Here & Now vs the Hereafter

[Cartoonist]

Punishment for apostasy - Death
Punishment for not accepting Jesus as your savior - Hell

Why can't religion respect people?

[MineralMan]

1. It's all about power and control, really.

None of it has anything to do with gods or religions. It's all about humans wanting control of other humans.

Yet another reason to reject it all.

The desire for power and control over others is a purely human thing. Religion merely provides an excuse for it. Really, religion has little else to offer.

[Pendrench]

2. Hi Cartoonist - Thank you for posting another interesting topic for discussion!

I've been thinking about what it means to "accept Jesus as your savior" and here is my personal take on that.

Speaking as a life-long Catholic, if I say that I have accepted Jesus as my personal savior, but I neglect to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those sick and/or in prison, etc. have I really accepted Jesus as my personal savior? I would think that "accepting Jesus" has to be more than just a public or private declaration.

To me, if someone lives for the needs and concerns of others, THEY have accepted Jesus as their savior - even if they follow another religion or no religion at all.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

So to me, belief as to whether or not Jesus existed is not as important as how we treat others - and not just so we can get to Heaven or avoid going to Hell - but because it is the right thing to do.

Again, just my thoughts - thank you again.

Wishing you well and peace!

Tim

[safeinOhio]

3. Joe Hill said it best.....

...there will be pie in the sky when you die....