How Does One Achieve Spiritual Salvation - Discussion Thread - all views welcome

[Asteroid-Man]

I believe that the only way that one can achieve "peace of mind", a "high station of morality" or "spiritual salvation", is by serving humanity. Whether it be something as simple as making sacrifices in order to help someone in need, or by organising systematic community building activities, it will build the capacity of humankind. It will create bonds of fellowship and lead the world towards Unity in Diversity. It's a lofty pursuit and one that I believe all people innately have a drive towards contributing to.

 

[zeroapoc]

I honestly devote 0% of my time thinking about this.

I have nothing to offer and shouldn't be here. lol

 

[Warhammer]

I call it independent thought, and I think it's admirable.

I appreciate it, man.

It just seems unfair and petty to condemn people to hell for not worshipping. I don't agree with it or believe that's the true nature of God either.

That is precisely why I don't follow a specific denomination. I don't believe that God can be that way. There are things I agree with and things that I don't. Personally, I think it makes me more well-rounded.

 

[nouan]

But it's not like the god from old and new testament is like "Oh, it's okay if you don't obey me. You just do your thing and you get to heaven no matter."

No, it's very clear that you have to worship or you go to hell. It would be nice if the god from the bible was so laid back, but he really does commands you to worship or else. Which of course makes him a violent narcist.

 

[SentinelMind]

God created all things....doesn't He deserve praise if he's alpha and omega. Is it right to turn your attention to small idols.

Would you invite someone to your party if that person wasn't your friend, never called you, ignored you...etc.

That's pretty much how it is with God. If you ignored Him in this life..why do you now deserve to spend time with Him after this life?

 

[nouan]

Well, he has done pretty ****** job here on earth so I don't see how he would deserve any praise. Besides, he gave me this free will so he can't really blame me for not believing in him. Or I can just say that it's the inherent evil that made me do it, which he of course created in me. Or Satan. Anyway, I would say I have reasonable arguments to get a free pass, lol.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I believe there are many paths to God.

For me:

family = redemption

As far as salvation is concerned I won't pretend to know the specific requirements and consider myself a Theist. I don't really like the idea of people being punished for not giving Jesus credit or submission. Especially if they're good people.

If someone is a good person they shouldn't be punished for having an open mind about religion or not committing to the ”correct” one. Especially when spirituality is made to be mysterious.

and why would Jesus want credit/loyalty mostly from people's fear from hell and a desire for heaven? Seems like a silver or led proposition that has little to do with Jesus' merits.

How many people would be loyal to Jesus without the concepts of Heaven/Hell and why would bribery and fear be allowed to be prime motivators for anything spiritual?

 

[The End]

I don't believe that people have souls that need saving. I do believe in a general mental well-being that at times people may define as spiritual. And what leads someone to having a good mental well-being, would be different from person to person.

Music, literature, family, love, nature, science, meditation, many things can lead a person to feeling more fulfilled.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

Two people:

A man who built an orphanage that helps hundreds of children dies an Atheist.

A serial killer accepts Jesus as his Lord and savior on his deathbed.

Which one is saved and why?

 

[RetrogradeOrbit]

I'm going to go with door number two, and as for my reasoning, it is because religion is inherently daft...

 

[The End]

Two people:

A man who built an orphanage that helps hundreds of children dies an Atheist.

A serial killer accepts Jesus as his Lord and savior on his deathbed.

Which one is saved and why?

Heh, exactly.

I find the whole concept that our afterlives are in this type of jeopardy, to be rather insidious. It's a self-imposed guilt trip.