Why do you need to be rewarded for a life well-lived? Shouldn't that be a reward inof itself? And, likewise, why do you feel that sinners should be punished so badly? Do you really think a couple that had sex before marraige really deserves to burn for all eternity?
And, while we're on this route, why do some of you need a purpose so badly? Are you too lazy to make a purpose for yourself, that you have to have God make a purpose for you?
2007-06-20 07:32:47 · 18 answers · asked by Stardust 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
By the way, I'm not intending to sound like another angry atheist with these questions. I'm just curious.
2007-06-20 07:34:38 · update #1
Rewards? mine is spending eternity with Christ my Lord...
2007-06-20 07:41:00 · answer #1 · answered by ✞ Ephesians 2:8 ✞ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some modern Christians, especially of the more evangelical type, make faith too much about rewards and punishments. I can understand how in times past when people like the very poor, or slaves, looked toward the ultimate goal of heaven because life here on earth sucked. But for most N. Americans today, this has become an over simplification of what faith is all about. I don't believe God is waiting to punish sinners for all eternity. My view is that when we do wrong things we will suffer the consequences in this life. As for purpose, God doesn't "give me purpose," so much as striving to live as a faithful Christian directs the purpose of my life-so I ask myself, am I loving God by being loving to my neighbor? Am I being faithful to God's call to care for the poor, the outsider, the hurting? Am I being faithful to share what I believe to be God's message of love and grace? Those are the general larger purposes of people of faith, not just "working our way to heaven."
2007-06-20 16:07:44 · answer #2 · answered by keri gee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God gave us a free will to make our own purpose; however, our purpose is in His will. I consider myself a Christian and I want and need the rewards that God has offered in the after life. I love that he gave me the opportunity to live here on earth and I feel I've done well in my life; however, my life hasn't always been without suffering and heartaches. He promises if we obey his commandments and accept his son, we will no longer see sorrow when we perish. What is so bad with wanting to look forward to these rewards?
As for burning for eternity, I sure wouldn't want anyone to burn for eternity. The Bible does speak of sinners burning forever, but it's a choice they make when they don't follow the creator's commandments.
To me, which my opinion doesn't matter, I, too, can't grasp why it is so bad for a couple in love to have sex before marriage, but, again, it isn't my rule---it's God's and He has his reason. It is a sin in His eyes. We are not to know everything---some things are to remain a mystery to us. That is where our faith comes in to play.
2007-06-20 14:43:50 · answer #3 · answered by Ida T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The self-authenticating Word of the living and true God tells us so. Being confined to a prison for 27 years like Nelson Mandela does not sound like a life well lived. Nelson Mandela may have been encouraged during those years by the promises of rewards after death found in the Bible. You are rejecting the God-breathed word; our accepting it does not make us lazy.
2007-06-20 14:39:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only purpose that christians have on this planet is to die. they are all waiting to die so they can reach the pearly gates and 70% of christians that only believe in god just because they want to go to heaven when they die just expect that if they fly up there and say "oh im sorry god, i didnt do what you said in the bible but uhh i truly am sorry" think that he will just let them in for a life of eternal peace but thats WRONG!!! they will be damned like the rest of us, but not to worry. just think, if you cant sin in heaven then its got to be the most boring f ucking place around. all you can probobally do is sit up on some cloud and strum a harp all day. Hell hower is the kingdom of indulgence and not to be feared as some burning hellfire but a place where your soul can remain in an eternity of indulgence and sin :)
2007-06-20 14:44:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, for one i don't feel i need to be rewarded for a life well lived, its in the bible that i will be. And yes a life well lived i a reward in of it's self. but i still thank God for that well lived life. as for sinners, well I personally don't want anyone punished. God gave us free will and we can chose to follow him of not. As for the sex, not i don't think they should burn in hell and i don't believe they would, he's not that kind of God (to me). Now as for purpose, I believe with all my heart that God has a purpose for me(but) Its my choise to follow the pourpose because I feel God is sending me there.
2007-06-20 14:50:11 · answer #6 · answered by bear 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not be concerned with God's Law... it dose not apply to you in this mortal world. You are free to getaway with all that you can under the laws of man... in this mortal world
We of The True Christian Faith are free to pursue our lives and choose our own paths in pursuit of our dreams... We just have chosen to willingly submit ourselves to the Word and Will of God in Guiding us in our lives...
As for the rewards to be received in Heaven... if a particular work is done for the purpose of gaining such reward... then there will be no reward... only selfless acts will be rewarded... not selfish.
2007-06-20 14:42:52 · answer #7 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes a person wonder about them, doesn't it? Last I looked, children behaved for their parents in the same way... because they're looking for presents for good behavior.
I think some people never really grow up. They still want that mommy or daddy to tell them what to do. For that reason, they create these elaborate punishment/reward systems in their minds and an imaginary god so they don't have to think for themselves.
2007-06-20 14:39:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
That "otherworldliness," so dear to Christians is a perversion of the religion and not very live affirming. In the Christian tradition...."God so loved the world..." But many Christians try to second guess Him and hope he will end it all. It is really not healthy at the core of it.
2007-06-20 14:42:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of christianity is focused on the rapture a doctirine that isnt biblical.
It causes many to remain in expectation for deliverance instead of the life at hand.
2007-06-20 14:39:00 · answer #10 · answered by answerteam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scary thing is some of them not only look foreword to it but want to help it along.Not too long ago a Florida farmer sent several red cows to Israel because prophesy states that Armageddon will begin with the birth of a perfect red bull born there.I work with several people who look fore ward to Armageddon. The really scary thing is that George bush is one of those people and he has enough power to actually start his own Armageddon!
2007-06-20 14:45:06 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋