Planetarion Forums - View Single Post - [Christianity] A question to those of religious leanings

All Systems Go · 24 Jun 2006, 16:48

In this thread, God does exist. Any comments about God not existing etc... will be unhelpful and a distraction from this question, so pleae refrain yourself from these types of posts.

Now, my question.

Now, in the Bible I believe it is said (probably by Jesus) that people should give up their material posessions etc... Even if it does not it is of little relevance here.

A murderer (if he does not repent) will go to hell. that is a fact. What of the common man? the western world is far better off than most areas on the planet with most of the countrys wealth being here.

Person A is fortunate enough to have been born in one of these afulent countries and get a decent job, making a respectable sum of money. He occasionally gives a little to charity, but not much else.

Person A, by choosing to live with slightly lower living standards could donate more money to charity and save potentially thouands of lives. He does not choose to do this. Person A knows that every penny he spends on some useless gadget for his own short-term amusement could have gone on helping others. this is something he knows, but chooses not to think about.

His actions have a direct impact on the less fortunate and in some cases result in the death of others due to his inaction.

Assuming he repents the rest of his sins (but not this one because he doesn't really think of it as a sin), will this person go to hell for allowing thousands of people to die so he could have a more comfortable lifestyle?

24 Jun 2006, 16:48	#1
All Systems Go Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: London Posts: 3,347	[Christianity] A question to those of religious leanings In this thread, God does exist. Any comments about God not existing etc... will be unhelpful and a distraction from this question, so pleae refrain yourself from these types of posts. Now, my question. Now, in the Bible I believe it is said (probably by Jesus) that people should give up their material posessions etc... Even if it does not it is of little relevance here. A murderer (if he does not repent) will go to hell. that is a fact. What of the common man? the western world is far better off than most areas on the planet with most of the countrys wealth being here. Person A is fortunate enough to have been born in one of these afulent countries and get a decent job, making a respectable sum of money. He occasionally gives a little to charity, but not much else. Person A, by choosing to live with slightly lower living standards could donate more money to charity and save potentially thouands of lives. He does not choose to do this. Person A knows that every penny he spends on some useless gadget for his own short-term amusement could have gone on helping others. this is something he knows, but chooses not to think about. His actions have a direct impact on the less fortunate and in some cases result in the death of others due to his inaction. Assuming he repents the rest of his sins (but not this one because he doesn't really think of it as a sin), will this person go to hell for allowing thousands of people to die so he could have a more comfortable lifestyle? __________________ The 20th century has been characterised by three developments of great political importance. The growth of democracy; the growth of corporate power; and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy.