A Joyless Existence?

[andy-hughes]

Given that the posts on here from Christians continually vacillate between admonishing the rest of us for not believing in their god as they do, and fretting and worrying about their worthiness to enter heaven after they die -

Is it not fair to say that being a Christian is a seriously joyless existence?

Does 'God' really intend us to be so utterly bereft of anything approaching happiness on this earth?

And if so - why?

[jd_1984]

As well as worrying about their worthiness they also claim to take great comfort in "knowing" that if they have lived their lives according to the teachings, they will experience a heavenly after life.

Atheists, under the assumption that once you die, the lights go out for good - may see their existence on earth as a "one off" and will live to a different moral code.

I am not sure if Christians would call their lives joyless?

[Mamyalynne]

I don't think it's a fair assumption to make of all Christians - I have never admonished or lectured anyone and as for fretting about my worthiness - well what will be will be.

Life is for living and enjoying, drink in all its beauty however you believe it was created.

[MallyJ]

Why would it be thought that atheists live by a different moral code to that that christians follow? I feel that I ( and many like me) have a similar moral code but do not need the threat of hell to follow that code... nor the promise of heaven. It could be argued that to behave according to a strict moral code and with concern and care for fellow human beings (whatever their religion, sexual orientation etc etc etc) without either carrot or stick is morally the higher ground..... now there is a thought!

[andy-hughes]

Mamyalynne - // don't think it's a fair assumption to make of all Christians - I have never admonished or lectured anyone and as for fretting about my worthiness - well what will be will be. //

A fair point - to tar all Christians would be to do as the regular posters do on here with atheists - assume that every one is exactly the same.

I think if I were to refine my point - it would be to say that the Christians who make the most noise - abd this site is a mocrocosm of the wider world - are the most joyless people you could wish to come across.

When I went for lunch today, some guy was standing on a podium preaching about God and the Devil, and being totally ignored by anyone within earshot.

Where do you get an ego like that - which assumes you have the right to be heard waffling on about your faith to complete strangers. It is arrogance, which I am led to believe 'God' does not like - only he can be seen to be saying what's what.

[nailit]

//When I went for lunch today, some guy was standing on a podium preaching about God and the Devil, and being totally ignored by anyone within earshot. //
Was it that muppet with a beard that stands in Hanley town centre andy? Often wonder what he thinks hes achieving.

[AlwaysConfused]

times have changed. If Jesus was present today in his human form, he'd be on twitter, facebook, bbc, hello magazine, sky news etc spreading his joyous word. Probably taking a few selfies 'me and leper - healed :) lol'

What gave people happiness in biblical times differs to what brings us joy now. People need to become less intense about interpreting every word of the bible and go with their morals. My one moral T'reat others as you would like to be treated yourself' would knock out a few commandments in one go:
Honor your father and your mother
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

I don't see how doing good unto others is joyless? I don't fret about going to heaven or hell, I worry more about how my husband would cope without me washing, cooking, making the bed and so on

[Mamyalynne]

I don't like that sort of attitude any more than I like someone knocking on my door to 'sell' me religion like it were new brushes.

I equally dislike an atheist asking me a question then when I respond honestly their mouth goes slightly awry with a look as if to say 'she's deluded' as if it were a trick question. Hence I don't expound much just answer simply.

My life is full of joy and whether that has anything to do with believing or not who knows - the only time I couldn't reach that joy was during clinical depression which you know all about too.

[retrocop]

As a young boy I attended church regularly. Not because I wanted to but it pleased my mother and I was paid a small retainer for being a "boat boy" which was cigarette money.
Every one seemed extremeley happy singing their lungs out whilst getting smothered in sickly smelling incense.They sang with gusto and prayed with enthusiasm.The adults had not long before survived a 6 year war and rationing was still used.
They had no need for artificial prescribed drugs to help them survive their every day business and keep them on an even keel. Just a sip of communion wine did the trick.
Religion has nothing to do with a joyless existence. Atheists get depressed as well I imagine.

[andy-hughes]

nailit - ////When I went for lunch today, some guy was standing on a podium preaching about God and the Devil, and being totally ignored by anyone within earshot. //
Was it that muppet with a beard that stands in Hanley town centre andy? Often wonder what he thinks hes achieving. //

That's the one!!

[AlwaysConfused]

muppet with a beard.....he's at it again!

[tamborine]

Theres more dictatorial admonishing of religion from athiests imo. Maybe theyre searching to fill the gap in their souls?

[andy-hughes]

tambourine - //Theres more dictatorial admonishing of religion from athiests imo. Maybe theyre searching to fill the gap in their souls? //

Seriously?

I don't see Richard Dawkins getting a 'Christmas Message' any time soon!!

[retrocop]

A bit strong calling a person with an ego and waffles a muppet isn't it? The man may have a mental problem and suffers harmless delusions. He may be very happy with his faith and feels he needs to share his opinions with others. He is not physically harming anyone for gods sake,running around swinging a machete shouting "God is great you infidels."

[vulcan42]

Maybe atheists don't have gaps in their souls, maybe the religious have that gap and fill it with believing in God.

[andy-hughes]

The Urban Dictionay defines a 'muppet' as - "A person who is ignorant and generally has no idea about anything."

I think that makes it a fair description, given what I have seen and heard.

[tamborine]

Maybe vulcan but we are not asking the question

[andy-hughes]

vuclan - Maybe atheists don't have gaps in their souls, maybe the religious have that gap and fill it with believing in God.//

Maybe neither has a 'gap' - or a 'soul'

Maybe one is secure in him or herself, and the other is not.

[nailit]

retro, ive heard this man preaching hatred towards homosexuals and unbelievers. Muppet isnt a strong enough word.

[andy-hughes]

retrocop - //Religion has nothing to do with a joyless existence. Atheists get depressed as well I imagine. //

Getting depressed is all part of the human condition.

Embracing it because fear and doubt are cornerstones of your life's belief system is not part of the human condition - that is man-made.

[tamborine]

Youre the one seeking answers andy, not me.