Some Christians think that fear of hell is a good enough reason to believe in god.
I ask sincerely, those of you who are Christian, is that why?
FYI:I'm not an atheist, please don't respond with "you atheists..."
2007-05-10 08:52:00 · 18 answers · asked by LabGrrl 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I love my gods. Why would I not understand another loves theirs? That's a nasty thing to say, isn't it.
FOLLOW-UP
If fear is not why you are a Christian, do you think it's good enough reason for others to be?
2007-05-10 08:57:54 · update #1
Please don't assume I have not read your bible. The result could be a theological smackdown you are not prepared for. When I walk into the ring of having read the bible, people start chanting about smelling what I have cooking....
Just answer the bloody question. If it bothers you, then don't.
I don't see why you have to slam the asker...uncomfortable much?
2007-05-10 09:08:11 · update #2
No, fear of hell is not why I'm a Christian.
I'm a follower of Christ because I believe I am sinful. I believe that Christ died for my sins. I believe that Jesus is God, and that God wants us to spend eternity with Him. And I believe that God exists and that He is perfect, and deserves all of our glory and praise.
Thanks for the question. And by the way, I didn't read the above comments from others, but I'm ready for a theological "smackdown" any day! :)
2007-05-10 09:32:38 · answer #1 · answered by TWWK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been a Christian for quite a long time and I have only ever met one person who became a Christian because she was going to hell if she didn't. Fear isn't a good motivator to conversion that will last; it leads to "battle field" conversions that fade after the person is out from under the influence of whatever it was that made them scared.
Christians I meet, myself included, became Christians either because God intervened directly in their lives or through the 'living' witness of fellow Christians. People generally come ot know Christ when Christians take the time to love them. Not just to say they do but to demonstrate it in practical ways. To come along side others at times of hardship or heartache and to give them the message of life and hope.
2007-05-10 08:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's true that if fear is the only thing that keeps you out of Hell, then ok. It's not the best reason (love of God is best) but it will do.
Do I fear Hell? Yes and no.
I know Hell exists and that I am a sinner and can commit a mortal sin which would put me in danger of Hell, but then again, I also know God is merciful and that He will keep His promises.
If I fall and repent He will forgive me and I will not be denied Heaven.
It is good to have a healthy fear of Hell, but better to have a great love for God.
2007-05-10 08:58:24 · answer #3 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not scared of hell, because I AM a Christian. God will protect me from the devil, and I've learned that we as Christians, have all control over Satin. It just takes faith and authority- God's authority! Hell could stare me right in the face and I would laugh at it, because I know where I'm going.
I'm a Christian because God sacrificed His own son, Jesus who died on a cross for all of our sins, so that we may be forgiven whenever we ask for forgiveness. He died for me, and He gave me life, so why deny Him? He's my father and I'm His daughter...why turn away when he gives me everything I need?!
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2007-05-10 09:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by ann 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian because my Lord Jesus Christ has shown me his love to me. Hell has nothing to do with the fact that I believe and Obey my Lord. If you read the Bible you will see that Hell is nothing like most people think. But the thought of spending all Eternity with my Lord depends my Love for him. Just think that as much as I want to see Him, He wants to see me more is a beutiful thought.
2007-05-10 09:01:02 · answer #5 · answered by alwayintosomething 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I got delivered from my spiritual ignorance when I realized my need of Christ to save me from a totally wicked heart. It had nothing to do with Hell, and everything to do with me getting past my intellect and stepping out in faith. When I did that I found out that God greatly expanded my intellect to be able to receive supernatural understanding - the one thing I was totally without a clue of.
The only legitimate reason for becoming a Christian is that a person comes to realize that his/her life is an offense to a Holy God. Sorrow for sin come next and repentance. Then God reveals Himself to us and delivers us from spiritual ignorance and we are saved through the shed blood of Christ.
After that we learn to love God for His mercy and grace that we don't deserve in any way! It is the most natural thing to want to love and serve Him in time and throughout eternity after that.
2007-05-10 09:04:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I am a Christian because I love Jesus and have spent many years studying the bible. I have found it to be true in hundreds of ways, and God's word has transformed my life. The things Jesus asks of me are impossible to do in and of myself. To love unconditionally, forgive always, deny myself always. Without God's spirit, I can do none of these things. But with Him, nothing is impossible, and I can't think of any higher way to live than that.
For your follow up question....I have to say this honestly...it's not entirely bad to be afraid of hell. If people really knew what it looked like, they would be afraid. If that is what prompts a person to get down on their knees, ask forgiveness and accept Jesus....better than not.
2007-05-10 08:57:57 · answer #7 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No Because I am a Born Again Christian and Living a Day to Day with Christ.
2007-05-10 08:58:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you understood the love and peace I feel from being a Christian, you would understand that even if it just lasted through this life, it would be worth it. Fear and avoidance of punishment does not motivate people to reach for the heights of hope, joy and faith; only love and gratitude do that.
2016-05-19 23:32:05 · answer #9 · answered by linh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all, I am a Christian because I believe what God has promised to those who love Him and because Christ sacrificed Himself for love of me.
There is much more than this but I wanted to keep it short and simple.
2007-05-10 08:57:09 · answer #10 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋