First of all, it sounds like your insurmountable proof of life after death revolves around a haunted house, correct? So what you feel you have proof of, is that when you die, you get to go haunt houses. Awesome. I can't wait. I'm hope I can haunt Scarlett Johansson's house. She really desrves it. Ok, strike that. I really deserve it.

So your answer to my question is that only the "true believers" are immune to having their beliefs affected by their environment. Interesting, since I would guess that the people in this world who fall into the category of "true believers" are the minority. I would guess that the majority either 1. question their faith from time to time, or 2. believe out of fear of going to hell.

I wasn't stating that someone would question their faith because someone else threatened them with death. I was saying that people question their faith after living through a tragedy; Be it slavery, oppression, disease, Katrina, .... Bush maybe?

If noone had ever told you about God, would you still have lived a good life? If so, and heaven exists, wouldn't you still deserve to go to heaven?

If not, and you were living an evil life, and someone decided to tell you about God, and you changed your ways out of fear of the repurcussions, would you still deserve to go to heaven?

Do you believe out of fear of the unknown, or love of the unknown?

If there is a God, he won't fault us for not taking the word of man. He will praise us for using the sense that he gave us to think on our own and be a good person without having to do so out of fear of the repurcussions.

When I drive to work, I don't obey the rules of the road because I'm afraid to get a ticket. I obey the rules of the road because they make sense. I obey the rules of the road because if I don't, there's a good chance that I may hurt myself or someone else.

When we die, if you're right, I believe we will be judged for the life we have led. When we die, if I'm right, then our afterlife will be lived by our children. Not a bad deal.

Certainly many people question there faith occasionally. I do at times, but never seriously..
I wish I had an answer about thos ethat are never exposed to the Word and or God, I'm at a loss there.
But, for those of us that do have that luxury, being a good person simply will not do it..
You, having gone to church, know the only was Christians believe they will get to heaven..
tragedys are a part of life, everyones life. If we are so shallow as to question our faith every time the earth hiccups, well then how much faith do we then have..
I do not believe out of fear. I was a Christian at a young age and my/our experiences later just reinforced that faith..
We will be judged after we die, and we will also be judged as to whether we followed scripture..
its a pretty simple thing to do and I think I will post some evidence from the Old Testament later that I think will convince someone like yourself as to the validity of that Book.
People like yourself refers to someone who wants/needs some physical evidence they can see and validate. Be glad to do it although it is a pain to type.
Take care:
Leep Out:

quote:

You, having gone to church, know the only was Christians believe they will get to heaven

I didn't understand your meaning here.

Looking forward to your evidence from the old testament, as well as the physical evidence I can see and validate.

Take your time typing. I'll go listen to some music sung by some old coot I know.

Aw Man:

Leep Out:

Hey wait a minute, did you just call me an old coot?

And, a more reasonable person would just take me at my word, don't suppose you're gonna do that, huh?

Well....now you got my dander up you young whippersnapper. Why, why, i'll bounce you so high, they'll have to shoot you to keep you from starving to death...

I'll hit you so hard, they'll arrest you for speeding in Boulder...
Why, I'll hit you so hard you'll wear out three pairs of shoes walking back...
And, and, oh yeah...I heard when you were little , you were so ugly, your Momma took you everywhere she went so she wouldn't have to kiss you goodbye...
Sorry, but you asked for it, well I feel better, how bout you?

Ah, you know i'm just kiddin'..I'm too nice for my own good...

Leep Out:

That "momma" dig was classic. I laughed out loud, which I rarely do while sitting alone at the computer.

I usually reserve laughing robustly to myself for a response to myself when I catch myself muttering to myself about forum hardliners, incompetent bosses, and other hilarious aspects of my life.

The incompetent boss came into effect today, so that's twice in one day that I have muttered, and subsequently laughed out loud.

Oh, and you're so ugly, that face would make a train take a dirt road. Smooches.

Pbbtthhhhhhhh.