Does this worry you too?

Question

It seems to me, because of the extensive use of Pascal's Wager, that many people convert to Christianity out of fear- fear of Hell, fear of being a lost sinner, fear of not having a purpose, fear of not being able to kick an addiction, etc.

Is this healthy when this happens? I know not all Christians become Christians this way; I am only refering to these instances.

I'm exploring what I believe right now and it feels wonderful to find truths on my own. If I accepted any religion out of fear it just wouldn't have the same spiritual affect to me, but I'd like to hear your opinions.

Answer 1

Nothing to worry.

Its not me who will be going to hell but its you non believers and b elievers of nothing but your own selves.

Christians were converted to christianity becaue of love of God who created mankind. Anyway there is nothing can be lost in doing good things to God and to other mankind but non believers of God will lost everything in their life. No good.
jtm

Answer 2

I don't believe in a hell of fiery torment. My only fear is displeasing God. I know that I an a sinner, and I know that I am forgiven by the grace of his loving Son. Pascal's Wager means nothing to me, because I know God is real, and I want to serve him out of love. Not fear, but LOVE.

Answer 3

I agree with you.
When Christians try to convert me, they inevitably say, "What if you're wrong? What if there really is a Heaven and Hell? Why take that chance?"
I always respond by saying, "If I become a Christian simply out of fear of the unknown, then I am not a true believer. And according to the Bible, I still wont go to heaven. So, why waste my time?"

Answer 4

Fear of the unknown, of the "what if", is a powerful fear.
Ask any insurance salesman.

In my opinion, people who 'fear death' have never faced it.
I've faced death.
I don't fear it, which is not to say I don't have a great respect for it, or I won't go to great lengths to avoid it.

Life has enough things for me to worry about, without me having to live in fear of the hypothetical ones, like whether a long-dead Frenchman who could write a clever puzzle was doing anything more than having a joke at the expense of his fellows.

Answer 5

Converting to a religion because you are scared isn't good. You shouldn't do it because you will go to hell if you don't. You should do it only if it feels right for you. I was Christian and it didn't feel right to me. I am not a Christian now and my religion does feel right. Do I say my gods will strike you down if you don't believe as I do? Nope. I think you should want to be in a religion because you want to be there.

Hugs

Answer 6

Agnostics aren't saved by logic. Pascal's wager is a logical argument that Blaise Pascal thought would appeal to agnostics during the so-called "Age of Enlightenment." Rene Descarte and others of that period were believers in the creator God, and their answer to the rise of empiricism was philosophical argument by which they fell into the snare of intellectualism. God is a spirit and it is the truth that there are those who will worship him in spirit and in truth, and those who will not. They will not be saved by reason in any case.

Answer 7

Undoubtedly, there are a number of people who have been motivated by those factors. In my circle of family, friends, and acquaintances, many are Christian because they were born into it, converted by a family member, or influenced by the example & encouragement of lay & clergy Christians who touched their life in some significant way.

Answer 8

I think any religion that has a threat of Hell and punishment as a key factor to gain members and use it to enforce faith is solely based on fear and when faith is based on fear it isn't faith.With that said, I think faith is having love for something unseen.There is no worry about Hell.There is no worry about punishment.There isn't any quotes about all the sins being tossed out to make sure you know what they are.There isn't any condemnations of people.There is just love and belief of something for yourself.

Answer 9

Basically Christianity is a fear based religion...or at least how most churches teach it. The fear of not being "saved". I find it sad that you must look at yourself as negative...i.e. being lost, broken, fallen, living in sin, ect. ect. God is love...pure and simple...a mandate by men is not going to get you closer to god one little bit. Plus, the christian church is more a corporation now than a church...nothing at all even close in similarity to the early church at the time of jesus. Just my impression...find God yourself...be at peace with that and with yourself.

Answer 10

Some are saved by fear. Some are saved by love.

Jude 1:22-24 (King James Version)
21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh

Answer 11

hmmm. perhaps you has had a bad experience with a christian? i thought that was why you asked in a rather negative manner. hehe. (x

anyway, i think what you mentioned is rather correct. because of this fact people want to believe in Christ Jesus. but hey, what about those christians who willingly believe in God's abundant love? consider them ya? :D

and perhaps, i think actions speak louder than words,was that why it lead to you making that small conclusion over there? (:

well, it is still a matter of perspective.

and i strongly believe that God's love abound all these.
His love has no boundaries.

and you're loved by Him too!
you referring to you who is reading this now.
i thank God for you reading this yea?

GOD BLESS! XD