The rise of atheism in america

[ensbergcollector]

so what exactly defines one as a christian? Is it just only the way they believe one can get into heaven? To me that seems a bit odd considering there are so many values and such that the religion teaches.

Also, how many different denominations of christianity are there? Are these all okay to define as christian as long as they believe that only christians can get in to heaven?

the main assertion of christianity is that jesus is the only way to heaven. If you don't believe that, it doesn't really make sense to be called a christian.

[mrveggieman]

I'm not speaking about the person who doesn't have a religion. I'm speaking about the believer in heaven believing that a person without faith would get into heaven as they see it.

example. I do not believe in heaven, but some of my religious friends may think that I would get into heaven based on their belief of such a thing.

I'm not really following what you are saying. Why do your friends think that you should get into heaven based on the fact that you do not believe in it?

[mrveggieman]

the main assertion of christianity is that jesus is the only way to heaven. If you don't believe that, it doesn't really make sense to be called a christian.

Jesus is an important part of Islam and all muslims must accept jesus as a prophet. So if that is the case and they believe in jesus why can't the be considered worthy of being accepted to heaven?

[Star_Cards]

I'm not really following what you are saying. Why do your friends think that you should get into heaven based on the fact that you do not believe in it?

it's based off of their belief not the person without belief. Basically I'm saying that there are probably some universalists that believe even atheists would get into heaven.

If a person has a belief why can't they believe that a person without that same belief could still take part in their belief? :)

[ensbergcollector]

Jesus is an important part of Islam and all muslims must accept jesus as a prophet. So if that is the case and they believe in jesus why can't the be considered worthy of being accepted to heaven?

but they don't believe he is the christ, which is why they don't call themselves christians. Why would someone who doesn't believe jesus is the christ call themselves a christian?


there is a huge difference in saying "jesus was a pretty important figure" and "i NEED Jesus to bridge the gap between myself and God."

[ensbergcollector]

it's based off of their belief not the person without belief. Basically I'm saying that there are probably some universalists that believe even atheists would get into heaven.

If a person has a belief why can't they believe that a person without that same belief could still take part in their belief? :)

there is a very large segment of universalism that believes everyone goes to heaven whether they believe in God or not

[mrveggieman]

it's based off of their belief not the person without belief. Basically I'm saying that there are probably some universalists that believe even atheists would get into heaven.

If a person has a belief why can't they believe that a person without that same belief could still take part in their belief? :)

Are your friends holding out hope that you will convert? Or are they saying that you should get into heaven because you are living a good and moral life despite not having any religious beliefs?

[mrveggieman]

but they don't believe he is the christ, which is why they don't call themselves christians. Why would someone who doesn't believe jesus is the christ call themselves a christian?


there is a huge difference in saying "jesus was a pretty important figure" and "i NEED Jesus to bridge the gap between myself and God."

What would this woman be classified as and in your opinion would she get into heaven?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...edding17m.html

[fan4kc]

I think how you believe you get to heaven is the whole basis of religion. Otherwise why would it exist?

[ensbergcollector]

What would this woman be classified as and in your opinion would she get into heaven?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...edding17m.html

i wouldn't be able to answer without asking her some questions and it isn't my place to judge whether someone will get into heaven.

I will say this, just because someone wants to believe that things can be reconciled to each other, doesn't make it fact.