After all, how much work could you do if you were indoctrinated with the "poof" you're saved mentality?
130094
Interesting idea, but NO! Not at all.\n\n'Christian' is NOT one of the realms of reincarnation. (samsara) the realms are: The realm of Devas(gods); the realm of Asuras (Demigods); the realm of Humans; the realm of Animals; the realm of Hungry Ghosts and the realm of Hell.\n\nI was born into a Christian family and I am a Buddhist. I do not see being born into a Christian home misfortunate or bad in any way. I learned a great deal. \n\nI look at it this way. According to Buddhism, enlightenment is not given or bestowed, it is self realized. If a person is ready to realize the truth, what faith (s)he comes from is irrelevant. (S)He will find enlightenment when (s)he is ready.  \n\nI hope this helps.
168720
If the perspective is to have meaning all must take the good with the bad, which is in my opinion subjective to the individual. This format allows for serious and let's call it not so inspired questions and responses and doesn't discriminate between the positions. If one considers that there are an incredible number of variables inter playing; as you so aptly alluded to in your question it is fair to express that the less inspired frame the more focused which allows the message that fits to sparkle like a diamond washed up from the mud.I hope this has helped to explain my point, I apologize for the metaphor, habits are hard to break. My final thought on your excellent question is this, it is a gift that we can give ourselves when we refuse to let ourselves be offended by others; this is not to say we should tolerate abuse; but when we forgive those who would annoy us for their own reasons we liberate or rather free ourselves to explore other more productive thoughts. Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts, I hope all goes well in you life.
358265
siamsalem007: are you serious or are just that dumb? it is by leaps and bound easier to follow the herd so you don't have to formulate original thoughts or have an individual opinion.  i don't mean to bash or berate, but come on! jeewhiz! <---hehe that rhymes with jesus. HA!\n\nand for all of you christians supposedly being supportive and caring, you sure are a bunch of ravenous close-minded religion-mongers. what makes you think you deserve eternal paradise? because some book written by the hands and fingers of men tells you so? at the very LEAST, practice what you freaking preach! so few of you do.
564430
Yes, and it's to become enlightened.  Along the way I found that I  can made the rules. Trust God, Clean House, Help Others.   ;>)
22975
Consider that 99.9% of the disciples & apostles suffered & died for the faith.\n\nLogic & human psychology would say that there would have been a lot more dropouts if it was phony.\n\nGod gave you freewill - He wants you to choose well.
376603
This is a toughie for me. \n\nI admire your work, and that youd put your life on the line for it. You are no doubt a good person. \n\nBut, yes my belief, in the Bible, and Jesus as the Savior, the way into heaven, and taken the given fact you probably have heard of him (if not, its a diffrent story), and have chosen not to believe, would mean you would be bound for hell. However, I like to think, with no scriptural refrence here, maybe God would let people in for their works, and until we actually DIE, we cant know for sure.\n\nPlease no hate mail, just answering the question honestly.
612366
do what jesuse would do but becareful
321998
It is so easy to just answer this question with a yes, and think in our minds that we would be willing to do anything for Jesus.  But we never ever know exactly what we'll do until we're put to the test, the only thing we can do is work to be prepared. Remember Peter the disciple.  He swore up and down that he would never ever deny Jesus...
649411
Saved from what? Your question is flawed.
345442
I'd be good. But not perfect. I would do my best to help others as much as possible, but I am also pretty selfish by nature so I am sure I would take advantage for my own personal gain as well.\n\nYes, I would give up work. But I would do charity stuff.
641520
i think and listen about what is said and realize i do NOT possibly know the best situation for everything...  (as smart as i think i might be)\n\ni welcome constructive cristism especailly from someone i know who is trying help.  and i don't take it personally!  and am grateful for any free advise that might make me a better person!
151248
great question. almost as much a catch 22 question as "flag burning"  but it has considerable merit. i think knowledge is a necessary precursor to such a great responsibility. i strongly lean towards YES.
330727
I believe you can, and this is one scripture that points to it.  \n\nSome will say that Ananias and Sephira weren't "really saved" if they fell away, but I find that theology terrifying.  If the only way you know if you are saved or not is by sinning and being struck dead, that makes assurance hard to come by, doesn't it?\n\nFor if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.\nHebrews 10:26-31
459656
Actually I worked with a very cruel woman who was a minister in the the No Name Church.  She justified mistreating those in her way as necessary in the world at this time.  (I don't think it was their belief, I just think the wrong person in their religion was given some power.)  I witnessed many manipulative cruel schemes in the work place to help her gain a position of power.   I grew up in a fundamentalist hotbed of religion and thought I had seen and heard everything up to that point.  People like Ted Haggard may do damage on a phenomenal scale, but I have never seen evil masked as Christianity as I did with this woman.  It was truly a eye opening experience as I listened to how other members had to come to her for council and her advice . . . such as advising one man to divorce his wife.  Part of her rationalization was the marriage ceremony was not printed in the Bible so it was a man-made contract not supported by the Church.
300493
You don't have to be Christian to receive help from a church.  They're not elitists like that, ya know.  :)  Have you thought about working from the home?
261469
You would have to do what you think is best.  What do you think God is telling you to do.
343324
No I actually can't...\n\nThank God!  \n\nI would become concerned with my use of spare time if I could.\n\n  I'm good... thanks!