Post by Alejandro on Mar 22, 2005 13:09:08 GMT -5
A basic tenet of Christianity is that
Jesus is the only way to salvation. One must accept Christ, believe
in Him with the heart, and confess Him with the mouth. Faith is the
key, not works. It's pretty clearcut. So, as a Christian I accept
that; however, as a human, I struggle with it. I hope you are
familiar with Chuck Schuldiner, his work with Death and Control
Denied, and his story. His music and lyrics are beautiful and
inspiring. His story is equally inspiring. He delivered beauty to
the lives of thousands and inspired them to find the strength to rise
above life's challenges and be victorious. I know I am one of the
many inspired. I never met the man, but many I know who met him say
that he was one of the most encouraging and helpful humans on the
planet. However, there was never a mention of God in his thank-yous
and some of his lyrics are quite anti-Christian in the focus on inner
strength of self-sufficiency. Since I never met the man, I can't
speculate about his faith. The thought, however, of someone who
enriched the lives of so many and was such a positive influence being
condemned to torment because of lack of faith disturbs me. If someone
lives such an inspiring life and is such a positive influence on
others, is it really just for God to condemn this person? I know I
should just accept God's righteous judgment, but I have never been
good at blind acceptance. So, how does one reconcile this? How can I
justify following a faith that could condemn such a philanthropist?
This then brings me to another situation. I try (unsuccessfully) to
follow my Christian faith. My wife, whom I love dearly, does not try
so hard. She belives in God, but she doesn't see the Bible as the
unerring word of God as I try to see it. I in no way consider myself
superior to her; in fact, I find myself far inferior to her in the
chief Christian virtue of love. She is always willing to lend a hand
and help someone. She is a special education teacher, so she is
dedicating her life to helping others. If anyone would deserve
paradise, it's her. But, if she dies without fully accepting the
Bible and Christ, she will be condemned. Again, it's unfair. Also,
if I am to attain my salvation in the afterlife, I doubt I could call
it Heaven if I arrive and she isn't there with me.
Jesus is the only way to salvation. One must accept Christ, believe
in Him with the heart, and confess Him with the mouth. Faith is the
key, not works. It's pretty clearcut. So, as a Christian I accept
that; however, as a human, I struggle with it. I hope you are
familiar with Chuck Schuldiner, his work with Death and Control
Denied, and his story. His music and lyrics are beautiful and
inspiring. His story is equally inspiring. He delivered beauty to
the lives of thousands and inspired them to find the strength to rise
above life's challenges and be victorious. I know I am one of the
many inspired. I never met the man, but many I know who met him say
that he was one of the most encouraging and helpful humans on the
planet. However, there was never a mention of God in his thank-yous
and some of his lyrics are quite anti-Christian in the focus on inner
strength of self-sufficiency. Since I never met the man, I can't
speculate about his faith. The thought, however, of someone who
enriched the lives of so many and was such a positive influence being
condemned to torment because of lack of faith disturbs me. If someone
lives such an inspiring life and is such a positive influence on
others, is it really just for God to condemn this person? I know I
should just accept God's righteous judgment, but I have never been
good at blind acceptance. So, how does one reconcile this? How can I
justify following a faith that could condemn such a philanthropist?
This then brings me to another situation. I try (unsuccessfully) to
follow my Christian faith. My wife, whom I love dearly, does not try
so hard. She belives in God, but she doesn't see the Bible as the
unerring word of God as I try to see it. I in no way consider myself
superior to her; in fact, I find myself far inferior to her in the
chief Christian virtue of love. She is always willing to lend a hand
and help someone. She is a special education teacher, so she is
dedicating her life to helping others. If anyone would deserve
paradise, it's her. But, if she dies without fully accepting the
Bible and Christ, she will be condemned. Again, it's unfair. Also,
if I am to attain my salvation in the afterlife, I doubt I could call
it Heaven if I arrive and she isn't there with me.
That was an e-mail sent to me by a friend. He is asking for some help with theological questions.
In regards to his wife not being there is Paradise, I feel that he, my friend, has to learn to love and trust God more than his wife. The other issues I cannot yet answer.
Can someone else help with them? Thanks.
Much love,
Alejandro