Christianity is considerably younger than the other religions we’ve studied, and I found that the readings contained many similar themes. Even though the passages didn’t contain many new ideas, one difference did strike me. One must accept certain myths and irrational beliefs as truths to receive the blessings and awards of eternal life with God in heaven.
Although the following is not an original concept, the words were still inspiring to me: “For the measure by which you give is the measure by which you will receive.” This strongly resembles Karmic Law, which I am completely fascinated with because it’s manifested so clearly in many areas in my life. It makes me wonder though, in the context of Christianity, does this quote mainly apply to ‘giving’ in this life and ‘receiving’ in the afterlife? If we give love or hate on earth, will we receive the same in heaven or hell respectively? I cannot wrap my head around this concept. What are the benefits of being a faithful believer right now? Perhaps it’s our need for forgiveness for the mistakes we make as humans. If I break one of God’s rules, we’re square if I repent, and if I don’t, I have to wait to die before I receive my punishment. If I broke one of my mother’s rules at home, she didn’t accept my repentance (no matter how heartfelt), and she punished me immediately. It might take me a long time before I gain my mother’s favor again, whereas with God, favor and forgiveness can be regained right away.
Another thought provoking passage was, “Unless you change your life and become like a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is somewhat logical and twisted to me. When I read ‘child’, I envisioned a baby. A perfect being full of love that hasn’t been corrupted….yet. They don’t know the differences between the concepts of boy and girl, black and white, gay and straight, or rich and poor. The passage was sort of logical because only a child is capable of showing love across all of these lines all of the time, so it makes sense that they could enter heaven. The passage is twisted to me because it seems impossible for anyone to change their life to get back to an uncorrupted childlike state. If that is really a prerequisite to getting in to heaven, then I’m sure I’m out of luck.
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I think that one cannot earn there way to heaven, they have to believe. But once they are believers it is said that we will be rewarded in heaven for our good deeds on Earth. God's forever forgiving nature is so hard to understand because it goes against all human nature. God is an all loving all forgiving God. Just like a parent is to be feared, but also trusted. LIke in "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" Azlan is said to not be safe, but he is good.
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