the_REAL_sam's Journal: Reservations About Christianity

Can a pagan child enter heaven? According to Christian doctrine the answer is NO? Well, if it's true, it's troubling.

But they once told me "God is LOVE." I don't see any reason to ask if the LORD would do something cruel beyond comprehension.

Somewhere along the way I learned to call this apparent paradox "the clash" -- meaning that it is the segment of Christian doctrine which puts the whole religion into a sketchy light.

I cannot help but think about all the people who never heard about Christ, and I DON'T BELIEVE THEY COULD POSSIBLY BE CONDEMNED FOR NEVER HEARING. (or for not believing?)

Perhaps the best way to think of it is from the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall be sheltered."

I'm speculating a little, but I believe ^that^ means if a person doesn't have the wherewithal to see sin and avoid it, and they don't know anything about salvation, or about God, or Spirit, then they will be sheltered..?

THEN you might ask, "well then, ISN'T it BETTER not to KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?"

No, it's not better, because there is more to Christs' teachings that just salvation. There is also the fact that he teaches us to LOVE and FORGIVE one another, even our enemies, and to repent from sin, etc. Making a personal commitment to such things results in a huge boost in the quality life.