Posted by tekriter You cannot prove there is no heaven, however thee is no evidence that points to the existence of heaven.

So, wouldn't it be better to just not try to prove or disprove it?

Or is it just a matter of whether or not you're willing to give it the benefit of the doubt?

Posted by HarvestmanMan So, wouldn't it be better to just not try to prove or disprove it?

I agree. The whole concept is ridiculous. It should have been relegated to the status of myth long with valhalla and mount olympus.

Posted by HarvestmanMan Or is it just a matter of whether or not you're willing to give it the benefit of the doubt?

Sure. Along with the flying spaghetti monster, santa claus and the tooth fairy.

The "benefit" of this doubt is a healthy skepticism of all the foolish ideas put forward by men and their ignorant ancestors.

Posted by tekriter I agree. The whole concept is ridiculous. It should have been relegated to the status of myth long with valhalla and mount olympus.

Im still banking on Valhalla...don't kill my dreams.

Posted by McNulty Im still banking on Valhalla...don't kill my dreams.

SKOL!

Posted by HarvestmanMan Is it possible to take the Christian Bible completely literally, and follow everything it says? Perhaps. Is it practical? Absolutely not. I think everyone can agree on those two things.

It is possible to take the Christian Bible completely literal because you can choose to interpret it however you please, but I believe that the scriptures are a mix of literal, figurative, and symbolic language. With that in mind, one should take careful consideration when interpreting the scriptures. Interpret verses in the context of the surrounding verses and chapters, cross reference other parts of the Bible to make sure your interpretation is not contradictory to other verses. Also, research and try to understand the history of the times in which they were written, the origins of the text, and the historical and cultural background of the author.

Some believe that if they follow every statute set forth by the Bible, then they're going to heaven. Does this imply that those who don't do that will not go to heaven?

For those who believe this, yes I do think that it implies that those who don't follow every statute will not go to Heaven.

What does this say about the people who obey every small detail? Who determines what's important and what isn't - is it whatever the pastor says to obey? Is it personal belief?

Do you know anyone who can actually follow and obey every small detail, at all times? If so, does this person only account for their outward actions? what about their thoughts? or intentions?

It is God who has determined what is important. And it is clear, according to the Bible, that what is important to Him is our moral perfection.. in thought, intention, word, and deed.

Finally, what if there isn't a heaven after all? This is a question I've really been grappling with myself, even though I know I'll never find the answer. What could possibly lie in the afterlife, if it exists? Heaven or hell? Reincarnation? Purgatory? Or absolute nothingness? What, exactly, is the point of trying to find an answer that doesn't exist in this world? Sorry for the large post, I just needed to get some stuff out of my noggin.

But what if there is a heaven and hell? then it won't matter if you say you do not believe it exist because your belief cannot change reality. I think you can find the answer, and you shouldn't stop until you do. There are definitely reasons to be motivated to not give up looking for answers, namely that one day you and I will surely die, and we want to know what will happen when we do.

Posted by PooYo It is God who has determined what is important. And it is clear, according to the Bible, that what is important to Him is our moral perfection.. in thought, intention, word, and deed.

God determined what is important, and then he wrote and published the Bible for us as a handguide. Excellent.

When did he do that again?

god is snake oil... afterlife insurance.
shit, if there had been plaid suits and bad ties back in the day, jesus the holy hubcap stealer and his 12 associates would've been rocking them. they were the used car salesmen of their day!

Posted by Samurai god is snake oil... afterlife insurance.

That's why I think that, if you're five minutes away from pulling the pin on the Holy Hand Grenade, some deathbed Christian conversion might not be a terrible idea.

The obvious problem is that it would most likely be nullifying what you've believed in your life beforehand. But "afterlife insurance" might not hurt.




Also, I'm sorry, but I just can't take a post made by an anthropomorphized piece of poop seriously.

Posted by HarvestmanMan Also, I'm sorry, but I just can't take a post made by an anthropomorphized piece of poop seriously.

agreed.