I live in India and was raised Hindu. I visited America about four years ago and someone told me that I would go to Hell if I didn't believe this story he was about to tell me.
He made me scared, so I listened. He told me about Jesus and the Bible. I had never heard of the things he spoke of, but I held them close to my heart.
I kept up correspondence with him and for four years, I have prayed, read the Bible three times, even fasted and prayed for the Holy Spirit and listened for God.
But, honestly, the whole thing just doesn't feel right. All thosew stories from the Bible are just legends, much like our own ancient myths in India.
Why would God expect me to believe this one is a true account? Honestly, I feel no reason at all in my intellect, or in my heart to believe these familiar myths.
This religion seems silly to me and my friends, yet my American friends say I will go to Hell?
None of this seems right at all. You must believe something unbelievable to go to heaven?
2007-10-24 07:43:26 · 21 answers · asked by The Burninator 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christians believe the entire universe was designed for them by someone like them, but omnipotent. This deity obsesses over their every thought an action from before birth.
You are strong to resist the viral nature of Christianity, it has decimated cultures world wide replacing local rites and customs with Judea-Christian ones.
God is a personal belief system, it should reflect ones culture, ancestry or deep felt beliefs. Any religion that attempts to monopolize God or suggest that their way is the only way limits Gods influence and power. It makes God into a vicious watchdog instead of a nurturing Creator.
Pantheist
2007-10-24 08:00:43 · answer #1 · answered by Equinoxical ™ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because you were raised Hindu - your brain is constructed a certain way. I myself actually find Hinduism more true than Christianity but my Christian upbringing is so ingrained that I can only really feel comfortable and at home in that religion. And likewise how can I expect the experiences of an ancient, domineering shepherding society to connect with the way you've been raised to see the world? But how far apart are these things we supposedly know?
There was once a Brahman who came to speak at a monastery here. In the Gospel reading for the service, Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No man comes to the father but by me." So the man stood to give his lecture and he said, "Brothers, this is true. Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the Light. And this Way that Jesus IS makes itself available to us by other names."
Gandhi saw this Way in Tolstoy's Christian faith and this is where he came to see nonviolence as the Way. And when he returned to the Mahabarhatta he found the same message among the otherwise bloody pages of the Gita. I see no reason why Jesus would be jealous if someone calls him Krishna and paints him blue. truly, God must have a sense of humor or it is hard to see how he could be Loving and Goodness and beyond all my thoughts and words about him.
And if it isn't too trite for a Christian Westerner to offer, sir: Namaste.
2007-10-24 07:57:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without Faith it is impossible to please God.... Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evident of things not seen.... Have we seen most of the things in the Bible? no, but we believe by Faith...and yes it's more than just believing, B/c God's spirit bears witness with my spirit that His Words (in the Bible) are True. I have been persuaded(convinced)...You must seek God out of a pure heart... Ask yourself what is the real reason why you're seeking the True and Living God....just reading the bible is not enough...Head knowledge of the Bible and God is not enough.... Have you truly accepted Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior? Have you been Born again of the Spirit? Nothing of God is logical to human beings, that's why so many people have a hard time believing. Human beings natural faith says, if I see it, then I will believe, but the kind of Faith that God requires out of us, says, even if I don't see it, I believe it. As what you've stated the problem lies in this " I feel no reason at all in my intellect, or in my heart to believe these familiar myths." <--- In your heart you don't believe, and never did and that's one of the main factors...
2007-10-24 08:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by unknown 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it doesn't make a lot of sense. It's just one of the religions who makes the biggest threats to people who don't follow.
This also begs the question of which sect of Christianity to follow. There are hundreds and hundreds of different sects, all claiming to be the "true" Christianity, many who are convinced that nobody outside of their own sect will go to hell. This leads to the classic "avoiding the wrong hell" problem. There is ALWAYS some group to tell you that you're doing things wrong, and no reason why you should or shouldn't take their word over anybody else's.
2007-10-24 07:51:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure why it isn't compelling you. You only have the answer to that. I am not one to judge however, and I would doubt the Christianity of your friends if they follow the Bible only when it's convenient for them. The Bible does say that, but only God can judge you or anyone else. It is being hypocritical when they tell you to believe in the Bible and to follow God, but don't do it themselves.
2007-10-24 07:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing your American friends have to back up their claim that you will go to Hell is the Bible, which in my opinion is not a credible source of knowledge. Remember to look at it rationally and don't let them scare you with fear tactics. Wishful thinking (again, in my opinion) is not a reason to believe something, and it certainly does not make that something true.
2007-10-24 07:48:42 · answer #6 · answered by khard 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Use discernment!!!
The Bible is not scripture!!! Scripture is given by inspiration of God; not the Bible (as is) in USA presently.
The Bible (in USA, and often world wide I presently suspect) tends to 'wrongly divide' the word of God!!!
2007-10-24 08:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you're right. Maybe you are just destined to be expelled from the presence of God for eternity!
Or, maybe you were not really raised a Hindi and you're just funnin' with us.
Or, maybe you are funnin' with God.
Do you think you need someone greater than any man or woman to help you and forgive you? Do you need a doctor for your soul?
If not, that may be your problem. You see, only a humble person can come before God. If you feel worthy to enter his presence, you won't
Think about it.
Gypsy Priest
2007-10-24 07:49:07 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Priest 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Don't forget about jesus dying on the cross. Belief isn't enough; you must have massive guilt too.
JC: What about the many more billions that don't believe? You think they can be wrong? Be logical! (besides which belief isn't related to truth)
2007-10-24 07:48:29 · answer #9 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who says you are going to Hell, is not your friend.
Christianity is about the God who loves us all, so much,
that he became human to pay for our sins.
This is a free gift, which you only have to accept.
2007-10-24 07:54:17 · answer #10 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋