I saw a Christian based cartoon that shows Jesus at a door. He has a peaceful, loving smile. He has a machine gun at his side. The cartoon says "Worship Me, or Else."
Do you think this simple idea may be why Christianity is so popular? The fear that if you don't do exactly as God says, he hates you and sends you to Hell? That strikes a lot of fear into a person's heart, doesn't it? Can you be sure, as a Christian, that you love God for who He is and not what He might do to you if you disobey Him in any way? Are many people worshipping God just because they are terrified of Him?
Curious about your thoughts concerning the idea of this cartoon.
By the way---I am not an Atheist (though I respect them). I believe in God. I just don't think He/She/It is petty, jealous, or hateful.
And for further clarification, I do not mean this question to be mean-spirited. I try not to judge anyone's specific beliefs.
Thanks very much, for all thoughtful answers :)
2007-07-27 22:52:31 · 6 answers · asked by Calliope 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'd say it depends which branch of Christianity you come from. In the US in many churches it seems that fires of hell and all that are the favourite explanation for why one has to worship, described lovingly by people who think that love and forgiveness are for ninnies.
None shall be more righteous and fanatical and less forgiving that the one who thinks himself righteous.
As one of my believer friends said, man gives a bad name to religion.
2007-07-27 23:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by didi 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think war-mongering folks who are running scared from God's punishment are really Christian, although they may call themselves Christian. I think the cartoon is being critical of this "version" of Christianity, which has surfaced from time to time throughout history, but which doesn't seem to reflect the lives of the original Christians. Just my opinion...
2007-07-27 23:02:18 · answer #2 · answered by Insanity 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are we talking about Jesus or someones warped idea of Him? Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him and never will it is our free choice to do so, but because He pointed out the fact that through Him all can have eternal life it does not mean that His message was threatening or even frightful in content.
Those who truly know and love Christ are without inner fear and those who misunderstand Christ because of the threats of punishment suffer from overbearing bible bashers.
2007-07-27 23:01:09 · answer #3 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christian history speaks SO MUCH louder than the slogans of love, peace etc etc which Christians repeat over and over today.
History is repeating itself in Iraq so their words and slogans are just that......... words.
You can see what they are from the deeds they do.
Do they turn the cheek and forgive or take revenge ?
.
2007-07-27 23:00:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
have you ever relentlessly murdered harmless human beings? have you ever held the priesthood, generic that's ability, yet became and tried to apply that ability for evil? ¿NO? then you definitely are no longer likely to Hell. Be dwarfed in this existence and withhold gentle from youself & your loved ones. which will deny you alot of delight, yet you will die and paintings it out and get some degree of sunshine. Hell is reserved for surpreme evil beings, so untwist your self from the scriptures and fall in love. you like somebody, you prefer to comprehend approximately them, comprehend what they like, what makes them return that love, what's there telephone #. stuff like that. that's what works with me. i admire JesusChrist. ¿what's a fundie?
2016-11-10 10:34:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i worship God for what He gives me in this life, not just what i will be given in the afterlife. the immediate benefits are there, you just have to recognize them, and doing so will help you to build your faith. if you're just waiting around to get to heaven, you're missing the point: heaven's waiting to come to you- here, now.
have a good day/night/whatever.
2007-07-27 23:10:45 · answer #6 · answered by That Guy Drew 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋