The trouble with this idea is that it cuts both ways. If, as we can clearly say, we are all sinners and none of us deserves heaven -- eternal reward, I can just as easily say -- what has any man done, that warrants eternal punishment. If, has he says, there's no real difference between the worst and the best, we're all equally bad -- the "playing field is evil" - then how to we judge any of that to be deserving of a "just infinite punishment" simply for the *one decision* of not accepting God?
I don't presume to know Gandhi's or Bundy's hearts. And I think Christianity cautions us from thinking that direction. After all, that thought process involves judgment of someone else; and that's God's job. Not mine.
I have faith that God is perfectly just. And that justice is based in an enormous Love that we cannot fathom from our vantage points.
You should read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. It may surprise you that a Christian could view the afterlife in the way Lewis does.
If we're all on the same level as a murderer, then evil has been trivialized and Christian theology has eliminated the notion of justice in the afterlife.
It doesn't matter what sin a person has committed, God wants to reconcile with that person. If a sinner CHOOSES to turn to God, God will cover that sinner in His love and accept the sinner. In the afterlife, the murdered and the murderer will be equally thankful for God's mercy and love.
And if the murdered isn't saved, but the murderer is? I was mistaken - that's not justice eliminated - it's justice turned on its head. Ted Bundy - a serial killer who strangled and murdered dozens of young women - was saved by Jesus before his execution. Gandhi was not. To morally equate Gandhi and Bundy is monstrous. To claim that Bundy has eternal life in heaven, but Gandhi doesn't, is insane. The bottom line is that Christian theologically punishes only one crime: not being a Christian.
petting zoo, i feel you have the love concept down yet are swayed against God/Jesus because of the horrible job american christians have done at showing christ
The truth Is Jesus is the only way to get to heaven but, but Jesus can be found through a million different ways as well as he finds you through a million diff ways, Jesus is more than just a historical figure, He is our transfomative process into God's Love. Whos to say that Christ doesnt meet those who do have truly love on there hearts between this life and the next.
Only God in his just self can tell a persons heart and I guarantee He will save them, Remember that Jesus Died for the sins of the world so just like Greg says were all level its just a matter of excepting God's Love or not, which was supremely demonstrated through Christ Jesus
Most Christians I discuss this with in person (in the USA) and online hold to a more rigid view about salvation: if during your life you don't call out to Jesus (specifically by name) to repent and get saved, then heaven is a complete impossibility for you - and according to many, hell is certain as well. For them I think my objection is devastating. But I know many who also view this as you do, and for you and those who believe similar variants, my objection of "failed justice" doesn't apply.
I should say that the place Boyd gets to - forgiveness, appreciation for what we have and that we're all flawed, universal love, etc - is the best part of Christianity. The rationale he uses to get there I obviously consider terrible, but the final destination is great.
The trouble with this idea is that it cuts both ways. If, as we can clearly say, we are all sinners and none of us deserves heaven -- eternal reward, I can just as easily say -- what has any man done, that warrants eternal punishment. If, has he says, there's no real difference between the worst and the best, we're all equally bad -- the "playing field is evil" - then how to we judge any of that to be deserving of a "just infinite punishment" simply for the *one decision* of not accepting God?
prodprod 1 year ago
I don't presume to know Gandhi's or Bundy's hearts. And I think Christianity cautions us from thinking that direction. After all, that thought process involves judgment of someone else; and that's God's job. Not mine.
I have faith that God is perfectly just. And that justice is based in an enormous Love that we cannot fathom from our vantage points.
You should read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. It may surprise you that a Christian could view the afterlife in the way Lewis does.
deepcoffee 3 years ago
If we're all on the same level as a murderer, then evil has been trivialized and Christian theology has eliminated the notion of justice in the afterlife.
VeryEvilPettingZoo 3 years ago
hey there, PettingZoo,
It doesn't matter what sin a person has committed, God wants to reconcile with that person. If a sinner CHOOSES to turn to God, God will cover that sinner in His love and accept the sinner. In the afterlife, the murdered and the murderer will be equally thankful for God's mercy and love.
deepcoffee 3 years ago
And if the murdered isn't saved, but the murderer is? I was mistaken - that's not justice eliminated - it's justice turned on its head. Ted Bundy - a serial killer who strangled and murdered dozens of young women - was saved by Jesus before his execution. Gandhi was not. To morally equate Gandhi and Bundy is monstrous. To claim that Bundy has eternal life in heaven, but Gandhi doesn't, is insane. The bottom line is that Christian theologically punishes only one crime: not being a Christian.
VeryEvilPettingZoo 3 years ago
petting zoo, i feel you have the love concept down yet are swayed against God/Jesus because of the horrible job american christians have done at showing christ
mattychristo 2 years ago
The truth Is Jesus is the only way to get to heaven but, but Jesus can be found through a million different ways as well as he finds you through a million diff ways, Jesus is more than just a historical figure, He is our transfomative process into God's Love. Whos to say that Christ doesnt meet those who do have truly love on there hearts between this life and the next.
mattychristo 2 years ago
Only God in his just self can tell a persons heart and I guarantee He will save them, Remember that Jesus Died for the sins of the world so just like Greg says were all level its just a matter of excepting God's Love or not, which was supremely demonstrated through Christ Jesus
mattychristo 2 years ago
Most Christians I discuss this with in person (in the USA) and online hold to a more rigid view about salvation: if during your life you don't call out to Jesus (specifically by name) to repent and get saved, then heaven is a complete impossibility for you - and according to many, hell is certain as well. For them I think my objection is devastating. But I know many who also view this as you do, and for you and those who believe similar variants, my objection of "failed justice" doesn't apply.
VeryEvilPettingZoo 2 years ago
I should say that the place Boyd gets to - forgiveness, appreciation for what we have and that we're all flawed, universal love, etc - is the best part of Christianity. The rationale he uses to get there I obviously consider terrible, but the final destination is great.
VeryEvilPettingZoo 3 years ago
Amen... Impossible without God, but Amen all the more.
Squigglysquid 3 years ago
I didn't know anyone else thought this way.
bob3000tube 3 years ago
When Greg says something that really resonates with me (and that's quite often!), I like to post it. I'm glad you're enjoying them!
deepcoffee 3 years ago
I don't know who else watches these vids, but I have to tell you that they make a great impact on me.
God's love.
fenoglios 3 years ago