Atheists Will go to Heaven?

[metis]

@Kellymac

Welcome to RF!

 

[metis]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

Dunno, but what I do know is that some atheists and agnostics seem to be significantly more "Christlike" than some Christians I know. Either way, it's not my role to judge if they're going upstairs, downstairs, or none of the above.

 

[ChristineM]

According to them, I and my family will go, too.

How about we bring some goodies and all have a real good cook out? Lets make a fun time of this.

Sounds like fun, should i bring cake too?

 

[blü 2]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

More recently (April 15th, 2018) Pope Francis claimed that atheists get to Heaven, thus reinforcing the impression that his opinions on the afterlife are somewhat clumsy when compared to standard biblical views. Both statements, in fact, have to do with the eternal destiny of people, the former suggesting the prospect of annihilation (i.e. the waning away of the soul) and the latter implying a form of universalism (i.e. all will ultimately be saved regardless of their faith in Christ).
Do Atheists go to Heaven? Pope Francis says yes

Nonbelievers go to heaven exactly as often as believers.

Ecclesiastes 9:4 He who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward; but the memory of them is lost.

6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and they have no more for ever any share in all that is done under the sun.
​

 

[JustGeorge]

Sounds like fun, should i bring cake too?

Did you really have to ask me that?

 

[Father Heathen]

God must have a fragile ego of if he feels it necessary to torture those who've failed to assuage it.

 

[DNB]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

More recently (April 15th, 2018) Pope Francis claimed that atheists get to Heaven, thus reinforcing the impression that his opinions on the afterlife are somewhat clumsy when compared to standard biblical views. Both statements, in fact, have to do with the eternal destiny of people, the former suggesting the prospect of annihilation (i.e. the waning away of the soul) and the latter implying a form of universalism (i.e. all will ultimately be saved regardless of their faith in Christ).
Do Atheists go to Heaven? Pope Francis says yes

Yes, he was patently wrong on this fact, ...amongst many other errors in the past.
If humans are capable of recognizing injustices and denouncing them, then how much more the transcendent, holy and all powerful God?
If a human parent would be extremely indignant and retributive, if one of their children showed incessant and overt, contempt and dismissal of their authority, then how much more the Father of all creation?
If there is no judgement, then morality is meaningless and entirely subjective. If in doubt, go ask a terrorist, white supremacist, slave trader, or pimp, what their ideas of justice and equality is? ...and, there's every level and diversity of character and integrity outside of the ones that I just mentioned.
No one gets out unscathed, or unaccountable.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Yes, he was patently wrong on this fact, ...amongst many other errors in the past.
If humans are capable of recognizing injustices and denouncing them, then how much more the transcendent, holy and all powerful God?
If a human parent would be extremely indignant and retributive, if one of their children showed incessant and overt, contempt and dismissal of their authority, then how much more the Father of all creation?
If there is no judgement, then morality is meaningless and entirely subjective. If in doubt, go ask a terrorist, white supremacist, slave trader, or pimp, what their ideas of justice and equality is? ...and, there's every level and diversity of character and integrity outside of the ones that I just mentioned.
No one gets out unscathed, or unaccountable.

I believe differently.

 

[Wildswanderer]

There are atheists who live the commandment to love others and many who call themselves Christians are sunk in hatred, envy and the like. Those who live a life of love get the reward of a life of love.

No one is perfectly loving. It's not a matter of being this or that it's a matter of agreeing with Jesus about who he is.

 

[Wildswanderer]

Basically, I would say 'No' he was not wrong. From all the afterlife information I have seen it appears we are not judged by our position on theological subjects. The quality of our hearts and minds is most important.

How does a flawed human even measure the quality of his heart?

 

[exchemist]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

More recently (April 15th, 2018) Pope Francis claimed that atheists get to Heaven, thus reinforcing the impression that his opinions on the afterlife are somewhat clumsy when compared to standard biblical views. Both statements, in fact, have to do with the eternal destiny of people, the former suggesting the prospect of annihilation (i.e. the waning away of the soul) and the latter implying a form of universalism (i.e. all will ultimately be saved regardless of their faith in Christ).
Do Atheists go to Heaven? Pope Francis says yes

Seems to me Francis made a lot of sense in what he said to this boy. Much more sense than the miserable author of this article.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

More recently (April 15th, 2018) Pope Francis claimed that atheists get to Heaven, thus reinforcing the impression that his opinions on the afterlife are somewhat clumsy when compared to standard biblical views. Both statements, in fact, have to do with the eternal destiny of people, the former suggesting the prospect of annihilation (i.e. the waning away of the soul) and the latter implying a form of universalism (i.e. all will ultimately be saved regardless of their faith in Christ).
Do Atheists go to Heaven? Pope Francis says yes

I'm not catholic and don't know why there is a pope. So what does scripture actually say about heaven? It says there are heavens, but these are not explained in scripture. You have to interpolate with your brain what they mean, and 'The pope' is doing a better job with his brain than the people who called him 'Clumsy'. They should just do charity work, and they should demand their money back from whatever seminary claimed to educate them.

Lets suppose that heaven is a place as Evangelical Focus implies: "Where is it?" Scripture says its where God is and where we pray to but that God is omnipresent. If you want to pray to God you pray to God in heaven, but God is everywhere. So if God is in heaven but is omnipresent where is heaven? Its not a place, not a dimension. Its talking about something other than places and dimensions when it says heaven. 'Place' can be metaphorical. For example if I'm talking to you about a taboo subject I might indicate that I don't want to discuss it by saying "I don't want to go there." Places are not always places, particularly not in ancient, foreign literature that you are terrible at interpreting, Evangelical Focus.

 

[DNB]

I can't think of any reason a loving God would deny eternal life to atheists that want it.

In my opinion.

Seriously, you can't even think of one, not one? What about half a reason, or a quarter?
I would think that any reasonable person will be able to come up with at least one viable reason why God would deny entrance into heaven, to those who denied His existence, and possibly induced others to do the same. I mean, at least one reason?

 

[Revoltingest]

What the heck is that thing you're threatening to use? A golf club?
You planning to tee-off on a few angels?

It's my hoe....ya beester'n fiddle fondler!

 

[DNB]

I figured Jesus was needed for those unable to answer for their own sins.
I'll be happy to represent myself before God.

That's a rather audacious claim?
Have you seen the size of the universe? Or, are you familiar with all the types of life on this earth, how they function, their purpose and how they sustain themselves. Do you think that you have solved the problems of all moral issues, or are able to dissuade a misogynist, racist or bigot from their ways? Was it by your own volition that you have life and the ability to love?
I doubt very highly that you'll be even standing or are able to speak a word, the day that God presents Himself before you.

 

[George-ananda]

How does a flawed human even measure the quality of his heart?

He is not the judge. Your spiritual level will become apparent on the spiritual plane. Being motivated by love is the key.

 

[Clara Tea]

Was the Pope wrong about atheists getting into heaven?

More recently (April 15th, 2018) Pope Francis claimed that atheists get to Heaven, thus reinforcing the impression that his opinions on the afterlife are somewhat clumsy when compared to standard biblical views. Both statements, in fact, have to do with the eternal destiny of people, the former suggesting the prospect of annihilation (i.e. the waning away of the soul) and the latter implying a form of universalism (i.e. all will ultimately be saved regardless of their faith in Christ).
Do Atheists go to Heaven? Pope Francis says yes

Heaven isn't a permanent residence. If you foul up, as Satan (the perfect angel created by God) did, you will be tossed out of heaven into the lake of fire of the bottomless pit of hell (just as Satan was).

Many grieving mothers wonder if their still-born children and "sudden-infant-death" children who had "crib death" will make it into heaven. Of course they will, but as they age, in heaven, they might show their true colors and be kicked out. Heaven is for good people, and one of the benefits of heaven is that you get to be next to other good people (not next to a motorcycle gang drug lord who slits throats for fun).

If heaven accepted vicious, snarling, souls who behaved like junkyard dogs, it wouldn't be heavenly....it would be hellish--literally.

Jesus said that those who believe in him will have eternal life. But, eternal life where? Hell?

Most people, nailed (or tied) to a cross would be cussing their executioners/torturers. Would Jesus have been any different? Maybe the "eternal life" statement was "rot in hell for all eternity for what you are doing to me" ? This is exactly what the average person would say.

Of course, the statement of Jesus was not taken correctly by an apostle. Just who are apostles? Are they Gods? No, of course not, they are men. Should we, then take the opinion of men about statements of Jesus? Or should we try to decide what Jesus meant on our own?

So, the idea that good people go to hell, and bad people get into heaven is ridiculous, and Pope Francis, in essence, told us that.

It is possible for an atheist to inadvertantly follow Jesus. They might show up to hospitals and cure the sick (as Jesus cured the sick). They might tend to the homeless and poor. They might think less of their own comfort, and think of the comfort of others. For example, if we kill Iraqis, we might feel a tad safer, though they never were involved in terrorism.

Heaven is not for those who defy God intentionally. For example, in Revelation, God commanded that we do not attack Iraq. Elsewhere, God said "thou shalt not kill," "turn the other cheek," "do unto others," "don't bear false witness" (like labling Iraqi officials doctor of death to motivate killing them), "judge not, lest ye be judged," "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle". Yet, Reverend John Hagee said that we must pray to Jesus to win the war (that is, kill more effectively).

Heaven is not for people who are greedy to live in paradise for the rest of their lives. A famous philosopher said "the more you grasp, the less you have" (Kung Fu Panda...animated movie). Hey, I get my philosophy where I can get it.

Currently, the Religious Right warped the Christian religion into hatred for Gays, pro-gun rights (pope on NRA's enemy list), pro-war, pro-torture (Guantanamo). Catholics have enabled boy-raping priests (moving them to rape more, shielding them from prosecution). The Catholic Boy Scouts of America did the same with boy-raping scout leaders. Both BSA and the Vatican now declared bankrupcy to protect their mammon and graven images from compensating their victims.

The world is a mess (polluted, in debt, hoards of homeless, covid)...and the Religious Right is largely the cause.

Many atheists go to church for social interaction.

It certainly makes sense that a good atheist would get into heaven, and a bad theist would not.

Even including the idea of forgiveness and atonement, I suspect that very few theists will make it into heaven. It seems to be an unattainable goal for most.

 

[Nakosis]

That's a rather audacious claim?
Have you seen the size of the universe? Or, are you familiar with all the types of life on this earth, how they function, their purpose and how they sustain themselves. Do you think that you have solved the problems of all moral issues, or are able to dissuade a misogynist, racist or bigot from their ways? Was it by your own volition that you have life and the ability to love?
I doubt very highly that you'll be even standing or are able to speak a word, the day that God presents Himself before you.

Well, I agree with the audacious part.
God is God right, so I trust whatever judgement given to me will be just.
I mean do you think it is ok to trust God's judgement?

 

[Clara Tea]

That's a rather audacious claim?
Have you seen the size of the universe? Or, are you familiar with all the types of life on this earth, how they function, their purpose and how they sustain themselves. Do you think that you have solved the problems of all moral issues, or are able to dissuade a misogynist, racist or bigot from their ways? Was it by your own volition that you have life and the ability to love?
I doubt very highly that you'll be even standing or are able to speak a word, the day that God presents Himself before you.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/533395149599753452/

Lately we've heard a lot from Black bigots like Nick Cannon, who said that White people have to be killed. Cannon, while wearing the worlds most expensive shoes (source above), $2 million diamond encrusted Jason Arasheben shoes, claimed that Blacks were deprived. What has Cannon donated to the cause? Is it safe to incite riots while Black Lives Matter members are rioting?

Rachel Dolezal: ‘I’m not going to stoop and apologise and grovel’

Former NAACP leader, Rachel Dolezal, talked about many instances of discrimination against her when she was a poor little Black girl. Those instances were made up stories, and Dolezal isn't Black. Dolezal had straight blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, and pale white skin. She wore black-face makeup to get her job, and frizzed her hair and dyed it Black. (Source above).

Yet, could lies and deceptions end up doing good? Should we tell lies for Jesus?

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Seriously, you can't even think of one, not one? What about half a reason, or a quarter?
I would think that any reasonable person will be able to come up with at least one viable reason why God would deny entrance into heaven, to those who denied His existence, and possibly induced others to do the same. I mean, at least one reason?

I don't deny God's existence or do I claim God exists. Yet I am an atheist.