I only write un-fun things these days.

[topleka]

It occurs to me that although many people consider themselves some form of Christian, the idea of "Christianity" is rather broad one these days, often contradicting in nature. There are a number of denominations that argue semantics like diet and how exactly one gets into heaven, and a lot of related religions like Mormonism or Jehovah's Witnesses

Comments

[nov6]

I believe we believe in the same thing :) But just to clarify, do you also believe, despite #3, that ultimately it's not by good deeds but by believing that Christ died for your sins that will guarantee your place in heaven (#7)? "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9), yes

[topleka]

Indeed I do. I don't think it's possible to get into heaven through good deeds. Rather #3 is more like saying only perfect people can get into heaven, but there's so such thing (#4).

I call myself non-denominational, but I probably lean towards more conservative Christianity of a Protestant bent.

[l_bwdragonfly_k]

I just want to say that reading this made me smile. :3 God bless.

[bkdbear1991]

Reading this made me smile too. =]

[ogawaburukku]

I think technically in Christianity you could murder 15 people and on your deathbed pray, saying you believe in Jesus and that you confess that you had sinned and ask for forgiveness and acceptance, etc, then you're good to go. Christianity is the easiest religion ever (thus why it is so popular

[topleka]

I say there are no "good" people because Jesus specifically said "Only the Father in heaven is good." Basically indicating that good should only imply perfection.

[topleka]

Addendum: Christianity is easy because...well, it's from God. It's not about earning points or anything. It's just about faith. I think people try to complicate matters too much by trying to earn or pay their way into whatever afterlife they have in mind.

And I think people who fear the wrath of God don't fully understand that He's essentially a living definition of love. I do what I believe is right because I love, not because I'm afraid of what might happen to me if I'm bad.

[ogawaburukku]

Well... I disagree, because Islam and Judaism are the same God, but the religions are slightly more demanding than Christianity. There is no food we can and can't eat, we don't have to pray facing any specific direction, we are not expected to make any great pilgrimage, etc etc etc. But that's general and not getting into the different sects, yada yada.

I say "we" because although I'm probably agnostic I was raised Christian.

[ketsugami]

Is there then no incentive to be as good a person as one can be? That seems a little bleak.

[topleka]

The incentive to do good is out of love, rather than any material gain. Just like you do good things for people you like or love because it makes you happy to know they're happy.

[shaktool]

Is some degree of love required for belief #7?

[topleka]

To actually ask for forgiveness requires remorse over wrongs done. I don't know how much you have to love someone before you feel remorse over wrongs done, but it's easy to feel remorse for hurting even your enemies. But if you believe you have received forgiveness, then it seems impossible not to love. If you owe a debt of a million dollars and someone pays for it just because he loves you, then it's natural to at least like him back, if not love.

You don't have to love before you ask for forgiveness. But after someone dies for you and gives you a free pass that makes up for everything wrong you've ever done or will do, then love should be the natural response.