@ghost-of-a-duke saidBut in this scenario, God has proven Himself to be true. It's no longer a case of faith or man manufacturing Him.
If the person was of sound mind they would surely recognise that such a God, who would burn people alive for not believing in Him, was clearly the manufacture of flawed human beings trying to scare people into belief. Such a person should abandon that particular faith, not evangelise others to join.
If God proved Himself to be true and real, it's doubtful that we would judge His rules.
-Removed-If I knew for certain that a building was on fire and those inside would burn if they didn't get out, I would clearly do everything in my power to get them to recognize the reality of the danger and act accordingly.
I dislike the scenario as you present it as it presupposes the existence of a God who would want to burn disbelievers alive for eternity, which I believe is incompatible with the notion of a God (especially the God of Christianity).
@chaney3 saidIf a God proved He/She existed I would still not blindly follow the reasoning that it was okay to burn non-believers alive for all eternity. (I would require a pretty good explanation).
But in this scenario, God has proven Himself to be true. It's no longer a case of faith or man manufacturing Him.
If God proved Himself to be true and real, it's doubtful that we would judge His rules.
This I think is where theist morality breaks down, as part of their morality is handed over to an external power (God). - This feeds into my recent discussion with Rajk about good people being capable of doing evil things when done so in the name of God. A 'good' atheist (law-abiding, caring) wouldn't readily go around murdering people as his morality is governed internally and by his own conscience. A 'good' theist, however (law-abiding, caring) might be minded to kill people if he/she was convinced that is what their God wanted. They are not entirely in control of their moral compass.
-Removed-I'll refer you to FMF's initial reply:
'This is not a question an atheist can answer. Pardon me, but it reminds me of a question dj2becker once asked me: [my paraphrasing...] "If you believed in God and knew that everything taught about God was true, what justification would you have for continuing to be an atheist?"
-Removed-Caveat: a warning of specific stipulations, conditions or limitations.
In the Bible version of God/Jesus, the caveat is that one must BELIEVE it's all true in order to get to Heaven.
I personally don't know if I can believe that, which puts me at odds with Christianity, so I can probably not answer your scenario correctly.
@ghost-of-a-duke saidIt would seem logical that if humans have a good moral code to live by, then their Creator would also have good morals, and likely perfect.
If a God proved He/She existed I would still not blindly follow the reasoning that it was okay to burn non-believers alive for all eternity. (I would require a pretty good explanation).
This I think is where theist morality breaks down, as part of their morality is handed over to an external power (God). - This feeds into my recent discussion with Rajk about good p ...[text shortened]... as convinced that is what their God wanted. They are not entirely in control of their moral compass.
The Bible contradicts that logical conclusion though. I wish it didn't.
@chaney3 saidDo you think that an ant can understand and appreciate all the things you do and why?
It would seem logical that if humans have a good moral code to live by, then their Creator would also have good morals, and likely perfect.
The Bible contradicts that logical conclusion though. I wish it didn't.
@chaney3 saidNobody goes to hell for eternity. That punishment is reserved for the Devil, the False Prophet and the Beast. Ordinary people who are evil will be cast into the lake of fire and destroyed.
Just you asking that question proposes that you have no problem with God putting people in hell..... people that He supposedly loves.
There is no record of the bible stating that God loves everybody. However there are many references to God loving the righteous and hating the sinful and evil people.
Your problem is that you have believed too much church doctrines and have neglected to read the bible for yourself.