So i was in the car today with a friend and she was listening to a christian radio station. And then this 'infomercial' started. it was telling kids not to be mean to their parents because it was a sin. and then it said 'so, you think that god wont care about one little sin? your wrong. God will become infuriated with you and you will be sent to hell. So, do you decide where you want to spend eternity now.'
i was just wondering, is it a good idea to scare people into behaving, and following christianity?
2007-08-13 09:38:25 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i dont know if they said hell, but its obvious they mean it. Something like a
'firey place' or whatever.
2007-08-13 09:44:27 · update #1
i was in florida.
and i SWEAR that it was just like this. and it had like this girl talking in a 'nice' voice. she sounded happy to tell me that i was going to hell.
2007-08-13 09:48:07 · update #2
Um. That's the standard tactic.
2007-08-13 09:42:49 · answer #1 · answered by Chris J 6 · 5⤊ 3⤋
The problem is one of world view. Christians believe in Heaven and Hell. Others do not. Hell is a real place. Jesus mentioned it numerous times, and not in an allegorical manner. He wants everyone to come to Him for salvation, but He also realized that many would not.
Christians have a duty to tell the truth. The problem is that many churches these days whitewash concepts of sin, judgment and punishment. We talk about the "Good News," and never mention the "bad news." This is why everyone thinks that they're going to Heaven, even though they live like Hell their whole lives.
To be "Christian like" is to talk about the reality of both Heaven and Hell, Sin and Judgment. When we fail in this duty, people remain blissfully ignorant, and doomed. And that is the biggest shame.
Can people be "scared" into salvation? Hard to say. I doubt that those who are, last for very long. But we can't avoid the topic altogether, either.
2007-08-13 16:53:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Forcing someone by fear is really not a good way to do things. They should focus on the love of God especially for little children because most younger children are innocent until they completely understand their actions.
2007-08-13 16:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by SS4 Elby 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, that is completely unChristian.
Read the gospels... all four of them. Tell me afterwards if you once recall Christ condemning others to hell or criticizing their lifestyle. Christ spoke with and acted out of love. He adored mankind and saw the good in everyone. It was through His perfect love that people learned God's perfect love. Whomever wrote this ad had little love inside of them.
2007-08-15 18:02:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well
A- Hell isn't a curse word or something it's a real place.
B- Yeah I don't really think it's right to scare people into believing but they do need to realize that hell is a real place and it's not a good place and they could wind up there is they don't ask Jesus to be their lord and savior and the lord of their life.
2007-08-13 16:50:47 · answer #5 · answered by John 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't believe in scaring anyone into doing anything. It's plain old cruel and unfair. Bullying is never acceptable in a civilized society, and somehow I think God would agree. Making threats, especially to children, is way out of line. There are better ways to encourage good behavior.
2007-08-13 16:42:23 · answer #6 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Obviously not. Idiots and hateful people masquerade as many things, including Christians. Christianity from infomercials? I wouldn't buy a kitchen gadget from them let alone Christian belief.
2007-08-13 17:18:31 · answer #7 · answered by lucius.graecus 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not at all.
Many so-called "Christian" messages are great about delivering the Law, but fail to deliver the Gospel. That should be followed-up with "But Jesus died for your sins and rose again, so that your forgiveness is complete and your sins are separated from you."
I feel bad for anyone who hears that infomercial...it totally circumvents the real message of Christianity.
2007-08-13 16:44:50 · answer #8 · answered by Scotty Doesnt Know 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I listen to Christian radio nearly every day and I personally think you are stretching the details a bit.
They may have been teaching it is a sin to disobey, but not threaten with hell.
Come on, get it right.
While traveling over this country I've never heard an infomercial so bold.
Forgive me if I'm offending you with my disbelief.
2007-08-13 16:45:17 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
No...I do not think it is a nice thing to do - using fear to create obedience. I feel it would have a deep psychological effect on people.
It happens in a lot of places not just in Christianity. It happens in government, prisons, etc. all around the world.
2007-08-13 16:50:10 · answer #10 · answered by Willow 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Geez.... this kind of theology makes me ill.
God is not the god of negative re-enforcement. This is not a good way to build a lasting faith in a kid. If that radio commercial was theologically true, then I am most certainly going to hell.
Its wrong. Totally wrong. Its not Christian. Where is the tenet of Grace? Where is the idea of a just God?
Makes me want to throw up.
And we wonder why the name "Christian" draws sneers....
2007-08-13 16:49:50 · answer #11 · answered by Green is my Favorite Color 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋