16th March 2003, 4:32 PM
I'll make this last post, but I really have to get on the ball with studying for my Physics final.
First off, Laser Link, thank you. That was a beautiful and heartwarming and elaborate way of putting, and I appreciate your input (though still disagree with it). A few rebuttals, as I'm an angry, immature teenager who always has to have the last word:
I hate to be an ass, but technicially, he COULD have. He could have shown himself to us, or give us more signs of his existence. He could make a less obscure contact with us in our hearts (this is subjective, of course). I know that defies the concept of being strong and having faith, but I feel the doubt is too great for me to make such a life decision. I'm not whining, I'm just explaining my point-of-view, and why I'm too conservative to take that leap of faith.
Well, first, I don't believe in lumping everything into two categories. Good and evil? Surely there are lines in between. And what's stopping evil people from accepting God's forgiveness and getting into heaven? Why would God accept someone like Hitler into heaven, if he were to turn around and accept God's forgiveness, while a "relatively more innocent person" (I know no one's supposed to be guilt-free, but you get the idea) suffers for having REASONABLE doubt to this obscure god?
These are values I would agree with if I believed 100% in God, but what about the 10 commandments? Where did they come from, where do they fit into the puzzle? If someone doesn't follow the 10 commandments, but follows the above two, what happens then? What about simply accepting God's gift? It's all a very confusing arrangement.
DJ/ I see your point, and yes, since religion requires so much faith, we're not going to get anywhere. We've already done all we can; explain our points of view in the most convincing way we can.
Whee?
First off, Laser Link, thank you. That was a beautiful and heartwarming and elaborate way of putting, and I appreciate your input (though still disagree with it). A few rebuttals, as I'm an angry, immature teenager who always has to have the last word:
Quote:God couldn't have made it any easier.
I hate to be an ass, but technicially, he COULD have. He could have shown himself to us, or give us more signs of his existence. He could make a less obscure contact with us in our hearts (this is subjective, of course). I know that defies the concept of being strong and having faith, but I feel the doubt is too great for me to make such a life decision. I'm not whining, I'm just explaining my point-of-view, and why I'm too conservative to take that leap of faith.
Quote:You ask why there is hell if God loves us? Shouldn't there be a place for the people who have done evil? People like Hitler? If they went to heaven, wouldn't they still do evil there? It wouldn't be heaven any more. If God gives someone the chance to have relationship with him, and they reject it, shouldn't there be a place where they can be seperated from God? It's what they wanted afterall. Hell is that place that is devoid of God's presence, and therefore devoid of all good. Without God, the evil will only increase beyond imagination. God doesn't want anyone to spend eternity in hell, which is why he left heaven and died for us. He did all the hard stuff, all you have to do is believe. And you will be set free. Not just in the afterlife, but in this life as well.
Well, first, I don't believe in lumping everything into two categories. Good and evil? Surely there are lines in between. And what's stopping evil people from accepting God's forgiveness and getting into heaven? Why would God accept someone like Hitler into heaven, if he were to turn around and accept God's forgiveness, while a "relatively more innocent person" (I know no one's supposed to be guilt-free, but you get the idea) suffers for having REASONABLE doubt to this obscure god?
Quote:The only rules Jesus ever gave us were "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength", and "Love your neighbor like you love yourself".
These are values I would agree with if I believed 100% in God, but what about the 10 commandments? Where did they come from, where do they fit into the puzzle? If someone doesn't follow the 10 commandments, but follows the above two, what happens then? What about simply accepting God's gift? It's all a very confusing arrangement.
DJ/ I see your point, and yes, since religion requires so much faith, we're not going to get anywhere. We've already done all we can; explain our points of view in the most convincing way we can.
Whee?