Christians on this site and elsewhere continually preach the idea that the Christian religion is one of hope. Many go so far as to say that those who are not Christian have no hope, only with the Christian viewpoint can one have a hopeful life.
The Christian has to accept that while he may be "saved", many others including non-believing family members and friends are destined for an eternity of torment. Does it really bring more "hope" for Christians to know that a few will enjoy eternal bliss while billions of others including most of the world's impoverished will be eternally tortured?
The question for debate: Is it really honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope?
Is the Christian world view really one of hope?
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TruthSeeker1
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Post #2
Yes, I think it is honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope.Is it really honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope?
I can hope for a new 4-link system for my s-10 as part of my belief in Minitruckin' being the best group of gear heads. Just because most people will not put a 4-link on their s-10(or even have an s-10) does not mean that my belief in Minitruckin' is one without hope.
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TruthSeeker1
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Post #3
I do see your point, so would it be fair to say that the Christian viewpoint offers hope to the individual Christian but this hope does not extend to the world at large? In otherwords, it seems that the "hope" offered by Chrisianity is a limited one, do you agree?upallnite wrote:Yes, I think it is honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope.Is it really honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope?
I can hope for a new 4-link system for my s-10 as part of my belief in Minitruckin' being the best group of gear heads. Just because most people will not put a 4-link on their s-10(or even have an s-10) does not mean that my belief in Minitruckin' is one without hope.
Post #4
I agree that the hope gleaned from Christianity is for Christians. What they hope for and what I hope for does not appear to be the same thing. I do not tell them they have no hope, because I do not want them to ignore that I have hope.do you agree?
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allansmith
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Post #5
I hope God is good enough to let us say "yes" or "no" to his offer of love.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father loved the son so much that he let him go into the world and totally screw up his life. What was the alternative? Chain the boy to his bed?
In the same way, God loves us so much, he has such a high view of us, that he gives us freedom and he holds us responsible. If people choose to abuse their freedom, that's their choice, but there will be consequences they won't like.
You don't punish rocks or cabbages for their crimes. You punish people. People are worth punishing because they are far, far higher than rocks or cabbages. People are children of God who should know better. Who do know better! Seen in this light, God's punishment is a tremendous compliment.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father loved the son so much that he let him go into the world and totally screw up his life. What was the alternative? Chain the boy to his bed?
In the same way, God loves us so much, he has such a high view of us, that he gives us freedom and he holds us responsible. If people choose to abuse their freedom, that's their choice, but there will be consequences they won't like.
You don't punish rocks or cabbages for their crimes. You punish people. People are worth punishing because they are far, far higher than rocks or cabbages. People are children of God who should know better. Who do know better! Seen in this light, God's punishment is a tremendous compliment.
Post #6
This has nothing to do with the topic. Did you post in the wrong thread?allansmith wrote:I hope God is good enough to let us say "yes" or "no" to his offer of love.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father loved the son so much that he let him go into the world and totally screw up his life. What was the alternative? Chain the boy to his bed?
In the same way, God loves us so much, he has such a high view of us, that he gives us freedom and he holds us responsible. If people choose to abuse their freedom, that's their choice, but there will be consequences they won't like.
You don't punish rocks or cabbages for their crimes. You punish people. People are worth punishing because they are far, far higher than rocks or cabbages. People are children of God who should know better. Who do know better! Seen in this light, God's punishment is a tremendous compliment.
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OnceConvinced
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Post #7
For his followers maybe, but for non-believers it's not, it's damnation.allansmith wrote: God's punishment is a tremendous compliment.
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TruthSeeker1
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Post #8
How does your "hope" go beyond yourself when billions of others will suffer for eternity while you enjoy eternal paradise? To me your viewpoint might be hopeful for yourself, but my "hopes" often have more to do with the well-being of others and if my beliefs led me to conclude that billions of people will suffer for all of eternity then my life (regardless of what happens to me) would be one of despair as opposed to hopeful.allansmith wrote:I hope God is good enough to let us say "yes" or "no" to his offer of love.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father loved the son so much that he let him go into the world and totally screw up his life. What was the alternative? Chain the boy to his bed?
In the same way, God loves us so much, he has such a high view of us, that he gives us freedom and he holds us responsible. If people choose to abuse their freedom, that's their choice, but there will be consequences they won't like.
You don't punish rocks or cabbages for their crimes. You punish people. People are worth punishing because they are far, far higher than rocks or cabbages. People are children of God who should know better. Who do know better! Seen in this light, God's punishment is a tremendous compliment.
Besides all this, I don't believe freewill should extend to letting someone end up in a place of eternal torture. You seem to base the freewill of humans above all, this is sad to me. Would you let your son make any choice he wants, even suicide? Freewill is great, but if I have the power to stop someone from killing himself, or killing another, then I believe the loving thing is to step in and stop the killing even at the sacrifice of freewill.
How would you answer this question Allen:
Does God lack the power or the desire to help every person end up in Heaven?
If God's will is for all to be saved, why does the free will of billions of people trump God's will?
Re: Is the Christian world view really one of hope?
Post #9Is it really honest to call the Christian belief system one of hope?
Not according to many of the Christians on this site. My Christianity tells me that all have a shot at eternal life to live in His presence. Formal acceptance of the Savior while in this lifetime is not the defining variable that makes the difference. Living according to the dictates of one's conscience (i.e., light of Christ) is. It is this conscience that has been bestowed upon us by our Creator. Seek to follow its dictates as much and as often as you can. You will be judged on this effort. In this way we can all strive toward our God-given capacities all the while retaining a hope that we will be reunited once again.
Not according to many of the Christians on this site. My Christianity tells me that all have a shot at eternal life to live in His presence. Formal acceptance of the Savior while in this lifetime is not the defining variable that makes the difference. Living according to the dictates of one's conscience (i.e., light of Christ) is. It is this conscience that has been bestowed upon us by our Creator. Seek to follow its dictates as much and as often as you can. You will be judged on this effort. In this way we can all strive toward our God-given capacities all the while retaining a hope that we will be reunited once again.
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allansmith
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Post #10
Is it possible to hope in a God and also have millions suffering in hell?upallnite wrote: This has nothing to do with the topic. Did you post in the wrong thread?
Yes.
A good God will give us freedom. Freedom means millions may choose to walk the road to hell. If you're walking that road yourself, it's because you choose to. Right now.
Even in punishment, God affirms our high dignity. God doesn't punish rocks or dogs. He punishes people. God thinks you are big enough, important enough, to take responsibility.
Is this hopeful? Yes. God is good. We're free, and we're important.
