It's that kind of question that causes people to dislike, despise and totally turn away from religion. Can't those who "believe" just accept there are people who don't believe. In fact religion is used as a weapon to indoctrinate people "If you don't do what we say, you will burn in hell forever". For centuries the religious have held sway, succeeding in scaring the masses into believing there is a "heaven" and "hell" because people were too poorly educated to see through such scams. Overall people today, thankfully, are better informed and are not prone to such nonsense. Unfortunately there are those who will push their book of fairy tales and porn on to the rest of us. We say "no!"
For centuries the religious have held sway, succeeding in scaring the masses into believing there is a "heaven" and "hell" because people were too poorly educated to see through such scams. Overall people today, thankfully, are better informed and are not prone to such nonsense.
People today informed us that we come out of the brain and vanish when the brain dies. If that what you mean?
It's that kind of question that causes people to dislike, despise and totally turn away from religion.
It's an honest question and people should totally turn away from religion, because what denomination a person is, has no bearing on salvation. And if a person claims to be atheist, then there would be no need for disliking, despising, or totally turning away from "religion". There shouldn't be a threat there if a person is so sure there is no God. So why worry with it?
Can't those who "believe" just accept there are people who don't believe.
She didn't say she couldn't accept it. It's just baffling why anyone would choose hell over heaven, that's all. Unless, as you mentioned, they don't believe in God at all. And for those who do believe that there's some type of God out there, the Bible says not any path to God, will do and we can't make up our own rules. God didn't give man the authority to do that, though there are those who are arrogant enough to think they can make their own rules up because they are foolish enough to think they're smarter than God. Totally won't work. Religion is man made. Counts for nothing. Religion didn't die on the cross for our sins. The person of Jesus Christ did, and that makes it a personal decision between a personal God/Savior and personal man.
In fact religion is used as a weapon to indoctrinate people "If you don't do what we say, you will burn in hell forever".
People can't be "indoctrinated" unless they're so small-minded and weak, they can't think for themselves. They can surely say "no" and walk away. You are a good example. You don't want anything to do with God or "religion", so you have made your choice. No one twisted your arm and that's your prerogative. The OP has no problem with that. Do you not know that people don't have the authority to tell others they will burn in hell? For that we have to turn to the Bible and it tells us JESUS said that we have a choice to make. Will we allow Him to save our souls from the condemnation that sin placed on us? Or will we completely turn Him away and miss heaven, because we simply cannot drag our sins into a holy heaven. However, Jesus provided a way for us to be saved, if we will but put our pride and doubts away and allow Him to forgive our sins, so that we can come back into fellowship and right standing with God, and live in heaven with Him for eternity.
Jesus offers eternal life in heaven. For those who think they're smarter than God, know better than Him, refuse to acknowledge Him as a person who can save them from hell, despise Him, mock Him, laugh at Him, and flat out don't want anything to do with Him, He will honor their request. But they'll never be able to make the excuse that they didn't know, or that they were never told how to have eternal life in heaven. Salvation is their opportunity to prepare for heaven. If they don't take Jesus up on His free plan of salvation, they won't be able to blame God. Though He wants none to perish, He will give them what they asked for. Once a gift is given, it's your responsibility to either accept it or deny it. Then live with your choice.
I have a question for you. What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Once we cross over into eternity, that opportunity is lost forever. There's no changing our minds. What most people don't know because they don't know nor read their bible, is that Jesus never came to kill, destroy, or condemn people. His mission was strictly to save souls, so that they could be in heaven forever. Not one of us on Earth can get to Heaven by our own efforts. That's why we need Jesus. I'd like to see someone get to heaven on their own accord. Will they suddenly sprout wings? 😆 They don't even know where Heaven is, let alone get there, but Jesus does! We can try to do it our way and choose a different path, but Jesus said that will never work. He would know.
For centuries the religious have held sway, succeeding in scaring the masses into believing there is a "heaven" and "hell" because people were too poorly educated to see through such scams. Overall people today, thankfully, are better informed and are not prone to such nonsense. Unfortunately there are those who will push their book of fairy tales and porn on to the rest of us. We say "no!"
The "religious" might try that, but not followers of Christ. They know that salvation is a free choice. But it was Jesus that said in His Word that heaven and hell are real, but then people who are uneducated, uninformed, or just plain don't read their bible, wouldn't know that. Can't blame it on the religious.
The devil is quite sure that what Jesus said and taught, was not a scam. He doesn't have to guess. He knows that God is real. That's why he's out to collect every soul he can, to keep him company in hell. Notice all the evil in this world? That doesn't come from God. That comes from the Devil. People who read their Bible, know that God is perfect. He cannot lie. He is not the author of evil. Satan is, and you see his works almost every day, if you're out in this world. He's The Great Deceiver and great liar. People that are informed, know they can trust God and He will save their souls, but God said that only a fool says, "There is no God."
@LadyGrace I know no one has the right to tell anyone else that they will burn in hell. BTW you quoted me as saying the religious folk sayng " Do as we say or you'll burn in hell" and you stating it wasn't biblical. Well, I never claimed my quote was, but that is the message that has been used as a weapon against the people over the centuries and there is absolutely no denying that. If you really think about it, that is what you're saying, although in a more subtle way; "turn to Christ or your soul is lost" is, you must admit, a pretty accurate summary.
When I help someone, or try to, I don't think "This will earn me a few brownie points with God". I do it because it is the right and empathetic thing to do. I don't believe anyone does that; if they do, they are not doing it for the right reasons.
I don't believe there is a god or a satan, nor a heaven or hell. Again, these are all man made concepts to keep the people uneducated, ignorant and fearful. Just as Kings and Queens ruled their lives and were earthly forms of god (so they were taught to believe: The Divine Right of KIngs), this god controls them after they die. So in other words, people never know any freedom. As the human race has become increasingly better educated, that fear has diminished. We've learned how things came about, and knowing all these facts has superceded the belief that this invisible, yet omnipresent and inactive being is somehow responsible.
As for "a fool in his heart says there is no god"....is clearly one of the earliest forms of projecting.
I know no one has the right to tell anyone else that they will burn in hell. BTW you quoted me as saying the religious folk sayng " Do as we say or you'll burn in hell" and you stating it wasn't biblical.
No. And no one was. Thanks for the correction btw. I think one of my lines got caught in another paragraph. But anyway, nobody said, "do as we say or you'll burn in hell." I think that's something atheists make up, when they have no defense for their argument. I have found just the opposite, as I see you and others attempting unfounded criticism. None of the things you have said have gone on here, though you claim them. You are all real good at twisting the truth. Making false accusations and it's really tiring. What we write shouldn't even bother you if you're an atheist.
You have a real problem with assuming we have said something we didn't. Your defensive over nothing. Are you feeling guilty?, because you sure blow things out of proportion. What we do is quote what Jesus said. We've not said anything that is not biblical. And if you want to take a high mind and assume we're attacking you, well that's your prerogative. We are trying to earn "brownie points" with God?? I can't help but laugh out loud at that one. I've never heard that one, now that's a new one. 😂
Yes there was really no need to reiterate that you do not believe in God nor satan, nor heaven or hell. Yes, we know that. You're the only one trying to project that we have a problem with that. If you wish to believe these are man-made concepts to keep the people uneducated, ignorant and fearful, no problem. You're the only one that seems to have a problem with it. You say what you want to say, yet when we say what we want to say, then all of a sudden it's all false, threatening, and a problem. This is kindergarten stuff, you're twisting our words etc., constantly finding fault and staying offended. It's old and tiring. Nobody wrote an article just to irritate you. Please. If you don't believe it then don't, no problem. But don't go trolling people and accusing them of things they haven't done or said. That's childish. You can't back up what you say. You're thinking is really messed up. And as far as "the fool says in his heart there is no God", the only thing that projects, is what God said in His Word, to let the world know that anyone can see, if they will just look around, or even look in the mirror, that it's quite obvious there is a God.
@jackieash It's clear that you've thought deeply about these matters and have formed your beliefs based on your own experiences and understanding of the world.
While we all may hold differing views on matters of faith and spirituality, I appreciate @LadyGrace taking the opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue with mutual respect.
Your point about the historical use of fear-based messages is a valid one, and I understand the concern about how religion has been wielded as a tool of control and manipulation throughout history. It's essential to acknowledge and address these issues with honesty and integrity. Having said that when we perceive something in a hurry there is always a room for misunderstanding and I believe you misunderstood a genuinely helpful message from @LadyGrace
For me, faith in Jesus Christ is not about fear or coercion but about love, grace, and the promise of redemption. It's about finding meaning, purpose, and hope in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. It's about embracing a relationship with a loving and compassionate God who offers forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation to all who seek Him.
When I extend a helping hand or strive to show empathy and kindness to others, it's not out of a desire for personal gain or recognition but out of a genuine desire to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ, who commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. I love you and God loves you dear sweetie.
May we continue to approach these discussions with open hearts and minds, seeking understanding and mutual respect.
@LadyGrace I have never trolled anyone on this site, nor as far as I recall, on any site. Calling out christians for their actions is far from trolling. Have I ever name called you? Not as far as I recall. If I have, I am sorry for that. You might say "if you don't like something on this site you don't have to reply. I could say the same to you. It's not up to you or anyone else to go recruitng for your church. You might not like it referred to in such terms, but that is exactly what it is. We get back to the same thing time and time again, that the religious have an inbuilt sense of arrogance that they are so sure that they are right and they will be assured of their place in "heaven" and everyone else will burn in hell for eternity. Isn't Pride one of the Deadly Sins? Also...doesn't your god say "Do not judge others, for you, yourself will be judged"?
There is nothing the slightest bit "messed up" in my reasoning. I have been doing private research into the way religious people push their beliefs onto people, and it is truly like the most obnoxious politician or the super glib snakeoil salesman. The behaviour and rhetoric is very similar. Just as the salesman says "your life is useless if you don't buy this bottle of wonder stuff", the religious start off aggressively by shouting at perfect strangers in the street calling them "sinners who are to be damned" if they do not "repent".
You say that I am "constantly finding fault and staying offended". I have never been offended by anyone on this site unless they start resorting to ad hominems and personal insullts. I don't find christianity offensive. I just don't like the way certain practitioners behave, with their sense of arrogance and entitlement. Why don't you just accept that there are people out here who don't believe or accept your beliefs? You say that you don't want anyone to be "lost to god", but surely that is for us to decide?
On your last point, I will say this; when I look around and see the beauty and wonder of the land, I just find it is awesome (in the truest sense) of how this planet came from being an uninhabitable ball of fire and heat with temperatures of 10000C+ to what we have today. And how it has come about over 4.5 billion years.
@jackieash Your accusations are as false and boring, as ever. You are always that one who loves to lash out at Christians and their posts, but you can't take it. Wow. I love the way you assume so many things. I think you need to get a grip, Jackie. Your arrogance is showing. I think you better look in the mirror and point those fingers right back at yourself.
In fact religion is used as a weapon to indoctrinate people "If you don't do what we say, you will burn in hell forever". For centuries the religious have held sway, succeeding in scaring the masses into believing there is a "heaven" and "hell" because people were too poorly educated to see through such scams. Overall people today, thankfully, are better informed and are not prone to such nonsense. Unfortunately there are those who will push their book of fairy tales and porn on to the rest of us. We say "no!"
And look who started all that. For a simple question, not accusing anyone for anything, and you go off the deep end. Fairy tales and porn?? That's not hateful?? Then you have the gall to point at us Christians! Your nonsensical verbiage is just as hateful as any I've seen. Point those fingers right back at yourself. No.... you've never trolled anyone have you? It's time you look in the mirror and judge yourself and how you act towards people.
@jackieash You're one of those who opposes the wisdom of God, by constantly demeaning those who reverence Him. Mockers are simply children who are openly hostile to things they have no understanding of. They're aggressive and think they know everything, but forget the consequences of sin.
@LadyGrace And you need to look in the mirror, yourself before you lash out. It's not very becoming and not particularly christian. In fact, I've had similar reactions from christians irl. If it's boring to you, why react?
Fairy tales? Well, are you a literalist? Do you really think Adam and Eve actually existed? Do you honestly think this being scooped a handful of dust, blew air on it and up springs a man? And then rips a rib out of the man to create a woman?
@jackieash I'm sorry Jackie but you were the one that started the personal attacks from the very beginning which is clear to see. You have some kind of chip on your shoulder and taking it out on everyone else. It doesn't work that way. Not everybody is out to get you!
@LadyGrace That is another "sin" you have commited; what is that about bearing false witness? You are doing the projecting act again, and because you have a chip on your shoulder, you say everyone else who has an opposing view as having one themselves. You have committed two deadly sins through this thread as it stands; Pride and Wrath. Would you like to go for any more? I'm not sure how Gluttony and Lust would fit in. I'll leave that to you.
@jackieash You have a soul. That's the only reason you're alive and breathing. You should never one of us are in the same spiritual boat, in need of a Savior. Neglect that soul and you can be guaranteed that if you have not prepared your soul for eternity, it's going to end up where you don't want it. And that's the purpose of Jesus is coming to Earth and witnessed by over 500 people. God doesn't want any of us to miss heaven. He loves us too much. Do you see the enemy? No you cannot because he is invisible because he is spirit and his name is Satan. He is the enemy and wishes all to spend eternity and hell with him . He fights for our soul each and every day, but one will only know that if they read their Bible. That's not what I say, that's what God said in His Word and we would be wise to listen to him, every one of us. Where will you spend eternity? That is the question each and every one of us have to answer and therefore prepare for heaven. Neglect that, and we will have sent our own soul to hell because of lack of preparation. Not because God wants us there. He came to save us, not to send us to hell. He sure didn't come and suffer and die so badly on the cross, for his own health. He had you and I on his mind when he died to save us from the consequences and condemnation that sin placed on us. Those are things everyone needs to think about because there's no second chances once we cross over that Great Divide.
@jackieash I'm going to overlook your accusations and nonsense. If you're more worried about what people say than about saving your own soul, that shows that your priorities are drastically in danger. Jesus wants to save your soul but you keep saying nope! I'll do it my way and I'll have it my way. If that's the case and you turn him down to save you, that won't be God's fault. He will honor your request. That would really be a foolish thing to do, when you have the opportunity to change all that right now. Say about me what you will, I don't care. It's not about that. It's about what are you going to do to prepare yourself for your final destination? That's what counts.
That is another "sin" you have commited; what is that about bearing false witness? You are doing the projecting act again, and because you have a chip on your shoulder, you say everyone else who has an opposing view as having one themselves. You have committed two deadly sins through this thread as it stands; Pride and Wrath. Would you like to go for any more? I'm not sure how Gluttony and Lust would fit in. I'll leave that to you.
🙄 You've got one shot at salvation. The same as everyone else, including me. Don't blow it! You see all the evil in this world. Where do you think it comes from? It comes from Satan. That's how you know he's real and why we all need a Savior. Harden your heart and you won't just be hurting yourself, that will break God's heart.
