But the truth seems to be different for some and nobody can say for a fact what is the truth in religion.
It seems back in medieval times Christianity went through many changes. It had to in order to survive. People were "dropping out" because the pope decreed everything to be sinful and therefore you were doomed. Somewhere along the way, it became possible for you to purchase your "salvation". I'm not sure where we stand now. Some are still big on tithing, baptism is a must, for Catholics, the pope is infallible, and the list of do's and do not's is never ending. We're almost back to "everything is a sin, and you're doomed no matter what".
Also, one more question.... What about the person that is religious and accepts Jesus as his savior but is someone that really isn't living a good and honest life though they probably justify their actions in their mind....is that person going go heaven? Plenty of those type of people in the world. Did Tammy Faye Baker go to heaven? This should have been post # 92 but I forgot to hit reply.
According to Christian beliefs, yes. You can't believe that the words of the New Testament are inspired by God and believe differently, at least not without swallowing a lot of contradictions. That's not a desire on our part, but a belief. I'm sure that people of other religions believe differently.
So people with different religious beliefs will still go to heaven, if they truly believe? Are there different Gods, or One God that has different rules for different groups? Here is what I believe and it's very simple. I was baptized catholic and had some catholic training but have strayed. I'm a decent human being and have been my whole life. If there is a God, I believe it to be the one I was introduced to as a Catholic. Even though the bible shows otherwise sometimes, my God is a just God and if there is a heaven, I will be there. Because the God I believe in knows my heart and all my actions and thoughts. Actions speak louder than words and all the preaching in the world won't help you if you are a bad person.
Of course people in other religions believe differently, but if you are right that the only way to heaven is through Jesus then it doesn't matter what others believe. On the other hand, if I am right and there is no god then it doesn't matter what you believe.
If you are right, and there is no god, then I will have nevertheless lived a life that I was proud of, and died with the hope of salvation after death. If there is no life after death, then I will not feel disappointment over having been wrong. However, if I am right, and there is a God, then your disbelief isn't going to make Him go away.
We will all find out when we die. I don't live my life the way I do because I fear going to hell or hope that I go to heaven. I live it this way because that's just the way I was raised and how I feel about things as I've gone through life. I'm far from perfect and I've lied plenty of times for various reasons,had some not so nice thoughts but for the most part I've tried to be a good person because of my children and it was just the right way for me.
I too have lived a life I am proud of but for different reasons maybe, but if there is a God, I believe I too will be saved. Though "saved" isn't a word that I would use.
Believe it or not, George Carlin said something very very similar not long before he died. I found it extremely refreshing that someone who was so down on everything nearing an established belief for most of his career would suddenly get on board and vocalize his "new" thought pattern to the entire public. Great answer Ken!
I don't want anyone's belief to go away if that's what you believe. I'm just saying I'm not sure if your belief is right, or anybody's For that matter. You're basing it on information that has been modified over time. You can't even be sure it won't change down the road. Read this and tell me things aren't changed to suit the times. http://www.cuf.org/2013/01/what-does-consubstantial-mean-and-why-is-it-in-our-creed/ These changes have been made to the Nicene Creed. There shouldn't be changes made in something that was supposedly true from the beginning. The word of God has been changed and manipulated to fit the times.
I also don't understand why you would believe that your religion is the way to heaven or salvation. What made you decide that is was truer than other faiths? The Catholic Church is older than most of these new Christian religions that have sprung up over the years and this is what you should believe if you want life everlasting. The newer version of the apostles creed. I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen This to me and all Catholics is the road to salvation. I'm not a devout catholic anymore but I can't understand why Other religions don't see this as the right way and if majority rules...the majority of Christians are Catholic. There's plenty wrong in the Catholic Church also and I tend to believe that religion is man made, mainly because of all these inconsistencies in religions and mostly because of science. All I want to do is die peacefully in my sleep, doesn't really matter to me if there s life everlasting or just nothing, the way it was before I was born. I just hope reincarnation is not an option....my least favorite belief. I don't want to come back as anything or anyone else....I'm done here. this was a good life and my next life might not be so great.
Good post Chrissy. I question why Christians keep saying there is only one god. . For those of you who believe the bible you should know the bible clearly speaks of many gods. That is the reason the god of the Jews forbade them from worshiping other gods. Maybe other gods have their own heaven for non Jews.