Is the only reason to believe in God is to get an afterlife? Can you believe in God, but not heaven?

Question

As an agnostic I'm open to the idea that 14 billion years ago some consciousness put into motion the universe that we now occupy. That doesn't mean that there is an afterlife though.

Or is that something that most religions can't fathom?

autumn leaves - no heaven is the premise of the question. Answer the question using that premise.

Insult? I merely said is that something that religion can't fathom. That's far from an insult. I would characterize it more as an observation.

Don't be offended. This is meant to be a serious question, not an attack on anyone's beliefs.

autumn leaves - you said "...scientific research by doctors into near death experiences also show that there is an existence after death."

Can you point me to that research?

Answer 1

In the time of Jesus, the Sadducees believed exactly that - God exists, but there is no life after this one. Jesus spoke out against that notion, saying, "Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!" (Matthew 22:31-32)

The Apostle Paul put it the best, I think:
"But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty. Also, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified against God that he raised Christ from the dead, when in reality he did not raise him, if indeed the dead are not raised." (I Corinthians 15:13-15)

If you don't believe in an afterlife, then why bother believing in God? It can have no true meaning in your life. As for me, my hope is in the afterlife, and the return of my Lord in power.

Answer 2

"That doesn't mean that there is an afterlife though."

--- That doesn't mean that there is NO afterlife, as well.

"Or is that something that most religions can't fathom?"

--- or is that something that you can't fathom? Stop using insulting language on religions.

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Well, Heathen, I think I have answered your question.

As for being offended - please try and word your question better the next time.

As for an afterlife, it is not only religions that is saying that, scientific research by doctors into near death experiences also show that there is an existence after death. Hope this help you in your search/journey.

Answer 3

If you insist on trying to define God and heaven with scientific knowledge, which operates on the best theory at the time, try thinking about it this way. If you learn to believe in a God and in a heaven in the next life, and you discipline your own conduct to something God would approve of, and then you die, you will be pleased with your decision if you find God is there. If there is no heaven, you won't be any worse off for how you have lived. However if you assume there is no heaven and no God to obey, then you die and find you were wrong, you will have missed the boat. You can cover all bases by believing in a God and a heaven. There are better ways to discover God, but this one works for a person who has difficulty looking past scientific knowledge.

Answer 4

If you believe in God but not the afterlife, you believe in a god of your own imagination. There is a God. He has revealed Himself as a unique entity in the course of human history. He revealed Himself to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and disclosed Himself to Moses as "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." He went on to reveal Himself as being the True and Living God by performing many signs and wonders in delivering the descendants of Israel from Egyptian slavery and bringing them into a land of promise. The rest of the Bible goes on to describe His dealings with the children of Israel, culminating in the revelation of His Son sent from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. This one taught eternal judgment - wrath to sinners and mercy to those who receive God's mercy. God testified to eternal salvation through His Son and put His seal of approval on all He taught and did by raising Him from the dead, and promising eternal life to all who put their trust in Him.


However, I (Paul) admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Acts 24:14-15

Answer 5

We are in a physical state...which is actually not our natural state. The natural state is being on the spirit side where all is mind. Heaven is not a place, per se, but a state of mind.

I had a teacher on the Spirit side, Rev. Bradly, who was decided to come back to earth as a child. So, it was really strange when she "died" on that side and came into the babyboy who she now is. When you are on the Spirit side, you can project the image of who you want to. Of course, it's usually the latest lifetime you've had.

I know this is deep stuff....can you all handle it?

Answer 6

Having faith isnt a simple case of "I want reward, how do I get reward? X, so I will do X." That is the way of the world, not God.

If you have faith, that means you are a child of God by virtue of your faith and a child doesnt follow and obey their parent because they want something. They follow and obey because they are their true children of God. And the true children of God that listen and obey have reward waiting for them. Pretenders and outright mockers do not.

Answer 7

well, since God lives in Heaven, it's a little difficult to believe in God but not Heaven.

Answer 8

after life before life & GOD & religions every things hv to be believed & practised