It isn't a big deal. I believe that a person will either go own to live with God for eternity in heaven, or that person will cease to exist.
That's not a very bright philosophy, is it?
For the chosen that go to heaven, they will have an awkward life on Earth, because they just don't fit in. The reason for this is, this world or earth was created by God to appeal to our every sense. The sights for our eyes, the sounds for our ears, the tastes for our mouth, the scents for our smells, and the sensation to feel all that which is around us.
and yet, in your nation it is the non Christian who do not fit in. you are surrounded by God-fearing people itwillend, you are the majority, those who carry with them other sets of beliefs are those who have an awkward life.
by other interpretation it sounds like the Kingdom of heaven to you is for the deaf, dumb and blind. people can appreciate the beauty of the sensual world 'here on earth' without being over indulgent. and holding a strictly Christian belief is not the only way to avoid being over indulgent. there are many balanced people from all walks of life, who carry very distinct beliefs.
God created a wonderful place that can often bring pleasure to each of our senses, so in that regard it can be hard to live here, and at the same time realize that this place is tainted. This is why in my theology, the Jews from Abraham onward had such a tough time with the laws, because the sensations of this world many times led down the wrong road. For example when Moses was in the wilderness and receive Manna from heaven, the people began to grow tired of this, because they want the pleasures of other foods.
You know, some people are overwhelmed by life, some people are lost for all the colors and senses of the bazaar of life, and some are just afraid to live. are you afraid that life is 'tainted'? life is what it is, and there is great strength in touching, smelling and feeling life. some call it sin, for others there is a life in every breath.
However, for those that are not religious or those that do not believe as I do, they will enjoy this world very much so, for said reasons above. It can be quite a lovely place. In fact it can be absolutely amazing!
You are right, it is an amazing place, it also carries a lot of suffering, and religious people are not the only people who are wise to reconcile this with the ecstatic moments they are blessed with.
To me this is where the mercy of God comes in. Even those that are not going to heaven, were able to enjoy a bit of God while they lived. They may have enjoyed a coastal sunset or sunrise, or the birth of a loved one, or the taste of a warm cookie coming out of the oven. Either way, life wasn't that bad for them, even though they are not interested in God.
Perhaps they are not interested in your version of God, or what you think God is. who knows, maybe there are still people out there you can learn a thing or two from, or people who can inspire you spiritually, despite having a completely different take on life, the universe, or God.
Once both parties die, one shifts to heaven, and the other shifts to the grave. Next thing the one that entered the grave will know is judgment day. This will be a period of time where they realize that God was real, and all they enjoyed came from God, and then will understand why they will cease to exist. After this they will just disappear.
So this is God's little moment of gloating and self righteousness? wouldn't a truly merciful deity will let them perish in whatever sweet memories and moments they had?
The big question is, why? Why bother doing that if they are just going to disappear? What many don't realize is that a great many people are not as passively anti-God as others. There are many that openly challenge and talk bad about any idea of God. It is because of these people that God will make aware to all people that do not go to heaven, that He is God.
Im thinking that God, as a supreme force of wisdom and intelligence would be above such pettiness and immature human need of the constant worship from others, or even for recognition. I imagine that a truly good God, would work behind the scenes, and perhaps remain unknown for even billions of years into the future of humanity, and simply inspire a life of wisdom and tolerance for them.
This is my thread, if you have questions about my beliefs please ask. If you want to preach your beliefs, start your own thread.
I have a couple of questions, if you will.
What is the source of your bold claims and certainty in your beliefs, how did you come to develop them? do you really claim certainty for all that you have posted, can you truly proclaim wisdom and experience for others to conform to these beliefs, as they evidently carry a warning in them. have you ever pondered the Oracle of Delphi's declaration to the surprised Socrates that he is the wisest man there is, because he has admitted that he knows nothing? bear in mind, hear is a man who has been immortalized in human history as an embodiment of wisdom.
another question, since you confess belief in Jesus, how do you feel that Jesus did not go to those of religious integrity exclusively, but he has talked, preached, spent time, and even died with the outcasts and freaks of society? the prostitutes, the thieves, the criminals.
I'll end my post with something I have often played around with in thought.. remember this, and you will never judge another. Judas was once a disciple, and the person crucified next to Christ, in fact the only person Christ has ever promised a place in heaven in the entire Bible, was a convicted criminal facing capital punishment.