One thing that has always puzzled me about christianity (and most monotheistic religions) is the fact that faith is necessary for salvation. That, to me, seems more vainglorious than anything else. Why does it matter what you believe in if you live your life well and treat others with respect? Shouldn't a benevolent God recognize good people regardless of their spiritual stance?

---

Salvation happens by a person believing in a certain religion, and that religion have a set of guiding rules that the believer abides, those rules reflects the religions general (or not) concept of what's good and what's bad, or in other words what's right and what's wrong, and thus what will lead to salvation and what will not. I tried to reason it for you the best I could. I'm surprised this thread has no replies so far. 

---

"snowstone" wrote:

Salvation happens by a person believing in a certain religion, and that religion have a set of guiding rules that the believer abides, those rules reflects the religions general (or not) concept of what's good and what's bad, or in other words what's right and what's wrong, and thus what will lead to salvation and what will not. I tried to reason it for you the best I could.

I understand this, but according to christian scripture, everyone is a "christian" (Under the jurisdiction of God) whether they want it or not. So why does the abrahamic God demand worship instead of judging people based on their personal merit?

---

"Kerpele" wrote:

"snowstone" wrote:

Salvation happens by a person believing in a certain religion, and that religion have a set of guiding rules that the believer abides, those rules reflects the religions general (or not) concept of what's good and what's bad, or in other words what's right and what's wrong, and thus what will lead to salvation and what will not. I tried to reason it for you the best I could.

I understand this, but according to christian scripture, everyone is a "christian" (Under the jurisdiction of God) whether they want it or not. So why does the abrahamic God demand worship instead of judging people based on their personal merit?

Yes, I believe that according to the Abrahamic religions-not just Christianity- everyone will be accountable for their actions according to the religions scripture.  I'm not sure what do you mean, do you mean why shouldn't the judging be according to the judged person's standard of merit? 

---

"Kerpele" wrote:

"snowstone" wrote:

Salvation happens by a person believing in a certain religion, and that religion have a set of guiding rules that the believer abides, those rules reflects the religions general (or not) concept of what's good and what's bad, or in other words what's right and what's wrong, and thus what will lead to salvation and what will not. I tried to reason it for you the best I could.

I understand this, but according to christian scripture, everyone is a "christian" (Under the jurisdiction of God) whether they want it or not. So why does the abrahamic God demand worship instead of judging people based on their personal merit?

We are all Children of God, not Christians, because being Chrisitan means your saved. 1. Its not a demand, if it was, it wouldnt be free will now would it? 2. Do you think a Judge in a courtroom should dictate a persons sentence by pennants or alms?

---

"AlphaT" wrote:

We are all Children of God, not Christians, because being Chrisitan means your saved. 1. Its not a demand, if it was, it wouldnt be free will now would it? 2. Do you think a Judge in a courtroom should dictate a persons sentence by pennants or alms?

1.) Free will that is limited to two choices is not very free at all. (Worship God or suffer for eternity) 2.) No, but I think he should judge based on the crimes, not whether the criminal has faith in the justice system or not.

"snowstone" wrote:

Yes, I believe that according to the Abrahamic religions-not just Christianity- everyone will be accountable for their actions according to the religions scripture. I'm not sure what do you mean, do you mean why shouldn't the judging be according to the judged person's standard of merit?

I mean that if a person without faith leads a life that could be seen as good, even by religious standards and his only fault was the lack of faith, why does that erase all of the good?

---

@Kereple 1. Sin's price is death....there is no other way to be redeemed except by Jesus, so yea its completely fair. 2. So...because a serial killer gave 5 bucks in the offering plate last sunday he should be let go with nothing charged agaist him? Because that would erase all his good, right?

---

"AlphaT" wrote:

@Kereple 1. Sin's price is death....there is no other way to be redeemed except by Jesus, so yea its completely fair. 2. So...because a serial killer gave 5 bucks in the offering plate last sunday he should be let go with nothing charged agaist him? Because that would erase all his good, right?

1.) And yet, a simple apology will absolve you of sin, further emboldening the vanity of God. 2.) Nothing of the sort was implied. A serial killer should be judged according to his crimes. But what about a regular person who has never hurt anyone, but doesn't believe in God? Is it right to damn such a person based on his (lack of) faith? And if so, can we truly call a being who torments people for eternity based on such petty things benevolent and loving?

---

"Kerpele" wrote:

"AlphaT" wrote:

@Kereple 1. Sin's price is death....there is no other way to be redeemed except by Jesus, so yea its completely fair. 2. So...because a serial killer gave 5 bucks in the offering plate last sunday he should be let go with nothing charged agaist him? Because that would erase all his good, right?

1.) And yet, a simple apology will absolve you of sin, further emboldening the vanity of God. 2.) Nothing of the sort was implied. A serial killer should be judged according to his crimes. But what about a regular person who has never hurt anyone, but doesn't believe in God? Is it right to damn such a person based on his (lack of) faith? And if so, can we truly call a being who torments people for eternity based on such petty things benevolent and loving?

1. No, Paul warns of those people who say God, I have Prayed your Prayer, why can I not be let into heaven? You see, Christianity is a life commitment, not just something you do for two hours on Sundays.....in order for you to go to heaven, you gotta have your salvation. 2. I ask you this, has this individual ever lied?

---

"AlphaT" wrote:

1. No, Paul warns of those people who say God, I have Prayed your Prayer, why can I not be let into heaven? You see, Christianity is a life commitment, not just something you do for two hours on Sundays.....in order for you to go to heaven, you gotta have your salvation. 2. I ask you this, has this individual ever lied?

1.) That might be, but it is clearly outlined in scripture that all sin, no matter how dire, can be washed away just by accepting Jesus. So in essence, God is willing to excuse mass murderers over someone who has told a few white lies just because they have faith. 2.) I counter that question with one of my own. Is lying always malicious in nature? What if you lie to save lives?

---