Im not a religious person, but im starting to worry!

[mrhurst]

I have never been christened, nor have i attended church. I have always been a believer in Evolution. Recently, i have been talking to my girlfriend about the subject. Her dad is religious, christian i think. He believes in all the christian beliefs, but takes it a step further. He does not have a TV, radio, computer or anything that can apparently distract him from god.
My g/f says that anyone who does not believe will suffer in hell for eternity. I am a nice person, i live a peaceful life. I have never harmed anyone or done any bad things, but im worried im going to go to hell when the world ends. I have always believed the big bang theories, but after talking with my g/f, it sounds like there could be truth in what she says. She also says that anyone who does have distractions from god will go to hell. So does that mean that all christians who watch TV, listen to the radio and play on computers will go to hell?
It makes me wonder if we really should be doing the things we are doing. Should we drive cars? Should we go out for a drink? Did god intend for humans to have fun and enjoy their spare time? We were meant to build houses? If not, how does god wish us to live? There is no way i would be able to give up my tv/radio/football. I have grown up with theses things. At the moment im just feeling confused. I asked my g/f things like, why is the universe so big if god just wanted us humans. She said to give us an idea of infinity, because god himself is infinite. He has no end and no beginning.

Can anyone shed any light on this matter?

Thanks very much, mark.

 

[Katzpur]

I have never been christened, nor have i attended church. I have always been a believer in Evolution. Recently, i have been talking to my girlfriend about the subject. Her dad is religious, christian i think. He believes in all the christian beliefs, but takes it a step further. He does not have a TV, radio, computer or anything that can apparently distract him from god.
My g/f says that anyone who does not believe will suffer in hell for eternity. I am a nice person, i live a peaceful life. I have never harmed anyone or done any bad things, but im worried im going to go to hell when the world ends. I have always believed the big bang theories, but after talking with my g/f, it sounds like there could be truth in what she says. She also says that anyone who does have distractions from god will go to hell. So does that mean that all christians who watch TV, listen to the radio and play on computers will go to hell?
It makes me wonder if we really should be doing the things we are doing. Should we drive cars? Should we go out for a drink? Did god intend for humans to have fun and enjoy their spare time? We were meant to build houses? If not, how does god wish us to live? There is no way i would be able to give up my tv/radio/football. I have grown up with theses things. At the moment im just feeling confused. I asked my g/f things like, why is the universe so big if god just wanted us humans. She said to give us an idea of infinity, because god himself is infinite. He has no end and no beginning.

Can anyone shed any light on this matter?

Thanks very much, mark.

Your girlfriend's dad sounds like he's gone off the deep end to me, and it appears she is starting to follow in his footsteps. There are a great many Christians who don't think you'll end up "suffering in hell for eternity." And there are a whole lot more Christians who have televisions, radios and computers. Are you sure these folks aren't Amish?

 

[Lindsey-Loo]

First of all, I want to address the issue of your girlfriend's Dad & his beliefs. I don't think God meant for us to not have entertainment! But I know that God did not mean for us to put TV and cars and things above Him. We can't love things more than we love God.

Secondly, I would like to congratulate and rejoice for you. Your worry about hell could be your first step to making a lifechanging decision. If you are really worried about hell, and think what your girlfriend is saying might be true, I encourage you to read and study for yourself. Also remember that I am always open for your questions, and we could even conduct a personal Bible study by PM or e-mail if you wish. I hope I have helped you, and please, please, please feel free to PM me anytime with anything that might help you on your road to salvation.

*Oh, and I also noticed you are a new member. Welcome to the boards! I hope we can help you find answers here. In case you were unaware, PM stands for Private Messaging, which you can access be clicking Private Messages in the upper right hand corner of this page. You can e-mail me at [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email], and access my user webpage by clicking on my username, and then clicking "Public Profile" on the dropdown menu. If you have any more questions about using religous forums, the other members will be happy to help! Enjoy your stay.

 

[Katzpur]

ChristianGirl,

First of all, I want to address the issue of your girlfriend's Dad & his beliefs. I don't think God meant for us to not have entertainment! But I know that God did not mean for us to put TV and cars and things above Him. We can't love things more than we love God.

You're absolutely right.

Secondly, I would like to congratulate and rejoice for you. Your worry about hell could be your first step to making a lifechanging decision. If you are really worried about hell, and think what your girlfriend is saying might be true, I encourage you to read and study for yourself. Also remember that I am always open for your questions, and we could even conduct a personal Bible study by PM or e-mail if you wish. I hope I have helped you, and please, please, please feel free to PM me anytime with anything that might help you on your road to salvation.

I'm curious... Do you personally believe that all non-Christians are destined to spend eternity in Hell? (I'm not accusing you of saying that, but your post does make me wonder.)

 

[may]

I have never been christened, nor have i attended church. I have always been a believer in Evolution. Recently, i have been talking to my girlfriend about the subject. Her dad is religious, christian i think. He believes in all the christian beliefs, but takes it a step further. He does not have a TV, radio, computer or anything that can apparently distract him from god.
My g/f says that anyone who does not believe will suffer in hell for eternity. I am a nice person, i live a peaceful life. I have never harmed anyone or done any bad things, but im worried im going to go to hell when the world ends. I have always believed the big bang theories, but after talking with my g/f, it sounds like there could be truth in what she says. She also says that anyone who does have distractions from god will go to hell. So does that mean that all christians who watch TV, listen to the radio and play on computers will go to hell?
It makes me wonder if we really should be doing the things we are doing. Should we drive cars? Should we go out for a drink? Did god intend for humans to have fun and enjoy their spare time? We were meant to build houses? If not, how does god wish us to live? There is no way i would be able to give up my tv/radio/football. I have grown up with theses things. At the moment im just feeling confused. I asked my g/f things like, why is the universe so big if god just wanted us humans. She said to give us an idea of infinity, because god himself is infinite. He has no end and no beginning.

Can anyone shed any light on this matter?

Thanks very much, mark.

no worries hellfire is a false teaching not based on accurate knowledge of the bible , is this the sort of hell you are refering to ,if so it is not a bible teaching but a manmade tradition, do your own research and find out what this word hell really means
The word "hell" is found in many Bible translations. In the same verses other translations read "the grave," "the world of the dead," and so forth. Other Bibles simply transliterate the original-language words that are sometimes rendered "hell"; that is, they express them with the letters of our alphabet but leave the words untranslated. What are those words? The Hebrew she’ohl´ and its Greek equivalent hai´des, which refer, not to an individual burial place, but to the common grave of dead mankind; also the Greek ge´en·na, which is used as a symbol of eternal destruction. However, both in Christendom and in many non-Christian religions it is taught that hell is a place inhabited by demons and where the wicked, after death, are punished (and some believe that this is with torment)................. torment is not a bible teaching

 

[Mujahid]

I have never been christened, nor have i attended church. I have always been a believer in Evolution. Recently, i have been talking to my girlfriend about the subject. Her dad is religious, christian i think. He believes in all the christian beliefs, but takes it a step further. He does not have a TV, radio, computer or anything that can apparently distract him from god.
My g/f says that anyone who does not believe will suffer in hell for eternity. I am a nice person, i live a peaceful life. I have never harmed anyone or done any bad things, but im worried im going to go to hell when the world ends. I have always believed the big bang theories, but after talking with my g/f, it sounds like there could be truth in what she says. She also says that anyone who does have distractions from god will go to hell. So does that mean that all christians who watch TV, listen to the radio and play on computers will go to hell?
It makes me wonder if we really should be doing the things we are doing. Should we drive cars? Should we go out for a drink? Did god intend for humans to have fun and enjoy their spare time? We were meant to build houses? If not, how does god wish us to live? There is no way i would be able to give up my tv/radio/football. I have grown up with theses things. At the moment im just feeling confused. I asked my g/f things like, why is the universe so big if god just wanted us humans. She said to give us an idea of infinity, because god himself is infinite. He has no end and no beginning.

Can anyone shed any light on this matter?

Thanks very much, mark.

it's ok for anyone mark to have tv/radio/football,but what matters here is how i'm gonna use these things,will i use the tv to watch pornographic content and watch my brother in humanity's pride getting clattered on the ground? it's like eating his flesh when he's dead,will i use the football to harm anyone? will i steal his right to play as anyone? i'm not telling you i'm an angel,i have my mistakes,but God is the most merciful and he never ever misjudges anyone

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

God is a God of love not hate, you come to God through love of him not fear.
Hell fire and the rest are a misunderstanding of the true nature of God and Christ.

There is little chance you would ever convince Your Girlfriends dad of this.The brand of Christianity he follows does not major on Jesus's teachings of love and forgiveness, but on some of the more extreme sayings said by somewhat firey prophets in the Old Testament.These Jewish prophets were Firm believers in a jealous and revengeful God.

Jesus was sent by God to both teach us a new way of living our lives and to redeem our sins by dying for us on the cross. He did this for all men , not just Christians.

If we live our lives in a positive way, loving and helping others as Jesus taught us. Truly Repenting our sins, we shall be welcome in the house of God. Jesus never said we should not enjoy our lives he encouraged us to go out and show love to others.he never attacked the small pleasures of his day, nor would he attack the fruits of science and industry, that bring help and pleasure to millions.

It is how we live our lives that is important, Excess in anything can diminish us.
So don't be frightened that sin will drag you down to hell. Love God and Jesus and life itself will improve,take pleasure in God's gifts, they were never intend as rewards for sinners only. they are for all God's children and that includes you.

Terry________________________-
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.

 

[retrorich]

I think some Christians choose to shield themselves from the real word because they are afraid that knowledge and thinking might cause them to question their beliefs. I have a niece who teaches her children at home rather than sending them to schools, so she can keep them brainwashed with religious dogma and protect them from nonChristian thinking.

See this related thread:


http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17715&highlight=nonthinking+Christianity+compatible

 

[AtheistAJ]

I worry when I see people being converted to cultism for no reason but fear of something imaginary.

 

[Mike182]

hey mrhurst

i do not know the people you refer to, so i will refrain from making any judgement on their religious stance, but i do not think that God would punish us for watching TV, listening to the radio, having a few drinks, having fun in general - one of the reasons the authorities at the time hated jesus was because for a religious leader, he went out too much, drank too much, worked too much, and generally had too much fun for them to handle

i agree with AthiestAJ in that you should not convert your life to the teachigns of christ because your scared of the idea of heaven - you must convert for one reason and one reason only, because you have found truth.

now, you say you believe in big bang theory etc, well, why do you think that needs to change once you become a christian? i agree with big bang theory on how the universe was created, i agree with evolution as the process through which human life evolved on this planet, and i am a christian! i believe that God created the laws of the universe, and then created the universe according to these laws, thus i believe in God and christ, and agree with the big bang theory

but these things you must discover on your own, through reading, askign questions, challenging answers, and generally learn about the christian faith, and how it can be reconciled with science

if you need any help, a pointer in the start of the research direction, or just to ask any questions you may have, please, feel free to PM me, i will be happy to help

C_P

 

[Mujahid]

I worry when I see people being converted to cultism for no reason but fear of something imaginary.

how do you know it's imaginary?

 

[ChrisP]

how do you know it's imaginary?

I think his point is valid, if you believe in Hell or not.

If we are to come to God, it should be through love of him and understanding of why he loves us. Fear will lead to Satan.

 

[mrhurst]

Well my g/f is not following his beliefs and she never has. Although he does try to impose his beliefs upon her. Ill give you a list of his beliefs, maybe then you can determine his religion

Believes that women should cover their heads when they pray before a meal, with a cloth.
Does not like the idea of moving into a house together before marriage
Does not have a TV/computer. Although he does use a cassette player to listen to his tapes. These tapes are by a man named John Metcalfe, who i think is sort of the founder of the religion.
He is not happy for me to drive my g/f round in my car or pick her brother and sister up, because it gives off the wrong impression.
He does not even buy newspapers.
My g/f is 21 and has a curfew. She is a grown woman!

He is a nice man, and im not going to dislike him because of his beliefs. You are entitled to believe what you want. The thing that scares me is the fact that my g/f believes that her dads religion is the correct religion. She believes that catholics, muslims etc are wrong. I have questioned her about what will happen to christians who watch telly, who play games etc etc. Her answer is hell.

thanks for your help

mark.

 

[Sunstone]

I agree with SnaleSpace "Fear will lead to Satan" to the extent that a religiosity based on fear will never truly transcend fear. If the foundation of your belief is fear, you will always be in some way fearful.

 

[mrhurst]

Ok, answer me this. Why are you a christian?

 

[Popeyesays]

A person who decides to worship God does it for the sake of God not for hope of reward or punishment. To worship because one fears punishment is unworthy worship. To worship because one hopes for reward is unworthy worship.

The purpose of worship is to glorify God.

Regards,
Scott

 

[glasgowchick]

Well my g/f is not following his beliefs and she never has. Although he does try to impose his beliefs upon her. Ill give you a list of his beliefs, maybe then you can determine his religion

Believes that women should cover their heads when they pray before a meal, with a cloth.
Does not like the idea of moving into a house together before marriage
Does not have a TV/computer. Although he does use a cassette player to listen to his tapes. These tapes are by a man named John Metcalfe, who i think is sort of the founder of the religion.
He is not happy for me to drive my g/f round in my car or pick her brother and sister up, because it gives off the wrong impression.
He does not even buy newspapers.
My g/f is 21 and has a curfew. She is a grown woman!

He is a nice man, and im not going to dislike him because of his beliefs. You are entitled to believe what you want. The thing that scares me is the fact that my g/f believes that her dads religion is the correct religion. She believes that catholics, muslims etc are wrong. I have questioned her about what will happen to christians who watch telly, who play games etc etc. Her answer is hell.

thanks for your help

mark.

Hi Mark and welcome to the forums..Your G/F dad sounds like he has a very strict religeous beliefs but it will not be through him that you will find salvation, only Jesus can give us that..Instead of worring and focusing to much on hell, can I suggest that it would be better to try to focus on how not to go there instead..I believe hell is very real and I believe that Jesus spent a lot of time telling us on how not to go there..If you want salvation the gospel of Jesus is simple, Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God, that he is the messiah, if your answer is yes, then the word of God tells us to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and you shall recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit...simple....

 

[Scott1]

The purpose of worship is to glorify God.

Amen and amen!

It must be your first name that gives you such wisdom!

Peace,
Scott

 

[michel]

Well my g/f is not following his beliefs and she never has. Although he does try to impose his beliefs upon her. Ill give you a list of his beliefs, maybe then you can determine his religion

Believes that women should cover their heads when they pray before a meal, with a cloth.
Does not like the idea of moving into a house together before marriage
Does not have a TV/computer. Although he does use a cassette player to listen to his tapes. These tapes are by a man named John Metcalfe, who i think is sort of the founder of the religion.
He is not happy for me to drive my g/f round in my car or pick her brother and sister up, because it gives off the wrong impression.
He does not even buy newspapers.
My g/f is 21 and has a curfew. She is a grown woman!

He is a nice man, and im not going to dislike him because of his beliefs. You are entitled to believe what you want. The thing that scares me is the fact that my g/f believes that her dads religion is the correct religion. She believes that catholics, muslims etc are wrong. I have questioned her about what will happen to christians who watch telly, who play games etc etc. Her answer is hell.

thanks for your help

mark.

Everyone has been giving you good advice mark. I would reinforce that you aren't going to hell; you have said you are a 'good person' - and my God wouldn't punish you for watching TV, or any of the other 'Nos' that you have mentioned.

Just one more point (about the curfew for his daughter) - I have been married 29 years tomorrow; when I was dating my wife to be, her Dad was just as strict.....you know why ? - because he himself had been a 'Jack the lad' when he was young (he was in the merchant navy) and basically wouldn't trust his daughter with men, based on his own history with women.........

I think that God wants us to rejoice; singing (especially religious songs (for me) is a wonderfully way to 'connect' with my emotioal feelings - there is nothing wrong with unadulterated pleasure....well, some TV shows are a bit iffy.but you can learn a lot - there are wonderfully educational programmes out there. I feel sorry for your girl friend.........

 

[Sunstone]

Ok, answer me this. Why are you a christian?

I'm not a Christian, but I think there's some truth in Christianity, just like I think there's some truth in most religions. The point I was trying to make is that a spiritual journey based on fear spirals downward into even greater fearfulness. If you start off believing in Christ because you're genuinely and deeply afraid of hell, you will end up fearing all sorts of things. Maybe you'll even end up fearing what you might read in the daily paper! The foundation on which you build your spirituality surely affects the outcome.