ died on the cross for your sins... Christ himself said "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO ONE comes unto the Father but THROUGH ME!"
2007-04-10 10:49:38 · answer #4 · answered by Frog© 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all both comments are wrong- it we are truly born again believers, we will show our faith by our works- faith without works is dead- now let me explain that- good works and a good life will not save you, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. However when we are saved we are new creatures and will want to love others as Christ did- once again though- loving and tolerating the sin is the not the same thing.
2007-04-10 11:06:58 · answer #5 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People get what they want. If they want to look for earth-bound rewards based on a geocentric existence, that's what they'll get. From a geocentric point of view, the planets look like they have epicyclical orbits. They have loopholes. This is how people try to justify loopholes in their version of justice. They just see everything from their own point of view and assume that everybody else would want to see things their way as well. The only way you can get this, in practicality, is to be a bully.
Considering that God's judgement comes on the earth frequently, I can't see a Christian like that making it to the end of his/her life without losing faith and finding some other path.
2007-04-10 10:49:57 · answer #6 · answered by Christian person 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Atheist in the example is like watching Jeopardy! and trying to answer questions after the contestant has already given the answer.
You don't get credit for something when you find out too late about it.
2007-04-10 10:48:33 · answer #7 · answered by Maverick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think God would let both into Heaven. He loves everyone.
2007-04-10 10:50:24 · answer #8 · answered by Teia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now there's a healthy though-provoking question. I'd have to say neither.
To the athiest - still gotta believe Jesus died for our sins!
To the christian - can't say you believe when you don't - this makes you a liar!
2007-04-10 11:00:03 · answer #9 · answered by Curiosity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they would not be christian if they behave the way you sugest and niether would get into heaven only those how know Jesus and have given their lives to him will go to heaven.
2007-04-10 10:50:40 · answer #10 · answered by Mim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋