Theists: What about good non-theists?

Question

A common misconception in theism is that people without faith are bad, kill babies, etc., because they have "no moral foundation". The truth is quite the opposite. I know many non-theists, including myself, who live good lives, never cheating or stealing or killing, for a few examples.

This being true, the only difference between you and me is that you concede to a higher power, and while I'm not contesting your choice, I have to wonder why it's alright to assume that people who are exactly the same except for the faith detail are "going to different places when they die."

I know what christianity says about salvation and reaching heaven, so no answers along that line are needed. I am asking YOU, as an individual, why you really believe that a good person should burn? If they chose to live a life of good, one that doesn't stray far, if at all, from the values that christians hold, why is it alright for you to assume they are going to hell?

My bad. I meant to ask everyone, then focused it.

Sorry to unintentionally exclude.

Again... I know all about salvation. I grew up christian. Don't you have your own opinion?

Answer 1

You asked a well worded and thought out question, thank you. As a Christian, my faith says that unless you accept Christ as your Savior, repent of your sins and be baptized you will not have eternal life and will be cast into the lake of fire (hell).

Because I believe that, no matter how good the person is, no matter how much I like them, if they did not fulfill God's requirements then they will ultimately go to hell, his rules, not mine. It is "alright" because to me, it is the sad truth.

Answer 2

As a theist I do not believe in eternal damnation.

A creator that would allow such a thing is truly a sadist and is not worthy of my worship or respect.

I do not know where I will go when I die or what exactly lies in store after death. Thus it would be foolish for me to say where others go.

PS- please do not start off a question directed towards theists and then direct it to Christians. As I am sure you know not all theists are Christian, I am for example Jewish.

Answer 3

hmmm i don't think you quite grasp the Christian concept of salvation. see? Christians have a blood sacrifice that they offer to their god. regardless of what wrongs a Christian does his sin are obscured by the blood of Jesus. since no one is perfect and their god requires perfection even the smallest infraction will have you writhing in teeth gnashing torment forever if you don't have that infraction covered by Jesus blood. that's why they assume that even the most beatific of non-Christians will go to Hell. it doesn't matter how good a person you are, since you're not perfect, you'll go to Hell if you're not Christian.

PS. sheesh ... if you grew up Christian you know how they think and what they believe. i no longer understand the point of your query. maybe if you worded it differently.

Answer 4

While answering a lot of questions here in the Religion and Spirituality Section, I have seen a lot of interesting arguments between theists and non-theists. Whichever theism or non-theism that you believe in, is the correct "ism" for you. Whichever theism or non-theism I believe in, is the correct is the correct "ism" for me. Who is to really say what is the correct "ism" for all. Each belief system is correct for the person who follows it. Is it really necessary to make me see the error of my ways and make me convert to your "ism"?

Answer 5

Not all theists are Christians. I believe that if you lead a good life, that life is its own reward. It doesn't matter whether you follow a God/dess or not. If God/dess exists, that entity probably doesn't care what religion (or philosophy) you belong to. Certainly He/She/It never put out an ultimate memo to all times, places, and people on the subject.

EDITED TO ADD: No problem. :-)

Answer 6

you said:"I have to wonder why it's alright to assume that people who are exactly the same except for the faith detail are "going to different places when they die."

it's not an assumption, God said it..its not an opinion....

Sin is the sickness...forgiveness through Jesus christ is the ONLY remedy.....

how good is mans goodness???the bible says its as filthy rags to a HOLY GOD. Sin cannont be in the presence of God in heaven! why???? because he is Holy!!

of course christians sin...but repentance and belief in the son of God and the price he paid cleans the slate...sin gone....and God wont look at our past sins when we are judged.....if we recieve jesus christ as Lord and savior....


does that answer your question?
feel free to email me

Answer 7

romans chapter 1 &2 explains all of that in explicit detail kjv bible

Answer 8

""There are none Good , no not one ""

WE all deserve death
the difference being JESUS

and without JESUS ...
seperated from HIM is death

Jesus is the way , the truth , and the life ,
There is no other way to heaven but throiugh and by HIM
so that being said........

without HIM and where he is , through and by HIm
where else where you be ??

You think you deserve to live as you are ?
WHO IS GOOD
ask yourself
have you lied?
committed fornication?
Adultry?
worshipped Idols ( anything other then God)
have you stolen ?
have you accused someone falsley ?
have you wanted what someone else had ?
have you spoke against someone with anger ?
have you ever cursed?
have you always honored your father and mother?

ask yourself How good are you ??

if you did one thing out of them all
are you still good ??

SIN is SIN
doesnt make no difference how good you think you are...
God knows your heart....and its HIM and HIS WORD
and the WORDS and deeds out of your own heart that you will give an account for

So who is GOOD ???

Answer 9

That is precisely why I can not accept Christianity.