NationStates Jolt Archive

Now, I'd like to start off by stating, I'm not Christian, but I do know alot about it (in general, not in practice, just all the theories and such, and I've read most of the bible).

I also agree with many Christian values (most of them actually), and I approve of the church's attempt to reduce things like drug abuse, alcoholism, prostitution, adultery, dishonest and dishonorable behavior, etc.

However, despite all of this, there is one thing I've noticed very very often. It seems to me that more often than not, the emphasis on forgiveness seems to completely void all of these things, if not ENCOURAGE them. You have no idea (or maybe you do) how many countless times I've heard from "devote Christians" that they do drugs, drink, sleep around and whatnot, but it's okay because they feel repentant for what they did, so they are still "good" moral people and will go to heaven. They are given no incentive to stop their immoral behavior (it is in my opinion, don't bother debating whether or not it is immoral, if you want to do that, start your own thread, it's not what this thread is about), since regardless of whether they do or not, they still believe they will go to "heaven".

Now I know that the religion's purpose isn't exactly to create a more moral society, but just to worship the Lord and the Savior, but still, do you not find something wrong with the fact that the religion, if unintentionally, encourages the very behavior is condemns?

This is more applicable to the "newer" Christian religions, such as Protestants than Catholics, as I believe Catholics are stricter on such things that simply "repenting your sins"... however I'm not too clear about the differences between different denominations, so I may be wrong about that.

Try to keep it as flame-free as possible, I've noticed threads on this forum tend to up in smoking flames pretty fast.

The problem is that many people don't understand the word "repent." It is meant to imply, not only that you are asking for forgiveness, but also that you truly regret having done the action and will try not to do it again. Those who continue to do it and say "it's ok, I'll be forgiven" have not truly repented and have entirely missed the point.

On a separate note, saying that this is less prevalent in Catholics than in Protestants is absolutely ridiculous. The Catholic tradition of going to confession, doing your penance, and then going out and doing all of it again stems back much longer than any Protestant religion has been around.

The thing is, you have to actually repent. Unfortunately a lot of people claim to feel bad about their immoral behavior but continue to do it.

Repenting means they actively strive to avoid that bad behavior. They should seek treatment to avoid drug abuse, they need to steel themselves to avoid the temptation.

If a 'sinner' does not strive his utmost to avoid his sins but rather falls victim to temptation over and over again, then he hasnt truely repented.

One of my favorite bumper stickers.... If you live your life like there is no Heaven, you better pray that you're right.

Also, I'd like to point out, it's pretty easy to get caught out in the gap between sin and repentence. Out for a binge drinking session followed by a pot round and along comes a car... Bam. Hell. >>;

Despite the fact that you are saved doesnt prevent Satan from tempting you, we are only human after all. I think some of the stuff you see in todays churchs are a result of satan tempting people and leading them down the wrong way. I try to live my life according to the bible, but i fail at times because i am human and i sin

Sorry about the thing about catholics/protestants then, I've had very little contact with any catholics, most of my opinions on Christianity come from Protestants (I know the most protestants)

However, don't you think your churches should be a bit more clear on that then?

Aside from that, alot of people still use it as an excuse to make themselves feel better about the way they act, and most often other Christians will come and comfort them and agree with them saying things like "so long that you really regret it and ask for forgiveness" or something along those lines, thus making the person feel okay about what they did, meaning they are more likely to do it again.

Shouldn't that be discouraged?

Sorry about the thing about catholics/protestants then, I've had very little contact with any catholics, most of my opinions on Christianity come from Protestants (I know the most protestants)

However, don't you think your churches should be a bit more clear on that then?

Aside from that, alot of people still use it as an excuse to make themselves feel better about the way they act, and most often other Christians will come and comfort them and agree with them saying things like "so long that you really regret it and ask for forgiveness" or something along those lines, thus making the person feel okay about what they did, meaning they are more likely to do it again.

Shouldn't that be discouraged?

Yes, that should be discouraged. But you are using a huge generalization of how you believe people, especially other Christians act. A true Christian would not comfort someone by saying 'it's ok'. A true Christian would truely try to help said person, and help them avoid the temptation of the sin in the first place.