I, myself, am not Christian, but I know many Christians from our community. A select few always tell me that I (and other non-Christians) are condemned because of our religious, or non-religious, affiliates. Why must God smite all who do not convert? Can't he love everyone, like Buddha? It seems as if Christians believe that even the most [insert negative adjective] Christian would still deserve a place in heaven over the most hard-working, honest, and kind non-believers.
Why is God so angry?
Started by acgtek, 04/29/2005 01:12AM
Posted 04/29/2005 01:12AM
Opening Post
Posted 04/29/2005 01:29AM
#1
According to a lot of people he/she/it is pissed off all the time anyway.
Darrell
Darrell
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Posted 04/29/2005 02:04AM
#2
Hi Alex,
Your question is a good one, and I take it to be an honest one. Let me state up front that I'm not looking to be pushy, but am seeking to give you my take on a fair question.
First, it is not as though God is random. He doesn't hold different standards for different people. In the giving of His laws, we receive a moral standard. The problem becomes our failure in keeping the law. So, from the start, everyone is condemned. Sure, some are upright citizens, good neighbors, etc. while others are felons, terrorists and so on. But, all of us, to whatever degree, have violated His law.
The reason he can't just "love everybody" is because He is just. Think about what that would be like in our own judicial system. Would it be right for a judge to never pass a sentence on anyone because he was just so loving? He would be a lousy judge. In fact, it would be inconsistent with what his character should be as a good judge. He should pass an appopriate sentence where a sentence is due. I for one, don't want criminals running footloose because a judge just cuts everyone loose. God's holy/just nature demands the same thing. It would be inconsistent for Him to simply let everyone walk.
Again, everyone stands condemned...but with a way of pardon. So, in relation to the last statement in your question, there is not anyone who is deserving of a place in heaven. (Thus, those of us who call ourselves Christians have no room for boasting with an "I'm better than you," mindset.) Can we have strong convictions and disagreements? Absolutely. However, we're all morally bankrupt before God.
The way of pardon is where we see that God is both just and loving. Is He angry? Well, there is such a thing as righteous anger. I get angry when I read about a murder, violent crime, etc... However, God is also full of mercy. He makes a free offer for anyone who desires to not receive a criminal sentence at His hand. That is the distinctive of Christianity. It is not a matter of performing some set of tasks or keeping some set of moral standards to earn God's favor. The primary purpose in Jesus living, dying, etc. was not to be a good example, but to take the sentence upon Himself. Since we can't gain His favor by keeping God's law, He gives us a place for pardon at the cross of Christ.
I realize that this is a short answer to a very complex question, but perhaps it is a start to a good link. However, I think that it is good to know that God is not indiscriminately or unjustly angry with anyone. The fact that we violate simple moral laws (and not just things like murder, but also lying, envy, jealousy, and so on) is not His fault, it is ours. The amazing thing is that He offers mercy and love when nothing required Him to do so.
Your question is a good one, and I take it to be an honest one. Let me state up front that I'm not looking to be pushy, but am seeking to give you my take on a fair question.
First, it is not as though God is random. He doesn't hold different standards for different people. In the giving of His laws, we receive a moral standard. The problem becomes our failure in keeping the law. So, from the start, everyone is condemned. Sure, some are upright citizens, good neighbors, etc. while others are felons, terrorists and so on. But, all of us, to whatever degree, have violated His law.
The reason he can't just "love everybody" is because He is just. Think about what that would be like in our own judicial system. Would it be right for a judge to never pass a sentence on anyone because he was just so loving? He would be a lousy judge. In fact, it would be inconsistent with what his character should be as a good judge. He should pass an appopriate sentence where a sentence is due. I for one, don't want criminals running footloose because a judge just cuts everyone loose. God's holy/just nature demands the same thing. It would be inconsistent for Him to simply let everyone walk.
Again, everyone stands condemned...but with a way of pardon. So, in relation to the last statement in your question, there is not anyone who is deserving of a place in heaven. (Thus, those of us who call ourselves Christians have no room for boasting with an "I'm better than you," mindset.) Can we have strong convictions and disagreements? Absolutely. However, we're all morally bankrupt before God.
The way of pardon is where we see that God is both just and loving. Is He angry? Well, there is such a thing as righteous anger. I get angry when I read about a murder, violent crime, etc... However, God is also full of mercy. He makes a free offer for anyone who desires to not receive a criminal sentence at His hand. That is the distinctive of Christianity. It is not a matter of performing some set of tasks or keeping some set of moral standards to earn God's favor. The primary purpose in Jesus living, dying, etc. was not to be a good example, but to take the sentence upon Himself. Since we can't gain His favor by keeping God's law, He gives us a place for pardon at the cross of Christ.
I realize that this is a short answer to a very complex question, but perhaps it is a start to a good link. However, I think that it is good to know that God is not indiscriminately or unjustly angry with anyone. The fact that we violate simple moral laws (and not just things like murder, but also lying, envy, jealousy, and so on) is not His fault, it is ours. The amazing thing is that He offers mercy and love when nothing required Him to do so.
Posted 04/30/2005 02:42AM
| Edited 04/30/2005 02:43AM
#3
What separates religion from politics is that politics promises a chicken in every pot and religion promises you will live forever after you die, of course.
When they mixed religion with politics I came to believe that I would spend eternity at KFC, unless I was really bad. Then I'd be stuck at the McDonald's drive-up window for an eternity. Come to think of it I have been stuck at a McDonald's drive-up window for an eternity.
Hard to believe that my salvation depended upon my choosing Wendy's.
When they mixed religion with politics I came to believe that I would spend eternity at KFC, unless I was really bad. Then I'd be stuck at the McDonald's drive-up window for an eternity. Come to think of it I have been stuck at a McDonald's drive-up window for an eternity.
Hard to believe that my salvation depended upon my choosing Wendy's.
Posted 05/05/2005 04:03AM
#4
I was watching Dateline tonight and according to a couple of Evangelical Christian book (End of the World) authors we're all going to Hell unless we're Evangelical Christians.
That goes for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, all Asians, Catholics plus a few others that they forgot.
It totally astonishes me how two apparently intelligent people can have there heads stuck so far up an inappropriate orifice.
That goes for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, all Asians, Catholics plus a few others that they forgot.
It totally astonishes me how two apparently intelligent people can have there heads stuck so far up an inappropriate orifice.
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Funding Member
