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Why should the journey be orthogonal to the destination? The Bible confirms that both are vital. The Sermon on the Mount commands Christians to be kind, lovin

Why should the journey be orthogonal to the destination? The Bible confirms that both are vital. The Sermon on the Mount commands Christians to be kind, loving and good people in this life. Verses like Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 3:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:9 compel Christians to live this life in light of eternity. To me, if you accept the presuppositions of the Christian worldview, this is logical. If this life and how you live in it is important, how much more so is eternity? After all, life is temporal. (Mark 8:36) > That's not the message of Christianity > The end means almost nothing to me. This betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of the Bible. Again, the Bible presupposes the existence of an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell. This life is the seedtime for eternity. I'm not here to argue with non-Christians about the validity of these pre-suppositions. I'm saying for those who call themselves Christian and therefore hold the Bible to be true, the end (should) means everything to them.

joshgachnang 4y ago
Growing up in the Lutheran church I found that unfortunately a lot of people didn't really read the Bible or think too hard about a lot of the passages. Most people listened to the sermons and how the pastor (or if you were in Lutheran day school like me, your teachers) interpreted and emphasized things. And while they did emphasize being a good person today, there was a huge emphasis on heaven and hell.
- theonething 4y ago
  I think one of the results of what you describe is a subtle forsaking or compromise of fundamental Biblical truths in lieu of less controversial and more attractive principles that conform more closely with human sentiment and societal norms.
mcswell 4y ago
"the Bible presupposes the existence of an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell." Not to turn this into a theology debate, but the Old Testament says next to nothing about either, and the New Testament doesn't spend much time on them, with maybe the exception of the book of Revelation. Otoh, you did say "presupposes", so possibly that's true.
slothtrop 4y ago
> The Bible confirms that both are vital. Evangelicals just as easily claim the opposite, on the same conceit. "The Bible says". If this wasn't up to interpretation you wouldn't have so many protestant sects. For instance, being kind and loving could be construed as an obligation for Salvation, not a reflection of the importance of Earth life. There are a not-insignificant number that oppose utilitarian improvements to quality of life because it might "distract people from God", notwithstanding how comfortable their own lot might be. It's not at all life-affirming for them, at least not in terms of how they feel of their neighbors.
- theonething 4y ago
  > being kind and loving could be construed as an obligation for Salvation It certainly can be and has been construed in this way and a proper exegesis of the New Testament has no other conclusion than that interpretation is patently wrong. The book of Galatians (amongst) others is a clear rebuke of the heresy of salvation by works. Those who oppose utilitarian improvements to quality of life ignore verses such as "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return" The term "good Samaritan" comes from a Biblical parable highlighting the importance of being kind to others. I don't how anyone can come away from a serious and accurate study of the Bible and not conclude that a Christian's conduct in this life is wholly important.

joshgachnang 4y ago

Growing up in the Lutheran church I found that unfortunately a lot of people didn't really read the Bible or think too hard about a lot of the passages. Most people listened to the sermons and how the pastor (or if you were in Lutheran day school like me, your teachers) interpreted and emphasized things. And while they did emphasize being a good person today, there was a huge emphasis on heaven and hell.

theonething 4y ago
I think one of the results of what you describe is a subtle forsaking or compromise of fundamental Biblical truths in lieu of less controversial and more attractive principles that conform more closely with human sentiment and societal norms.

mcswell 4y ago

"the Bible presupposes the existence of an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell." Not to turn this into a theology debate, but the Old Testament says next to nothing about either, and the New Testament doesn't spend much time on them, with maybe the exception of the book of Revelation. Otoh, you did say "presupposes", so possibly that's true.

slothtrop 4y ago

> The Bible confirms that both are vital. Evangelicals just as easily claim the opposite, on the same conceit. "The Bible says". If this wasn't up to interpretation you wouldn't have so many protestant sects. For instance, being kind and loving could be construed as an obligation for Salvation, not a reflection of the importance of Earth life. There are a not-insignificant number that oppose utilitarian improvements to quality of life because it might "distract people from God", notwithstanding how comfortable their own lot might be. It's not at all life-affirming for them, at least not in terms of how they feel of their neighbors.

theonething 4y ago
> being kind and loving could be construed as an obligation for Salvation It certainly can be and has been construed in this way and a proper exegesis of the New Testament has no other conclusion than that interpretation is patently wrong. The book of Galatians (amongst) others is a clear rebuke of the heresy of salvation by works. Those who oppose utilitarian improvements to quality of life ignore verses such as "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return" The term "good Samaritan" comes from a Biblical parable highlighting the importance of being kind to others. I don't how anyone can come away from a serious and accurate study of the Bible and not conclude that a Christian's conduct in this life is wholly important.