How to have Eternal Life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I think the Bible is divinely inspired but I do not take it literally, like many Christians. Many of the stories in the Bible are a product of their time and place, which is thousands of years ago in the Middle East.

- I disagree. I take Bible as the Living Word of God. Not a metaphor.

I don’t worry about eternity because I try to live the way I think is right. I see no reason to worry if my conscience is clear and I am right with God.

- I disagree. I worry about eternity because there is no other place but eternity for my spirit. I strive to dwell in presence of God in eternity. This life is just a blip in eternity. While having clear conscious is great I also need time and place for Jesus Christ on daily basis. If I don't find time for Him on daily basis He will not find time for me in eternity. And rightfully so.

You can judge that if you want but I will warn you that I have actually read the Bible in its entirety many, many times, and that I believe what I do for a reason.

- It's not my place to judge you for anything. Only God can do that. I am having a conversation with you.

Ok. You take the Bible literally, and you worry about eternity. If that is helpful to you, more power to you. What are you trying to convince me of?

Your way is not the only way. Other people will choose a different path, and that’s ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see the point in eternal life. I'd rather have finite, but healthy & happy life, rather than "eternal." Quality not quantity, essentially.

So the thought of spending eternity in paradise with our Creator in perfect peace is unappealing to you?

We have different perspectives. A "creator" of peace, is also the creator of suffering, if all roads truly lead back to them as a creator of everything. And I'm not really interested in spending time with that kind of being. Ultimately this is simply not a worldview I could make myself believe in, if I tried.

But honestly, the concept of eternity sounds incredibly boring. And I'm not exactly a thrill seeker.

NP here. This a million times over. The Christian God seems like a narcissist, and the relationship with God that Christians promote sounds to me like an abusive, highly dysfunctional one. I also think paradise is a subjective concept.

In a way, even the meaning of eternity is debatable. Christians seem to assume it means an unending continuation of time. That's one meaning, for sure. But another meaning is being outside of time. Some religions have a different vision of eternal life after death, and it means that you experience eternity by escaping being-hood altogether. That vision appeals to me more than the Christian version of sitting around in some sort of brightly lit paradise with a bearded old man who pretty much gets people to follow him by gaslighting and torture and then the ultimate guilt trip of "I sacrificed my son for you," when, you know, I never asked him to do that.

The Christian God owes you or me zero explanations. Relationship with Christian God is clearly defined in the Bible and is older than me or you. Paradise is clearly documented place as witnessed in many Bible passages.
We don't assume things about eternity. Eternity is documented in the Genesis and all throughout New Testament.
It doesn't matter what appeals to you. What matters is if you will appeal to God. In Christianity, it's God's will first over human will.

There are scriptures from other religions that are OLDER than the bible. The fact that the bible is old doesn't mean it's documented fact.

And in the bible, it seems to me that god loves the prodigal son more. Won't that be a kicker? If god takes you for granted and even despises you for your failure to question anything and failure to use the brain and capacity for reason he supposedly gave you and then rewards the prodigal son, the one who questioned, the one who doubted? Won't that just be hilarious!

Any god worth worshiping isn't a god who would want his children to be lemmings who blindly follow because they read something in a really old book.

NP. We are anything but lemmings - turning from evil to Christ and following Him is a difficult and, for many, very dangerous decision. And it's not just a "really old book." That is the reality of Christ being alive in the world - it is the living word.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But... I don't want eternal life.

You are singularly simple-minded, OP.

That’s your choice.

Are you religious for other reasons, then?

I don’t see much kindness and acceptance coming from you, and wonder if you dislike and disparage those who have different value systems than you do?

Let me explain it to you, then
I am allergic to people like OP. I like decent people who mind their own business.
My parents come from opposite ends of the earth and each come from a different culture, language and religions.
I was exposed to different denominations of Christianity, as well as my other parent's religions (plural!). The history of religions is a fascinating study.
I have lived, and have family, on several different continents.

I find we all get along best when no one urges one's beliefs on others. Because at the end of the day, we all strive to be good people. You don't need to box yourself into a specific religion to be a good person, and you don't need to worry about continuation after death if you are a good person. Good doesn't mean obeying the strictures of your church, I hope you can understand this one day.

You choosing to read a thread and comment is me urging my beliefs upon you?

If you don’t like it, ignore it. It is a religious discussion forum. Should I abstain from expressing my faith because you don’t agree?

You are self-centered and narcissistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pastor calls things like OP’s post “Christianese,” or stuff Christians say to other Christians to make themselves feel good. No one who isn’t Christian is going to find the idea of Jesus paying your “sin-debt” compelling. People feel like they have more pressing issues, like how to feel peace, be a good person, etc. And sadly, they are so turned off by people like OP that they never see that the love of Jesus can do amazing things in your life, the one you are living right now.

NP. And I call people like your pastor "lukewarm" and not followers of Christ at all. Christianity is not about marketing itself based on popular polling.

Ok, cool. I’ll make sure to let him know.

My pastor has actually baptized hundreds of people, but maybe you’re right. I can’t say that I understand what you’re trying to accomplish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think the Bible is divinely inspired but I do not take it literally, like many Christians. Many of the stories in the Bible are a product of their time and place, which is thousands of years ago in the Middle East.

- I disagree. I take Bible as the Living Word of God. Not a metaphor.

I don’t worry about eternity because I try to live the way I think is right. I see no reason to worry if my conscience is clear and I am right with God.

- I disagree. I worry about eternity because there is no other place but eternity for my spirit. I strive to dwell in presence of God in eternity. This life is just a blip in eternity. While having clear conscious is great I also need time and place for Jesus Christ on daily basis. If I don't find time for Him on daily basis He will not find time for me in eternity. And rightfully so.

You can judge that if you want but I will warn you that I have actually read the Bible in its entirety many, many times, and that I believe what I do for a reason.

- It's not my place to judge you for anything. Only God can do that. I am having a conversation with you.

Ok. You take the Bible literally, and you worry about eternity. If that is helpful to you, more power to you. What are you trying to convince me of?

Your way is not the only way. Other people will choose a different path, and that’s ok.

Correct. But nobody made you join the discussion. You are merely offended others are discussing.

Did I break into your house and force you to read the thread?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But... I don't want eternal life.

You are singularly simple-minded, OP.

That’s your choice.

Are you religious for other reasons, then?

I don’t see much kindness and acceptance coming from you, and wonder if you dislike and disparage those who have different value systems than you do?

Let me explain it to you, then
I am allergic to people like OP. I like decent people who mind their own business.
My parents come from opposite ends of the earth and each come from a different culture, language and religions.
I was exposed to different denominations of Christianity, as well as my other parent's religions (plural!). The history of religions is a fascinating study.
I have lived, and have family, on several different continents.

I find we all get along best when no one urges one's beliefs on others. Because at the end of the day, we all strive to be good people. You don't need to box yourself into a specific religion to be a good person, and you don't need to worry about continuation after death if you are a good person. Good doesn't mean obeying the strictures of your church, I hope you can understand this one day.

You choosing to read a thread and comment is me urging my beliefs upon you?

If you don’t like it, ignore it. It is a religious discussion forum. Should I abstain from expressing my faith because you don’t agree?

You are self-centered and narcissistic.

Ha ha ha! That's rich, coming from the original author of thread.

(Go ahead and insult me all you want. I don't mind at all.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think the Bible is divinely inspired but I do not take it literally, like many Christians. Many of the stories in the Bible are a product of their time and place, which is thousands of years ago in the Middle East.

- I disagree. I take Bible as the Living Word of God. Not a metaphor.

I don’t worry about eternity because I try to live the way I think is right. I see no reason to worry if my conscience is clear and I am right with God.

- I disagree. I worry about eternity because there is no other place but eternity for my spirit. I strive to dwell in presence of God in eternity. This life is just a blip in eternity. While having clear conscious is great I also need time and place for Jesus Christ on daily basis. If I don't find time for Him on daily basis He will not find time for me in eternity. And rightfully so.

You can judge that if you want but I will warn you that I have actually read the Bible in its entirety many, many times, and that I believe what I do for a reason.

- It's not my place to judge you for anything. Only God can do that. I am having a conversation with you.

Ok. You take the Bible literally, and you worry about eternity. If that is helpful to you, more power to you. What are you trying to convince me of?

Your way is not the only way. Other people will choose a different path, and that’s ok.

I am not trying to convince you of anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pastor calls things like OP’s post “Christianese,” or stuff Christians say to other Christians to make themselves feel good. No one who isn’t Christian is going to find the idea of Jesus paying your “sin-debt” compelling. People feel like they have more pressing issues, like how to feel peace, be a good person, etc. And sadly, they are so turned off by people like OP that they never see that the love of Jesus can do amazing things in your life, the one you are living right now.

NP. And I call people like your pastor "lukewarm" and not followers of Christ at all. Christianity is not about marketing itself based on popular polling.

Ok, cool. I’ll make sure to let him know.

My pastor has actually baptized hundreds of people, but maybe you’re right. I can’t say that I understand what you’re trying to accomplish.

Discussing my beliefs? Forbidden, apparently. What’s good for discussion here? Do you have a personal list we all must follow?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But... I don't want eternal life.

You are singularly simple-minded, OP.

That’s your choice.

Are you religious for other reasons, then?

I don’t see much kindness and acceptance coming from you, and wonder if you dislike and disparage those who have different value systems than you do?

Let me explain it to you, then
I am allergic to people like OP. I like decent people who mind their own business.
My parents come from opposite ends of the earth and each come from a different culture, language and religions.
I was exposed to different denominations of Christianity, as well as my other parent's religions (plural!). The history of religions is a fascinating study.
I have lived, and have family, on several different continents.

I find we all get along best when no one urges one's beliefs on others. Because at the end of the day, we all strive to be good people. You don't need to box yourself into a specific religion to be a good person, and you don't need to worry about continuation after death if you are a good person. Good doesn't mean obeying the strictures of your church, I hope you can understand this one day.

You choosing to read a thread and comment is me urging my beliefs upon you?

If you don’t like it, ignore it. It is a religious discussion forum. Should I abstain from expressing my faith because you don’t agree?

You are self-centered and narcissistic.

How is calling this poster names going to bring him closer to Christ? What are you accomplishing pp? People have a right to an opinion about Christianity different from yours. You should be able to defend your faith on the merits without calling names.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But... I don't want eternal life.

You are singularly simple-minded, OP.

That’s your choice.

Are you religious for other reasons, then?

I don’t see much kindness and acceptance coming from you, and wonder if you dislike and disparage those who have different value systems than you do?

Let me explain it to you, then
I am allergic to people like OP. I like decent people who mind their own business.
My parents come from opposite ends of the earth and each come from a different culture, language and religions.
I was exposed to different denominations of Christianity, as well as my other parent's religions (plural!). The history of religions is a fascinating study.
I have lived, and have family, on several different continents.

I find we all get along best when no one urges one's beliefs on others. Because at the end of the day, we all strive to be good people. You don't need to box yourself into a specific religion to be a good person, and you don't need to worry about continuation after death if you are a good person. Good doesn't mean obeying the strictures of your church, I hope you can understand this one day.

You choosing to read a thread and comment is me urging my beliefs upon you?

If you don’t like it, ignore it. It is a religious discussion forum. Should I abstain from expressing my faith because you don’t agree?

You are self-centered and narcissistic.

Ha ha ha! That's rich, coming from the original author of thread.

(Go ahead and insult me all you want. I don't mind at all.)

I don’t need your permission to discuss my beliefs. If you don’t like it, ignore it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But... I don't want eternal life.

You are singularly simple-minded, OP.

That’s your choice.

Are you religious for other reasons, then?

I don’t see much kindness and acceptance coming from you, and wonder if you dislike and disparage those who have different value systems than you do?

Let me explain it to you, then
I am allergic to people like OP. I like decent people who mind their own business.
My parents come from opposite ends of the earth and each come from a different culture, language and religions.
I was exposed to different denominations of Christianity, as well as my other parent's religions (plural!). The history of religions is a fascinating study.
I have lived, and have family, on several different continents.

I find we all get along best when no one urges one's beliefs on others. Because at the end of the day, we all strive to be good people. You don't need to box yourself into a specific religion to be a good person, and you don't need to worry about continuation after death if you are a good person. Good doesn't mean obeying the strictures of your church, I hope you can understand this one day.

You choosing to read a thread and comment is me urging my beliefs upon you?

If you don’t like it, ignore it. It is a religious discussion forum. Should I abstain from expressing my faith because you don’t agree?

You are self-centered and narcissistic.

How is calling this poster names going to bring him closer to Christ? What are you accomplishing pp? People have a right to an opinion about Christianity different from yours. You should be able to defend your faith on the merits without calling names.

I should be free to discuss my faith. Those that don’t agree are not being forced to read, believe, or agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pastor calls things like OP’s post “Christianese,” or stuff Christians say to other Christians to make themselves feel good. No one who isn’t Christian is going to find the idea of Jesus paying your “sin-debt” compelling. People feel like they have more pressing issues, like how to feel peace, be a good person, etc. And sadly, they are so turned off by people like OP that they never see that the love of Jesus can do amazing things in your life, the one you are living right now.

NP. And I call people like your pastor "lukewarm" and not followers of Christ at all. Christianity is not about marketing itself based on popular polling.

Ok, cool. I’ll make sure to let him know.

My pastor has actually baptized hundreds of people, but maybe you’re right. I can’t say that I understand what you’re trying to accomplish.

Discussing my beliefs? Forbidden, apparently. What’s good for discussion here? Do you have a personal list we all must follow?

How is calling my pastor “lukewarm” discussing YOUR beliefs? Are you the same person who called the other poster a narcissist? You can be mean if you want but it’s not going to be a good discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pastor calls things like OP’s post “Christianese,” or stuff Christians say to other Christians to make themselves feel good. No one who isn’t Christian is going to find the idea of Jesus paying your “sin-debt” compelling. People feel like they have more pressing issues, like how to feel peace, be a good person, etc. And sadly, they are so turned off by people like OP that they never see that the love of Jesus can do amazing things in your life, the one you are living right now.

NP. And I call people like your pastor "lukewarm" and not followers of Christ at all. Christianity is not about marketing itself based on popular polling.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pastor calls things like OP’s post “Christianese,” or stuff Christians say to other Christians to make themselves feel good. No one who isn’t Christian is going to find the idea of Jesus paying your “sin-debt” compelling. People feel like they have more pressing issues, like how to feel peace, be a good person, etc. And sadly, they are so turned off by people like OP that they never see that the love of Jesus can do amazing things in your life, the one you are living right now.

NP. And I call people like your pastor "lukewarm" and not followers of Christ at all. Christianity is not about marketing itself based on popular polling.

Ok, cool. I’ll make sure to let him know.

My pastor has actually baptized hundreds of people, but maybe you’re right. I can’t say that I understand what you’re trying to accomplish.

Baptized hundreds of people? So have a lot of other so-called pastors who have perverted God's word to their own personal gain and liking.

[Anonymous]

Let's all calm down please. This is clearly an important topic but let's not get nasty like people on politics thread are. There is no need for that.