I am often puzzled when I read comments from non-believers (and even some believers) that seem to think that the reason a Christian does their best to follow the commandments and the teachings of Christ, is that we do it out of fear.
Believers have nothing to fear from God. He has already given us Christ...He has already given us the promise of eternal life...and he has already forgotten our sin...past, present or future. That is the promise.
A true Christian follows the teachings as one way to honor God for what he has already done, not to attempt to sway Him to do something else.
What do the rest of you believe?
2007-05-01 10:32:29 · 33 answers · asked by Poohcat1 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
,maybe cuz they fear death but there is a way to escape death and its called conversion
2007-05-01 10:37:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I might have something to do with the concept of Hell.
People wanting to get into Heaven is fear based too. Even without hell, and a choice between non-existence and eternal Heaven people are driven by the fear of non-existence.
Religions that say you all go to the same place whatever get driven out by the ones that exclude non-members from Heaven, on the basis of Pascal's Wager. (Have a drink guys)
Of course Pascal's Wager breaks down when you have to chose between two religions with exclusive heavens.
2007-05-01 10:40:22 · answer #2 · answered by Simon T 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree that many people are Christians because they truly believe. However, you must admit that your religion does condemn those who are not believers. According to a vast majority of Christian religions (there are many sects), if you don't accept Jesus as your savior, you go to Hell. That is a punishment that has nothing to do with what kind of person you are. You could literally cure all disease in the world, donate all of your time, money, and efforts toward helping other people, and end world hunger, but if you don't accept Jesus then you go to Hell. That's why people think your religion is based on fear.
2007-05-01 10:39:36 · answer #3 · answered by seattlefan74 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe we are to fear his judgement. Therefore, if we obey all his commandments as wellas the laws of the land, we have a more positive outcome come judgement day. However, if we believe in the power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. But we still serve a better chance if we obey. I fear God's judgement, not God itsself.
2007-05-01 10:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by J Doe 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We should fear God, but yes I understand where you're coming from. It is rather annoying...
I believe that Christianity is WANTING a relationship with Christ (hence the "Christ" in Christianity) and I think that real Christians will strive to do everything for the Lord out of wanting and true love towards our Creator.
Keep on truckin'.
2007-05-01 10:39:26 · answer #5 · answered by spinelli 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You are right- great question and comments. Perfect love casts out fear- we do not obey Him our of fear- however we are to have a respectful fear of Him, because He is God, I want to obey Him to honor Him for everything He has done for me. There is joy in obedience.
2007-05-02 09:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I fear God not afraid of Him. Fear could either be respect, awe, reverence; also means afraid. Rev. 15:4 "Who will not fear you Lord and glorify your name." Then 2 Tim. 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and a sound mind." Same word different meaning. Love, be bless.
2007-05-01 11:17:25 · answer #7 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Admittedly, fear is not the sole reason for obedience. Christianity also promises a reward to those who comply with God's will.
However, fear is a far stronger motivating force than hope of rewards.
If it were not, there would be no need for the threat of eternal damnation.
It's a carrot-and-stick routine, and the stick in this case is very intimidating indeed.
2007-05-01 10:55:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anthony Stark 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Bluebear -
The notion that we should fear God is from the bible:
"Acts 13:26 "Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. "
(This is only one of TONS of places the bible says that)
The bible says to fear Him that can send you to hell (paraphrasing) and not man, who, all he can do is kill you. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our savior, our sins are erased from existence. Following Christ and turning from our sin will allow His blood to be the replacement for our deserved punishment. So, fearing God basically means that we don't have to.
@ Seattlefan74 (below)
Actually, the bible says that people will go to hell because of their sins. However, Jesus Christ already paid our penalty on the cross, so, if we accept that payment, we will not have to suffer the penalty ourselves. That is how much He loved you and I. We all deserve hell. I encourage you to read the bible for yourself. You may discover alot of truth you never knew before.
2007-05-01 10:38:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think Christians have the most sensitive conscience of all groups. It's not out of fear, but out of respect. I see a lot of posts on here that we think we can sin and think "no problem". That's not true at all, just the opposite. Just because we are forgiven doesn't mean we are free to sin.
2007-05-01 10:43:38 · answer #10 · answered by expertless 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is why I chose to obey.
1 John 5:1-3 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.
John 14:15-17 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 15:9-14 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
Any questions?
2007-05-01 10:46:50 · answer #11 · answered by Tzadiq 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋