christianity, afterlife, and original sin

[nativeastral]

l had no idea judaism had prelife belief, though was aware of the ‘legroom’ allowed- now being seen more among christianity [indicative of younger religions catching up in an evolutionary fashion like as you say to survive]. dont know if you get channel 4 online but theres been a good series on the history of christianity, the last presented by tony blairs wife cherie on the ‘bad’ state of churchgoing in the west with the exception of the united states who now have more and more mall type ‘mega’ assembly halls with no particular iconography so interfaith marriage partners/casual dress is acceptable to all; she ends by reiterating that the form/function and particularly patriarchal attitude [expressed & maintained within the ancient architecture of britain] is alienating, particularly for females/families [though as a catholic she was engaging with women within the context of the contraceptive/aids issue].

[maxtormaxtor]

@xzc

maxtormaxtor,

So what if God communicates with you? Don’t you still need to have some motivation to transform yourself from an original sin stained man to something else?

If God spoke to me, a person stained by original sin, and said, “Behold my son, I am really really real,” and then continued by saying, “I am here to ask of you to follow these set of laws, which are totally hard to follow. If you follow them, you won’t get any pleasure out of it, and your life will probably suck, because you’ll have to be poor, and not fight for your life or your family’s life when they’re endangered. Oh, and I don’t want you just dragging your feet while doing this. I want you to transform yourself into a person who gets sincere enjoyment out of it.”–I’d tell God, “Why in the fuck would I go to the trouble of doing that? I like what I’m doing now. It brings me happiness while still alive.” I’d say that because I’m a typical non-christian, you understand, and because there would really be no reason for me to start living in this completely different way if I didn’t stand to win or lose something. And God would end up by saying, “…or else.” And then we’re back to my problem.

Basically, even if you hear voices in your head, you still need some motivation to transform yourself from the type of person who enjoys the things an original sin stained man would to the type of person who enjoys the things talked about by Jesus.

A god without the, “…or else” would quickly be ignored, and not without good reason.

p.s. Welcome to the boards. I’m honored that you made your first post in my topic.

p.p.s. Pav, I concur.

xzc,
Here is our quandary.

1. One can assume that God is real and subsequently ask Questions concerning faith and salvation in an attempt to reconcile ones understanding to the ‘BIBLE’.

2. Or, one can assume that God isnt real and subsequently ask Questions concerning faith and salvation in an attempt to discredit the ‘Bible’.

What you are doing is an impossible mix of the two. You want to assume that the Bible is the truth and then in turn are wanting to reconcile the Bible to YOUR fleshly understanding. Which isnt possible. Christian doctrine is only obligated to agree with itself and not extra biblical falsehoods.

Again, it is not according to Gods children that they believe but a gift of God. Additionally, a Christian life is not void of joy and happiness as you suppose. A Godly way of life is about joy, peace and that which is beneficial and lasting. While the way of the world is to seek that which is temporal, quick, titillating and exciting.
As a Christian I find fulfillment and happiness in much simpler things. Family, involvement with various charitable causes and the like. I’m a home body. I keep with my family and we find joy in very simple past times.
God bless you and maybe you will find Christ as I have.
A parting quote from scripture regarding Jesus’s suffering for you and I both.

Isaiah 52:14
Just as there were many who were appalled at him (Jesus) — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—