Robert L. Short, argues that the typical portrayal of God - and the ideas of heaven and hell- by mainstream churches is incorrect and not in line with Biblical teachings, the concept of a heaven that only some can enter, and the alternative of a burning eternity in Hell, presupposes God not as a being of love, but an entity who torments people out of pure sadism, and as such, is more likely to drive people away from Christianity. Short argues that the Bible provides that all persons get into heaven (not just a select few), and the hell the Bible speaks of is not a place one goes to after one dies, but the suffering one goes through while alive if they become separated from God. This misreading of the Bible is the type of error, Short argues, that for those who believe in the goodness of people, would therefore be more likely to encourage them to choose atheism. "If I had to believe in that sort of monster God that most mainstream churches are proposing, I'd still be an atheist, too."
2007-11-28 04:52:07 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Do you agree or disagree with his reasoning?
Atheists and former Christians, would you say his reasoning is somewhat sound?
2007-11-28 04:53:25 · update #1
I think that his unilateral changes are an improvement on the actual text. I don't think his reasoning is at all consistent with what is actually written down in black and white in the bible.
I think this is a tactic to win people over to Christianity. I would like to know what his view is on the misogynistic treatment of women in the bible, the sexism, the patriarchy, and the total denial of the Divine Feminine. Where does the notion of the Goddess sit with him?
In any event, whatever he might have to say, I would still not be a Christian again. The whole religion would have to change, and then it wouldn't be Christianity.
Thanks!
Lady Morgana )0(
2007-11-28 10:10:11 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How could God be a sadist if He gives them a choice between Heaven and Hell? Also, how does one define the "mainstream church?" Life is the same way though. Every day we have to make a choice between good and evil. Just because someone chooses to be an atheist doesn't make God go away. Maybe instead of listening to mainstream churches, people should crack open the Bible and read it for themselves.
God is angered by all evil, but it is not God that sends people to hell, it is themselves. I don't understand why "good people" choose to be atheist, because there wouldn't be much they had to do or change in their lives to be Christians. It sounds to me like this "former" atheist still is one. If he is a Christian, he will accept God as God and not label him as some S & M. God wants all people to choose him.
2007-11-28 05:02:53 · answer #2 · answered by acroredsu 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I see a couple of problems with this statement... one.. he should have stayed an atheist... the practice of the majority should be an indication that there';s something wrong.... being an atheists is what probably gave him some insight but when people seperate themselves from religion a healing occurs... spirituality is a part of nature and when we heal we become reunited with nature, this makes us feel small in compared with our environment... the only option or words we are given to explain this phenomena is god and religion... it's unfortunate that many people don't stop at saying the religions are wrong... women have done it... gays do it... they are condemned by their respective religions and instead of turning away from it they try to change it... religions contribute to an imbalance in nature... which ultimately contributes to an imbalance in our cultures and societies... omens... nature leaves omens... religions are like a knitted sweater.. once you start pulling on the loose threads the whole thing falls appart.. but people keep seeking to restich it to their liking.. this keeps humans in the dust... the KKK reflects true christianity... and the purpose of it... and until enough of us walk away from it the human race will never even come close to knowing the truth at all...
2007-11-28 06:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by Gyspy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As in all legal arguments, you need to make your case according to what is written. I see no scripture at all to support this argument. As a result, it is only a politically correct opinion that he has postulated with no support of foundation from scripture.
If this, so called "Christian" believes the Bible is misread and in error. On what does he base his salvation? Emotion? Good vibes? Some experiential event? Paul had such an event, but immediately went to the Tonach for proof and confirmation. He based his salvation on the Word of God, and not a bright event that knocked him off his high horse.
Sounds like this guy is still on the horse, looking to persecute those that believe and thinking he is doing the will of God in doing so.
Remember, to create a god that fits your world view or opinion is called idolotry. It is no different than cutting down a tree, carving it to your own image, plating it with gold, and burning incense to it. It's the exact same thing.
John 4:24
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
2007-11-28 05:02:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Spiritualists have always believed this way. We believe in God and Jesus , but to not consider ourselves Christians, because we reject their doctrine completely. We're all going to the spiritual level known as Heaven. We may not all get there at the same time, but we all will achieve this level. This is how and all loving God operates.
2007-11-28 05:03:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Totally disagree with Short...I am sorry but heaven will not be open up for everyone (because you are good person or do good deeds) Only those who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior will go to heaven. Because of this Biblical truth many have made God to be evil and cruel, but the truth is He has given everyone the opportunity to go to heaven. He has send prophets and His son, Jesus to died for us...The fact is that God will not judge you but you will judge yourself. Your own decision will put you in heaven or hell...
2007-11-28 05:01:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think he is right. Jesus speaks of the second death and a place of burning and torment forever. How do you interpret that? People are not good. We don't even know the meaning of good anymore. God does not send us to hell, we choose it because we do not want to submit to His standard and His authority.
2007-11-28 04:59:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Another who makes god into an image he can believe in.
God is the most changible persona ever.
Demanding god, loving god, punishing god, beaming god, hooo humm
2007-11-28 05:01:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course I disagree the bible makes it clear there is a heaven and hell when you die. read a little of the new testament and you will see.
2007-11-28 04:58:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm interested in what he is getting at. And if anything it would lessen my hostility towards christianity if more christians thought like that. However, it doesn't make me go and convert back to it again.
2007-11-28 05:02:33 · answer #10 · answered by Clint 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋