TFAN opines: I believe what the Bible says. If you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah you will not go the heaven. Cut and dry, no exceptions.
SH: Many sects of Christianity know that "Heaven" is a state of mind and not a destination following our time on this plane.
Want to go to Heaven? Change your state of mind and spirit and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ which is summed up in, "Love thy neighbor as thyself and Forgive thy neighbor."
"Asking for forgiveness" is not a mandate.
"Forgiving unconditionally" is a mandate.
Far too many folks get confused and think that they must be forgiven.
In fact, Christ taught that the onus is on the Forgiver, not the receipient of the forgiveness.
Try it, You'll Like It.
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SH: Many sects of Christianity know that "Heaven" is a state of mind and not a destination following our time on this plane.
Want to go to Heaven? Change your state of mind and spirit and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ which is summed up in, "Love thy neighbor as thyself and Forgive thy neighbor."
"Asking for forgiveness" is not a mandate.
"Forgiving unconditionally" is a mandate.
Far too many folks get confused and think that they must be forgiven.
In fact, Christ taught that the onus is on the Forgiver, not the receipient of the forgiveness.
Try it, You'll Like It.
<!-- / message -->
I have read all post in this thread.
First let me say I am NOT religious. I think religion is the cause of all conflicts of the world.
I am spiritual....I believe in God. But I do use common sense also.
I believe if God came to us in the flesh today, he would ask why so many priests are messing around with little boys. He would ask why pastors and preachers are getting PAID to spread his "word". And he would do away with all governments in the world.
Something I have noticed....People argue or disagree about religion more than any other topic.
To me there is no reason to ask someone their religious beliefs, if you ask you must be judging them yourself or you already dont trust them. And if you are judging them, isnt that what GOD is for to begin with? If its not you judging them, it means you dont trust them and you shouldnt ask them and just move on.....
There is no other explanation to why you would ask them other than those or you are just looking for an arguement or you are trying to prove your way and trying to make yourself feel better for your "knowledge" of your religion.
First let me say I am NOT religious. I think religion is the cause of all conflicts of the world.
I am spiritual....I believe in God. But I do use common sense also.
I believe if God came to us in the flesh today, he would ask why so many priests are messing around with little boys. He would ask why pastors and preachers are getting PAID to spread his "word". And he would do away with all governments in the world.
Something I have noticed....People argue or disagree about religion more than any other topic.
To me there is no reason to ask someone their religious beliefs, if you ask you must be judging them yourself or you already dont trust them. And if you are judging them, isnt that what GOD is for to begin with? If its not you judging them, it means you dont trust them and you shouldnt ask them and just move on.....
There is no other explanation to why you would ask them other than those or you are just looking for an arguement or you are trying to prove your way and trying to make yourself feel better for your "knowledge" of your religion.
Because it's correlated with culture and values, which are important.
I wouldn't automatically exclude any, but in some cases it would mean getting certain things ironed out before going any further. Polytheists and atheists would be examples. Those are more likely to be moral relativists, which I generally can't stand. But if they are moral absolutists, then I think it would be fascinating to discuss how they reconcile that with their beliefs.
I would need a lot more than that. I can get along with just about anyone in everyday dealings of course, but to actively seek someone's company for the sake of being in their company, a lot of stuff has to click.
So do you think it's wrong or not possible to ask someone's religion just in the hope of having an interesting discussion? Yes there will be some judgment on my part as well. But I pass judgement on people all the time (as I think a lot of people do)...this guy's dorky, that girl's sexy, there goes an asshole etc....but these are judgments relative to me, not absolute judgments. For example, the absolute label "asshole" can be rephrased to be relative, ie. "someone I'd like to punch in the nose". It's just easier to use the absolute phrasing. It doesn't mean I think of it that way deep down. I don't pass judgment on overall absolute worth, since I see that as God's territory.
