"What she and her Christian friends don’t do is proselytise or seek “converts” through their work. Indeed, Bridgit is reticent about talking of her faith and needs to be teased out on the subject. The nobility of these new Christian missionaries is that they are living out the gospel among the poor, the sick and the destitute, rather than talking about it, like some of the rest of us."
If I do not believe in God, or Heaven, will I go there when I die if I live a 'good life'?
A Christian friend and I were discussing this recently. I am a fairly altruistic person and would like to think I treat all people equally I live a good life but because I choose to do so, not for fear of not doing so or to secure my place in 'the next world'. I also commit many of the 'Sins' of the scriptures I do not follow.
Now, I do not personally believe if the Bible is to be taken literally that heaven will be packed to the rafters. Lets face it, most of us will have slipped up from time to time in terms of the 10 Commandments. Yes, yes I know that you have the option of renouncing your sins at the last minute and truly admitting you were wrong and accepting the lord into your life… All that, I know it. On a slightly different angle, why then live a good life at all if you can press the 'reset' button just before you peg out and get yourself on the guest list that way?
One is led to assume that the gatekeeper of heaven (St Peter right?) has been letting people in for a number of years (2000 or so right? Them poor buggers born before JC died on the cross… no chance I tell ye!) 'through the back door'.
I wonder, how would the conversation go if I were to be met with this celestial bouncer?
Me: Feck!
St.P: Yes, behold the gates of heaven! You thought it was all a bit of a joke didn't you?
Me:…er….
St.P: So, let's have a look at your file…. Oh dear. Oh deary me… Never been to Church voluntarily apart from to take photos, Think Christmas is simply a time for gluttony (Which IS a Sin I'll remind you), worshipping a false Idol, who is this Stanley Kubrick anyway? Never seen him down this way…Me: Ok Pete, back up a minute. So I don't get in then I assume?
St.P: Hell no! You have lived a life of sin! It says so here in this that there Bible book you can't come in unless you say sorry and stuff.
Me: er, ok, I am sorry. Can I come in now?
St.P: Nope, you had to do that when you were alive…
Me: Jesus! It's not easy to get in there is it! What exactly do you do in there all day anyway?
St.P: Well, Mostly I play Solitaire…
Anyway, a diversion. Apologies.
So, I don't believe in God, but co-incidentally I live a life you would like this think 'he' would smile upon. Whats the answer? Am I in or aren't I?
Discuss.
