Do Christians Fear Death?

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Odin
I don't get how people in Calvinist denominations (Presbyterians, etc.) get by, I would be in constant fear of going to hell even if i'm a super-religious and charitable person.

That is because you don't understand.

The principle idea behind Calvinism is that you cannot do anything to save yourself -- it is entirely in God's hands.

Because of this, you shouldn't be concerned about your salvation, instead having faith that God will provide, in spite of your shortcomings. Instead, you should be obedient to the God out love, for the gift He has given you, and not out of fear of, and to avoid, damnation.

[chequita guevara]

I'm going to live forever or die trying.

[Odin]

Originally posted by The Mad Monk

Instead, you should be obedient to the God out love, for the gift He has given you, and not out of fear of, and to avoid, damnation.

That is even more stupid.

Che: thats the spirit.

[DRoseDARs]

Seems as good a thread for this quote as any:
"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work ... I want to achieve it through not dying." -- Woody Allen

[Whaleboy]

Death's an evil bastard. He keeps taking innocent children and Iraqis, ignoring my constant pleas for oblivion

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Odin


That is even more stupid.

Che: thats the spirit.

Then I guess I'm stupid.

[DRoseDARs]

Originally posted by Whaleboy
Death's an evil bastard. He keeps taking innocent children and Iraqis, ignoring my constant pleas for oblivion

Find a busy street frequented by semis. They'll grant your wish unlike that other lazy bastard.

[Natalinasmpf]

Muslim Martyrdom?

[Al B. Sure!]

Christian Martyrdom?

[Whaleboy]

'Poly Martyrdom!

[Ben Kenobi]

Christians who believe in hell and think they're going there when they die must be terrified

Most don't, if they are Christians. If they aren't then that's another story entirely.

[Ted Striker]

I don't fear death.

It will be a wonderful experience.

It's the whole dying thing that won't be too fun.

[Ben Kenobi]

I don't get how people in Calvinist denominations (Presbyterians, etc.) get by, I would be in constant fear of going to hell even if i'm a super-religious and charitable person.

They generally believe that they are the elect and are predestined to heaven.

The idea, is like the Mad Monk said, to free people up to serve God because of their love for God, and not to earn salvation.

Catholics have it a little different. They hope for salvation, but do not affirm any doctrine of predestination.

[MrFun]

I am a Christian, and I would like to say that I do not fear death.

[Verres]

Originally posted by Gangerolf
Christians who believe in hell and think they're going there when they die must be terrified

Definitely. That many people telling me I'll burn in hell has made me strangely desperate to hold onto my pathetic life.