Yes.
But how?
Does it not say in the Bible that drunks (paraphrased) will not enter? Not to mention liars etc?
I’m not claiming anything here, just asking.
Note that Tris didn’t mention Christianity in the OP, just Heaven.
hmmmmm;)
Just my take on it.
I am a Christian.
I do not believe that the parable is inconsistent with the nature of Christian Salvation as I have come to believe in it. Those not wishing to enter through this door, may find a door that denies those they feel uncomfortable joining in Heaven.
But I wonder. If the Lord welcomes those you wish for Him to despise, will you then refuse to join Him?
Tris
Tris: I’m an atheist in the sense of the word that I regard any supernatural entities or existence beyond the physical to be unproven and, therefore, regard religious beliefs to be a waste of my time.
But I’m also a big fan of philosophical hypotheticals, and I’ve given the issue some thought after I read your great parable. I’ve come to the conclusion that I would be tempted to enter a gate that was expressly forbidden me, simply to spite any deity that would refuse my presence. I would also realize that spite is no way to spend an eternity, so I would give that door an absolutely nasty look and walk down until I found a door that had no restrictions on it whatsoever. I cannot accept an exclusive afterlife.
When I was younger, I was a Protestant (Church of Christ in specific, but in reality a fairly non-denominational middle-of-the-road Protestantism with no specific emphasis beyond being a good person). I tried to reconcile my own philosophies, as I held them at the time, with what I was learning in Sunday school and from religious people around me. I came to the conclusion that at death, the soul separates into two distinct entities: Good and Bad. The Good is destined for Heaven, the Bad is destined for Hell (or perhaps nonexistence). Good people might only have a tiny little speck of Bad to lose, and bad people might only have a tiny little speck of Good to be saved, but everybody would split. Heaven would be a paradise for everyone because nobody would be burdened by an unworthy element.
The implication of my former belief is that in everyone, there is a part that is worth saving, whether or not it actually is saved, and a part that is not worth saving. I still think that, but without the religious aspects.
So your idea of Heaven is place for adulterers, thieves, drunks, and other sinners, as long as they accept that behavior in others?
Interesting idea.
They did not suffer for behavior; they suffered for people.
** Count Trari de Reeson** said:
[quote]
So your idea of Heaven is place for adulterers, thieves, drunks, and other sinners, as long as they accept that behavior in others?** **Don’t forget the atheists, faggots, and Mormans! Wouldn’t want to forget them. It just wouldn’t be Heaven without those guys.
Oh, yeah, and the Harlots, and tax collectors, and publicans, too!
Tris
“The Way of Heaven is to benefit others and not to injure.” ~ Lao-tzu ~
They didn’t get to Heaven because they accepted each other’s behavior - they got there because they chose to support each other in love instead of letting condemnation split them apart.
Nice story, Triskadecamus.
Sounds more like Hell to me. Unless these people repent, they cannot be in Gods presents.
Then again, if you don’t believe the Bible and you make up your own rules, anything goes…
replace presents with presence…sorry
Well if that’s hell, Jersey, we know where all the best people are going to wind up. Personally, an eternity with judgemental prigs on all sides of me sounds more like hell.
You mean “presence”? That’s your opinion. Who are you to judge?
And what is the Bible if not a bunch of made up rules?
Well, being in a room with you and your “perfect” brethren would be nothing short of hellish to me.
Now, could you take your sanctimonious Stepford ass to service your moronic husband.
That of course would be in your own humble opinion I assume.
Many people in this world get along fine without having to define their lives according to whatever “Bible” you speak of.
As an atheist, I’ve thought about God quite a bit. I thought, well, what if I had proof, real proof that God exists, would I believe?
Yes.
And then I thought, what if I had proof, real proof that God is as JerseyDiamond suggests, would I worship him?
No.
Well, considering these were the kinds of people Jesus hung around with in his day, I guess you don’t believe he is God then, either?
What about blacks or women? The story said nothing about them. Surely those types of people wouldn’t be allowed into Heaven, would they?