Yes, it does. We become enlightened after spending many lifetimes searching for the truths. There is no heaven or hell specifically, but there is the Bardo state and of course, ultimately, we are enlightened and join with God, or at least that is how I view this. Some Buddhists don't believe in God and that is their right but I do and ultimately, I will be with God.
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What is More Important?
- Thread starter jojom
- Start date
well said Psycho. I agree.
Thanda
Well-Known Member
Well I guess what's of important is that each one walks the path he is confident is the right one: each person will have to answer for themselves in the end. But for me, in regards to the question posted by the OP, I would prefer to be the not so good person who nevertheless believes in Christ and has hope that with God's help he will overcome all his shortcomings.
dogfishparisi
Member
Debate is encouraged, being argumentative and assuming I believe things or feel a certain way without my having stated such is nonsense.Evidently you don't know where you are. FYI, you're in the "General Religious Debates" forum, where argument is expected. Don't want to argue then don't come here. Simple as that.
More to the point I believe, you're unable to establish any counter arguments. But don't feel bad, quite a few believers find themselves having to bail out. Kind of comes with the territory.
Yeah, wouldn't it be nice if all you had to do here is preach to the choir, but that's not the way it works dogfish. Want to make statements that go relatively unchallenged then I suggest you stick to the DIR forums.
So when you say
"The point is this; all good people, who are loving and empathetic and strive to be good and help others should not REJECT teachings that tell them what they know in their hearts already."
you're implying that people who know right from wrong should listen to the teachings of someone who tells them to know right from wrong? If I know that 1 + 1 = 2 why do I need anyone to tell me that 1 + 1 = 2? You're not making any sense here.
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I stated initially I believe our actions are more important than belief. I also said I am Christian. I also said I believe 'good' people, no matter their beliefs, will be 'saved'.
You seem to have a chip on your shoulder, and it's probably well founded- but If you want to debate with me please refrain from assuming to much beyond what I've stated... and feel free to ask me anything or challenge me on anything I've already said.
Sorry if I came across a bit snippy- I may have made a few premature assumptions myself.
Except it's clear to outsiders, like me, that just mouthing the dogma and not practicing what you preach is the ultimate hypocritical BS.
Insiders reduce Christianity to simple magic: you say the magic word or believe the magic dogma, and that's it, you win. Who cares if you're a selfish dick who beats his wife and kids and who everyone not in the magic club hates?
Real life example: a few years ago, a teenage girl where I live killed herself because her father serially molested her. But he was a "Christian" who said and believed the magic BS so the people in his congregation stood up for him, while everyone else condemned his sorry ***. Anyone who believes that people like this are "saved" or "forgiven" by magic are deluded. It's what you do and who you are, not what you say or believe. Children and dogs- and anyone with a brain - know this; just not the pathetic "saved" Christians. Won't they be surprised on their "judgment day" when they get cast out.
How does it work with psychopaths? They seem to have a brain structure that prevents them from feeling any empathy.
Will they be saved? If not, why not?
Ciao
- viole
jojom
Active Member
Actually, you said that any "empathetic, loving person, who strives to live a good life, Christ speaks to you (according to scripture ) and you are saved." In effect then, there is no such thing as "living a compassionate, giving life, but rejecting Jesus as one's savior." I'll just call this hubris and let it go at that.
Show me where I've assumed something beyond what you've implied and I'll tell you why I did so.
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dogfishparisi
Member
Jesus famously stated "forgive them Father, they know not what they do."
I believe intent matters, context matters. We live in a universe of cause and effect. We must reap what we sow- but sometimes we can be forgiven and suffer less. This is 'salvation' to me. Anyone, anywhere, can be saved. Psychopaths must be seperated from society but should be treated fairly, after all- they know not what they do.
Therefore, psychopaths will be forgiven, no matter what they do, right?
By the way, do not generalize psychopathy by saying that they are all like Hannibal the cannibal. There are many psychopaths who live a very good and successful life. If I had to choose a surgeon for a difficult operation, I would try to get a psychopatic one.
Ciao
- viole
dogfishparisi
Member
I know that psychopathy affects a broad range of individuals with a wide range of symptoms/ characteristics. They are affected by their physiology, and their patterns of thoughts and behaviors are a direct result of the condition.
We don't always choose with free will, often we are directed by things we have no control over. These individuals may or may not be making free will decisions. I cannot determine each instance, but I do believe it matters.
We each become accountable at some point. Many psychopathic people learn right and wrong from an outside source, (because they are not directed by empathy or compassion) and once they know they should be held accountable.
leibowde84
Veteran Member
What about all those who grow up without learning about Jesus. Or those who are brought up with conflicting beliefs.
This is part of what turned me atheist and definitely anti Christian when was all of 9 years old. What kind of religion condemns to hell innocent people for the "sin" of simply never hearing about your religion? A crazy, evil one, to be avoided absolutely.
Skwim
Veteran Member
And those, who through no fault of their own, were not convinced? After all, there are a lot of inept preachers and Christian apologists out there.
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Good point. So what good is the religion?
InChrist
Free4ever
Those are good questions and I have prayed about this and searched the scriptures concerning this topic. One thing I have realized and seen over the years is that God cares so much about each person that He uses everything in their life to get their attention and draw them to Himself. I believe in a tremendously powerful God who sees and knows the details of every person's life who has ever or will ever exist and I trust His faithfulness to reach anyone who desires to know Him, wherever they are. I believe the principle revealed in the scriptures is that everyone who truly seeks God the Creator will receive a response from Him and be led into further understanding and truth. I think God knows a person's heart and mind,and their attitude/ desire to know the truth about God and whether or not they would accept or reject the Savior no matter where they grow up or what religion/beliefs they are raised in.
leibowde84
Veteran Member
Don't you think it is absurdly presumptive to assume you know this about people throughout the world you don't even know? And, you are basing this on scripture alone? It just seems as thought this is merely your confirmation bias stepping in to make sure that your beliefs don't contradict themselves, imho. It is insulting too, as you are assuming that it is the fault of those who don't believe as they aren't trying hard enough or something.
InChrist
Free4ever
I am not trying to be presumptive at all. I have lived in other countries and while there are certainly cultural differences, basically humans are humans wherever they are with humans needs and attitudes. I just happen to believe in a Creator who is over all, knows all, and is at work everywhere in each one's life. I have not said anything about trying hard or something to that effect. I am speaking of one's attitude toward God, not effort.