Unitarians

[SouthernDude]

So what about all the people before Christ, incl those who believed in God? Did their sins get forgiven, and did they go to heaven?

All the Jews who had faith in God prior to Christ's birth are in heaven. This is something that is discussed in the Book of Hebrews. The book of Romans was written to Gentiles and the Book of Hebrews was written to Jews. For whatever reason the book of Hebrews doesn't seem to get referred to a lot, even though it lays out the most concrete argument for salvation by faith, at least to me. The book of Hebrews is a pretty amazing read if you know the old testament well - granted they all are, but still. lol.

For that matter, what about all the people around the world that never heard of Jesus or had access to Christian beliefs? Do they all end up in hell?

For all intents and purposes, yes. This is because all people groups have a common origin, which is why all origin myths have overarching similarities. What happened is that these people groups early on rejected God and started worshiping themselves, demons, or invented false gods. In short, all people have had access to the whole truth in ancient times, but their hardened hearts turned them from the truth - even to the current generations. This can be observed based on the receptiveness to the Gospel by any and all peoples who are not Christian.

 

[bwilson4web]

Since we are talking about religion, I think, here is a question for both of you. What does it take to go to heaven? And if you don't, does that mean you go to hell?

Jesus said:

• But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
• Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
• And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

So I am not terribly worried about what happens after my death. My affairs are in order (i.e., the woman I love is listed on our house deed.) The house is about 90% there for energy efficiency and I have plans to reduce utilities even more. So if I die within a few minutes, it won't be with any regret. Meanwhile, I have given away a lot to those in need and strangers in our country.

So this is what it means to be a Unitarian who does not care if someone says "Lo here! or lo there!" The legalese of "Christian" dogma has no effect on my heart, mind, or soul. They scamper about looking for something to "interpret" to justify their wicked ways. Yes, Jesus took a whip to the temple grounds.

Bob Wilson

 

[R P]

All the Jews who had faith in God prior to Christ's birth are in heaven. This is something that is discussed in the Book of Hebrews. The book of Romans was written to Gentiles and the Book of Hebrews was written to Jews. For whatever reason the book of Hebrews doesn't seem to get referred to a lot, even though it lays out the most concrete argument for salvation by faith, at least to me. The book of Hebrews is a pretty amazing read if you know the old testament well - granted they all are, but still. lol.


For all intents and purposes, yes. This is because all people groups have a common origin, which is why all origin myths have overarching similarities. What happened is that these people groups early on rejected God and started worshiping themselves, demons, or invented false gods. In short, all people have had access to the whole truth in ancient times, but their hardened hearts turned them from the truth - even to the current generations. This can be observed based on the receptiveness to the Gospel by any and all peoples who are not Christian.

But what about all the indigenous people, even on other continents. They had no way of knowing about Jesus or the God that we are referring to.

 

[bwilson4web]

This Unitarian understands that many great and minor faiths have elements of what Jesus taught us. It is not universal any more or less than the Kingdom of God.

My Universalists brethren believe God would find a way to grant them into their heaven. But for me, is is a question of living this life as Jesus taught regardless of who or which faith teaches.

Bob Wilson

 

[R P]

This Unitarian understands that many great and minor faiths have elements of what Jesus taught us. It is not universal any more or less than the Kingdom of God.

My Universalists brethren believe God would find a way to grant them into their heaven. But for me, is is a question of living this life as Jesus taught regardless of who or which faith teaches.

Bob Wilson

So if I understand you, you will go to heaven if you live a good life? In other words, you don't need to personally accept Jesus as your saviour.