Originally posted by checkbaiterCompletely agree!
I believe there is a lake of fire, but it has nothing to do with my purpose here on earth.
If your purpose here on earth is only to avoid the Lake of fire, it is a lame reason for existence.
We are here to love and praise God and his son Jesus.
The word church(ecclisastes) means a group called out for a specific purpose. It is not about a man made building.
We are supposed to fellowship with other believers, if that is what you mean.
Kelly
Originally posted by pete3246I agree that there is no purpose except for what we invent.
There isn't a purpose. We are star dust and will always be star dust. Our conciousness will return to where it was prior to being born. I find so much comfort in that!
As to the rest of your post I get where you're going but it's hard finding the right words [ for the whole audience ].
Thanks all the same ;/
Originally posted by whodeyAs for hell; there is a hell. But the purpose is not to attain being part of it, rather to be with the Father.
For those who don't think there is a hell, what purpose does life have on earth today? Is there no purpose? Will we all wind up the same in the next life?
Also, for those who don't attend church. When Jesus said that he would build his church, what was he talking about? If he was talking about an actual organized body, why do you not attend church? If it is not an organized body of believers, what was Jesus talking about?
What Jesus is talking about is two fold. One is in giving to Peter the keys of His church, the physical church. And two, the building of His church is the spiritual church - example in scripture is where he says," I am the vine and you are the branches."
Of the questions themselves, I thought they were good questions.
I think a question that might be asked is; in attending church (a physical church) do you find God there? I think for some, the real church comes from helping others. Or maybe helping others can be focal point of the church itself.
Originally posted by lemon limeThere are plenty of consequences of being evil [good], completely regardless of whether or not hell [heaven] is a fantasy.
Why would anyone need to choose between good and evil if there is no consequence for being evil?
Unless you're under 10 years old, questions like this are indicative of stunted moral development.
Originally posted by LemonJelloSo you say until you stand before the Creator. It is a familiar statement, but you'll be thankful when you realize in God's great mercy, He Too has a good sense of humor.
There are plenty of consequences of being evil [good], completely regardless of whether or not hell [heaven] is a fantasy.
Unless you're under 10 years old, questions like this are indicative of stunted moral development.
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Originally posted by PudgenikIf you want me to take seriously the idea that there is such a creator, then you need to give me evidential reasons that make such an idea credible, not silly threats. Similarly, I do not need threats of punishment or promises of reward in order to understand the value of good actions over evil ones. Unlike you and lemon lime, I have outgrown such childish modes of deliberation.
So you say until you stand before the Creator. It is a familiar statement, but you'll be thankful when you realize in God's great mercy, He Too has a good sense of humor.
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Originally posted by AgergUnfortunately for many people empathy is only a concept. But even for those who have boat loads of empathy it hasn't proven to be much of a driving force to stave off evil... if it were then there would be little need for protection and prisons.
There is this concept known as empathy
Empathy and good intentions often go hand in hand. Have you ever had to protect yourself or your children from someone who had boat loads of 'empathy' and 'good intentions'? I have.
Originally posted by lemon limeWhat effect on the "need for protection and prisons" do you think the threat of "Hell" has or has had [as a purported "consequence for being evil"]?
Unfortunately for many people empathy is only a concept. But even for those who have boat loads of empathy it hasn't proven to be much of a driving force to stave off evil... if it were then there would be little need for protection and prisons.
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Originally posted by LemonJelloSaying "There are plenty of consequences of being evil..." doesn't answer my question. My question was "Why would anyone need to choose between good and evil if there is no consequence for being evil?" Not why would anyone choose, but why would anyone need to choose.
There are plenty of consequences of being evil [good], completely regardless of whether or not hell [heaven] is a fantasy.
Unless you're under 10 years old, questions like this are indicative of stunted moral development.
I'm assuming you are older than 10... ?
Originally posted by FMFA consequence isn't a threat. If you are told of the consequences of jumping out of an airplane without a parachute, that's not a threat. And it's not necessarily a warning either, so do as you please.
What effect on the "need for protection and prisons" do you think the threat of "Hell" has or has had [as a purported "consequence for being evil"]?
Originally posted by lemon limeBut "Jumping out of an airplane without a parachute" is something real. Your belief that 'going to Hell' is "the consequence of being evil" is a mere threat because neither you ~ nor the person you might seek to threaten with the notion ~ can establish that the "consequence" is anything other than an idea you have. Planes, parachutes, and the ground are not ideas or notions or beliefs.
A consequence isn't a threat. If you are told of the consequences of jumping out of an airplane without a parachute, that's not a threat. And it's not necessarily a warning either, so do as you please.
Originally posted by FMFLike I said...
But "Jumping out of an airplane without a parachute" is something real. Your belief that 'going to Hell' is "the consequence of being evil" is a mere threat because neither you ~ nor the person you might seek to threaten with the notion ~ can establish that the "consequence" is anything other than an idea you have. Planes, parachutes, and the ground are not ideas or notions or beliefs.
Do as you please.
I wonder what Jonah said before he left Nineveh