Should religious people disclose all of their transgressions before telling someone they're going to hell?
826263
I agree 100%, but good luck with that. My experience has been that the christers, I mean christians, are the biggest hypocrites. For example, there was this church person that ask me to borrow a nice keyboard (the piano kind, not computer) I had. Notice that I said had.  I had an argument with said person about something else some time later. When I asked for my keyboard back, the b*tch said that after speaking with the pastor from church, that it was OK to not return the keyboard. That in the eyes of God it was not theft, so no need to worry. Because the pastor said it, then all the other christers supported the theft.\n\nMy point is that these christers self justify themselves, and move along judging others. The problem is that when they become very public people, those self justifications don't work. Then they get busted.\n\nIf the person that borrowed the keyboard was to become a public figure, then I could bring out the bad things I know about the person. This time the pastor would not be able to anything.
1001276
YES!!! If the Under God part offends anyone, then they have the right NOT to say it.  I can remember being in class with kids who didn't say it for religious or personal reasons.  NO ONE said anything mean to them or made fun of them.  We asked them why & they gave us their reasons.  It was fine with everyone.
364089
It is written, judge not lest you be judged. I will never say a person is condemned to hell, for we never know what God is doing in another persons life to bring them to savlation. I will on the other hand try to point out through  scripture that the direction, one is taking will lead them to hell, they always have opportunity to change their life.
524825
Supposedly churches are open for everyone, regardless of their mental or physical flaws...  \n\nIt depends on why you are doing it really.  If it's a matter of trying to make a statement about your faith (or lack thereof) then it's your choice in how you demonstrate your feelings.  Just remember, no one, not a church or it's pastor have to put up with blatant rudeness.  And in demonstrating in this manner, you could be perceived as being deeply insulting.  A spectacle of this nature will only cause deep emotional reactions that do nothing to get your point across or show you are credible in your questions.\n\nCheers
801324
It is your call to decide what is right and wrong for YOURSELF. Telling others what is right and wrong for them is being judgmental.\n\nMorally speaking, I would suggest Matthew 7:1-2\n" Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."  and John 8:7 "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone"
1136018
I understand what you are saying.Some people do not want to offend. For example, in a class of 35 students, maybe five will be from a home with married parents.Some immoral people defend their action by saying that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.Whether you lie,steal, murder fornicate,commit murder, adultery or homosexual acts, all is sin and intolerable to God. When a person recognizes his/her sinful condition and is convicted,there is repentance.People like those who will overlook their faults, so they do not like to listen to sound doctrine.Besides,many believe the Ten Commandments went out with the Old Testament and we are in a new dispensation or the New Testament.This is why it is important to know what you believe and be an example of the believer in thought,words and action.
667875
Yes, it is.  My religion does not preach this, and it's one of the reasons that I chose to believe what I do.  Actions have consequences.  People should be made to deal with them, even if it's just a guilty conscience.
238719
Interesting question. A lot of people say that in order to avoid hell, you must accept (insert religion) as the truth. To them, I say, if God can't understand why I have my doubts about (insert religion), he's as stupid as...well, you. (You, meaning them, not you.)
512728
My atheism is mostly a private affair with myself.  I only share when asked and if I trust the person enough to tell them.  Religious discussion is not a big issue in my immediate family, so it was unneccessary to "tell anyone".\n\nOnly person I may not tell is my 88 y.o. paternal Granny.  I would only tell her if she asked....but other than that, no.  I do not want to upset what GOOD relationship I have with her, and I want to make our love for each other count for while she remains.
895989
E X A C T L Y.\n\nbecause people do not want to hear the truth- they want to sugar coat it- add to it- or water it down so it pleases them....The bible even warns us of those people- in Proverbs it says "do not add to His words, lest he rebuke you and call you a liar"\n\nThey make up a god to suit themselves- they are not even speaking of the one TRUE God when they make stuff up- they are making a god to please them...
722825
If you believe this to be a moral issue, then you should just wait.  What's the harm?  If your beliefs are that strong, you should not be bothered by ridicule or shame or whatever is making you so angry.  Refer to the purpose of suffering (ask a priest). Also, what's good for you may not be good for others and your question is more multi-layered than you realize.  Cultures change; not always for the better.
323299
In your question, the only person in danger of going to hell is perhaps your fundamentalist friend by placing judgement upon the priest. Didn't Jesus tell us not to judge? Remember that whole throw the first stone story? I truly believe God has more to be concerned about than the s-word or f-word, provided it isn't being used to verbally harm other people. I sincerely doubt your priest used the word to call someone a s-head or along those lines. \n\nAs well, I went to Catholic school for 14 years in total (JK-12) and while swearing could get you into trouble, I never heard that it would send you to hell. Plus, there's an obvious difference in swearing if you make a mistake or swearing at someone to insult them. By doing that you are, in turn, insulting God. But God is also forgiving. I would be wary of your fundamentalist friend.
687826
I agree that Christians do get a bad rap when individuals who call themselves Christians behave in extreme ways.\n\nHaving said that, I would defend the rights of anyone who may wish to tell me that I am going to hell (at least they care enough about me and my soul to tell me what they think -- and this can provide the opportunity for me to ask them why they come to this conclusion -- and may be I can learn from them).\n\nMy Background: I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html\n\nCordially,\nJohn
878648
Well if youre doing it to make fun of the fact that a human being can forgive your sins for God...then its okay I guess..\n\nbut its wrong to lie at any case! so bad devil!!
800654
Only if you're religious.  Otherwise, no.  Lie away.
1075391
Must you?\nWhy not just live the best life you can, and if they remark on your improved character, behavior, serenity, or whatever, you can then let them know it's the result of your belief system.\nI always think your religious beliefs are very personal, and see no need to tell others about them.
610021
Religious, yes.  Phony, speak for yourself.  And since you posted this question under, "Etiquette", I might add that you certainly need to work on yours...very tacky question.