This is directly to those who strictly follow a certain religion, other may join in if they wish too.

Lets assume someone follows the jewish faith to the letter. Do they really beieve that someone outside their faith who leads a morally good life and who truly helps others and does little wrong will have to suffer some sort of negative consequence since they didnt practice judiasm. Would they believe someone like the pope or a mother theresa will not go to 'heaven'.

You can replace judiasm with any religion in this example. My point is do you really have to follow a certain religion to reap some sort of peace in the afterlife. I want to believe that all that really matters is if you live a morally good life and try to make this world a better place.

mcre,

quote:

Originally posted by mcre:
[qb]I want to believe that all that really matters is if you live a morally good life and try to make this world a better place.[/qb]

Thats exactly the way i see it. I highly doubt that there is someone up there sorting out all of these religions saying "Oh shes going to hell, hes not, he is, shes not"....lol Take care!

Doyle

quote:

Originally posted by mcre:
[qb]I want to believe that all that really matters is if you live a morally good life and try to make this world a better place.[/qb]

If you want to believe this, then that's what you should believe.

Doylie LMAO hon! Good one!

I don't believe in "religion" but rather "relationship" with God.
I believe everything is based on the personal relationship we have with God not how good we follow all the rules.

There is peace for those that receive it. Peace comes when one understands that we are incapable of "perfection" even in our spiritual life and knowing that God loves and forgives unconditionally each and every moment of every day that we live.

mcre,
I was born Jewish and raised Christain/Jewish through most of the years that I can remember. I was torn between religions and had a lot of anxiety because of it. Actually that is where I pinpoint my anxiety to begin, around 12 years of age.
Well, I am fairly young now, 21. So far from experiencing both religions I have concluded that the only thing I know for sure is that I don't and will never know everything.
However, it seems to me that all "religions" are for the most part directed towards the greater good and that ALL of them will get you to the same place.
It also appears that every religion was created by very intelligent people who were able to bring about control and a reason of existence to its followers.
But it also seems that some religions are now playing with the idea of fear...(hell)...and that seems to act as a control buffer for the followers, preventing them from exiting that religion and seeking out another form of faith for further self growth and development.

So, in conclusion. From what I gather so far is that all of the religions we have answer life-relating questions. Most of the religions we have provide for the greater good of an individual and the world population in general. Most of the religions have a method of controling an individual so that he/she remains true to that religions. And that most of the religions claim that they are the sole word of God.
Its amazing how many wars we had over religions, how many people died because of or for their beliefs. (Dating all the way from the Holy War that the Arab people of certain nations have declared recently to the Nazi persecution of Jewish people, all the way back to the Cruisades, and many others in between and before hand.)

We all more likely than not are going to the same place. Be it heaven or just an energy. But the concept of Hell should be dropped as a fairy tale in between the pages of a story book.

Next time I'm filling out a form that asks for my religion I'm definetly gonna write "Jedi Knight" from Star Wars...LOL, not that Im a follower, but just for kicks.

Take care,
Mike

Hi Mcre,
You are asking an excellant and fequently asked question. Jesus Christ supplies the answer at Matthew 7:21-23. You may also want to take into account the proceeding verses that clearly explain what is required of us. Verses 13-20.

I know that it takes time to look up the chapter. But I think it would be better that Christ and not I answer your question. If I have a little time later I might reply longer. And if you do look up the scripture I would be interested in your thoughts.

Interesting thread.
Wishing you well as I appreciated the previous opportunity I could discuss God with you.
Victoria