Is There Free Will In Christianity? -An Examination Of Free Will

Think about this: First cause. What caused it? It's an infinite question with only one conclusion: There is no beginning. If there's no beginning there is no end. Then this physical realm we have here is actually *real*? I don't think so. It's imagination. That's all reality is...imagination. If we have some purpose in trapping ourselves in this imaginary realm and we subject ourselves to it...why wouldn't we go to heaven? Why wouldn't everyone? I didn't fully explain my argument but...just think about it.

I agree with you. I'm just trying to raise consciousness as to the inconsistencies within a belief system, hoping it will help people to realize the barbaric nature of it. It's an emotionally abusive doctrine.

I agree with you that it is emotionally abusive. Maybe if you're trying to raise awareness you should be using another medium. A bible school classroom is often more effective than an obscure metacafe video.

shut up woman!!!!!

1 Cor. 14:34-35
34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

"Women should remain silent in churches" has some historical and cultural weight to it. Way back in the day, women, not because of religion, were not taught to read or write. The women would also sit together as a group as would the men. Because the women could not read, they would yell overtop of the preacher to their husbands pointing to their bibles, "What does this mean?" You can see how this could be disruptive. Thus, the rule was made and they were to ask their husbands at home. Times have changed and I think that many of the rules in the Bible lend themselves best to the customs, traditions and circumstances of that time.

My comment was nasty and rude. I am wasted. Forgive me. I see the vid maker's intent, and apologize for my attack on him.

and please dont put us in a common group. There is no "us" in atheism. Atheism is not a religion or organisation of any kind, it is just the disbelief in religion. You should know this, even when you're wasted.

Great vid by the way, 5 stars

Thanks. Very big of you to return and say so.

No, I reject that the God presented by Christianity could be true, but for many more reasons than this. I am only pointing out that Christians who have this view need to realize they are not presented with a fair choice. Also, I never said salvation was a bribe.

Do you think the threat of hell honestly gives you a fair choice?

I have no idea what you're talking about regarding deleting posts...actually, I don't get much of what you said.

Well, I have a degree in Theology and I was an instructor at a Bible college for 6 years and spent half of my life as a fundamentalist Christian...so, yeah...I know a few things.

Are you saying that you don't think that the doctrine of eternal punishment is ubiquitous in much of Christianity - or, do you think freedom to choose is of no importance?

if it wasnt for Jesus, then we would have no choice. everybody would go to hell.
at least we have a choice..good or bad..its that simple

It's not simple.

When faced with the threat of torture or a choice, that choice is one that must be made under extreme duress. Any such choice is not freely made, so it is not simple.

about christianity then why doubt it?
and yes, we always have free will.
do you have to go to school? no. but you will get punished if you dont go.
same with eternal life in heaven or hell. if you do good and have faith in God, then you will be rewarded. but if you dont you will be punished.

It may be that you are not used to hearing about eternal punishment in any way accept the filtered oration of your preacher. The doctrine says it's torture that does not stop. How long would you torture someone before you thought they had been adequately punished?

Also, you still have not address the main point. When faced with the threat of torture or a choice, that choice is one that must be made under extreme duress. Any such choice is not freely made.

The first thing that is wrong with your basis for leaving christianity is that hell is eternal. Just take few minuets and read through this.

http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/How%20Long%20Is%20Forever.htm

I am not addressing all views of Christianity. I'm addressing one view that is very common in mainstream Christianity.

Thanks for your concern, but do you have an argument that makes my point less valid? If you believe in eternal punishment, can you make a point that shows Christians can freely choose God?

This guy deletes anything that makes sense and he can't handle....

Get it off digg's home page.....you cant talk without deleting post, you get buried.

What's with deleting posts comments. I haven't deleted anything.

I believe the doctrine of eternal hell is an abusive tool used to emotionally harm many people, especially children. If you don't believe God punishes people, you should see this injustice too and be just as moved to action. Perhaps you just have not thought it through?