by restrangled 35 Replies latest jw friends
I ask this because I have just started a book called, Sermon on the Mount and I believe the author is "Fox".
I have also been reading C.S. Lewis, Surprised By Joy.
Has anyone read these books or been influenced by them in addition to the above question.
Thanks,
r.
I haven't read the books, but I wouldn't have got involved with the jws without the idea of a reward, ie paradise, and the threat of punishment, death at armageddon, if I rejected them. I wasn't religious at all when I met them, and I'm not now. My parents were occasional churchgoers, and never forced me to go, so I never went.
I have no desire to be involved with any religion, regardless of what they offer.
No I have not reas those books. I am currently reading: The Anansi Boys, by Neil Gaiman.
Without the reward of heaven or the threat of hell, or the reward of Paradise I don't think anyone would serve god. Satan was right, nobody would serve god without the long term benefits. In fact they'd most likely get involved in demonism, since that's the only thing that can show results in your life.
For the record I don't believe in god or demons.
NO religion for me
Thanks
.
I might be still involved in religion if it were unambiguously not about reward and punishment.
I remember Surprised by Joy as a very moving book (but I have only faint memories of it, it was a long time ago).
Without the fear of punishment or the possible denial of an enticing reward, no religion would exist.
In short, I don't think anyone would be. Where would be the benefit?
Hmm... Perhaps I might modify my response. Perhaps there could be religion that was just about helping a person enjoy a full life in this world rather than appealing to transcendence?
Daystar:I think you forget that man is a gregarious animal who loves habit and ritual
I don't go out of any desire/fear of reward/punishment. I just enjoy going, to hear something and have a communal ritual. I know many like that.
LT, of the "Areopagus" class
It's hard to say because I know very little about other religions/faiths, but I do know that I would never (again) be a part of something that forces me to suppress my real personality and be something I'm not meant to be.
