BookTalk.org

Just what are the benefits of following Jesus? What do you stand to gain? This thread is not about if he lived or did not live.

Star, a christian once asked me-''But if you don't fear god what stops you raping and murdering ?'' Leave 'em to believe,mate. It's Safer.

Star Burst wrote:Just what are the benefits of following a mythological God man? What do you stand to gain? This thread is not about if he lived or did not live.

There are no benefits to following a mythological God man.

Edited the OP I guess I should have left the mythological portion out of it............

Though I am not a follower of Jesus, I think if one truly followed the philosophy espoused in the Gospels, one would need to give up most, if not all material possessions up to the poor, and oddly enough reap some benefits from doinf so.

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."(Matthew: 19; 23)

"Woe unto you that are rich, for ye have received your consolation."(Luke: 6; 24).

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:2)

Are just a few examples among many of what I would call an admirable, but extreme positions on materialism and wealth.

I do not think that the above is calling for half measures, IE. Donating a percentage of what one has to charity. I interpret this to mean that if you are rich or even very well off, there is serious trouble ahead! If you are just doing OK, you should still give away whatever you have.

I do not know if I would call this a benefit, but I think that the few individuals who have gone so far as to devote most of their wealth and effort to charity, likely have such strong beliefs and convictions that they would be very much at peace and self satisfied.

You will be pressured by your family to change you mind;
If you continue as a Christian they will disown you and may have a funeral for you;
If employed you will lose your job;
If not employed you will not be able to find a job;
You will be hunted, persecuted, jailed, beaten and possibly be tortured to death;
If you live a long life it will be one of hardship.
The benefit? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That was the sales pitch the early Church had and is true in many contries today

stahrwe wrote:You will be pressured by your family to change you mind;
If you continue as a Christian they will disown you and may have a funeral for you;
If employed you will lose your job;
If not employed you will not be able to find a job;
You will be hunted, persecuted, jailed, beaten and possibly be tortured to death;
If you live a long life it will be one of hardship.
The benefit? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That was the sales pitch the early Church had and is true in many contries today

stahrwe, I think that it is interesting that you used the term "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" in reference to the early church. Have you read Harold Bloom's "Jesus and Yahweh"?

In it he argues that the idea of the "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" is a much newer and very American concept. While I am interested in the history of Christian beliefs and have done a fair bit of reading on the subject, I feel that I do not know enough to have an opinion as to Bloom's position. Based upon your post I presume that you would disagree with it.

Emperorbjt wrote:

stahrwe wrote:You will be pressured by your family to change you mind;
If you continue as a Christian they will disown you and may have a funeral for you;
If employed you will lose your job;
If not employed you will not be able to find a job;
You will be hunted, persecuted, jailed, beaten and possibly be tortured to death;
If you live a long life it will be one of hardship.
The benefit? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That was the sales pitch the early Church had and is true in many contries today

stahrwe, I think that it is interesting that you used the term "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" in reference to the early church. Have you read Harold Bloom's "Jesus and Yahweh"?

In it he argues that the idea of the "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" is a much newer and very American concept. While I am interested in the history of Christian beliefs and have done a fair bit of reading on the subject, I feel that I do not know enough to have an opinion as to Bloom's position. Based upon your post I presume that you would disagree with it.

I am familiar with the book and Mr. Bloom.

Have you read:
The Bible?
Thomas Aquinas
Augustine
Tertullian



I am always very leary when someone says that they are interested in the history of Christian beliefs.

BTW, Bloom realized that any idiot can write a book about Jesus, make rediculous claims and be taken seriously.

stahrwe wrote:

Emperorbjt wrote:

stahrwe wrote:You will be pressured by your family to change you mind;
If you continue as a Christian they will disown you and may have a funeral for you;
If employed you will lose your job;
If not employed you will not be able to find a job;
You will be hunted, persecuted, jailed, beaten and possibly be tortured to death;
If you live a long life it will be one of hardship.
The benefit? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That was the sales pitch the early Church had and is true in many contries today

stahrwe, I think that it is interesting that you used the term "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" in reference to the early church. Have you read Harold Bloom's "Jesus and Yahweh"?

In it he argues that the idea of the "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" is a much newer and very American concept. While I am interested in the history of Christian beliefs and have done a fair bit of reading on the subject, I feel that I do not know enough to have an opinion as to Bloom's position. Based upon your post I presume that you would disagree with it.

I am familiar with the book and Mr. Bloom.

Have you read:
The Bible?
Thomas Aquinas
Augustine
Tertullian



I am always very leery when someone says that they are interested in the history of Christian beliefs.

BTW, Bloom realized that any idiot can write a book about Jesus, make rediculous claims and be taken seriously.

Would you be less leery if I said I had absolutely no interest in Christian beliefs ?

To anwser your questions:

The Bible - Every word, at least twice

Thomas Aquinas - Only excerpts. I intend to do a more comprehensive reading in the future.

Augustine - I have read Confessions and City of God

Tertullian - Not yet but I intend to

While I do not agree with Bloom about many things, IMHO he is far from an idiot. I find his arguments very well reasoned and backed up by facts or refrences.

I try not to label people as idiots even when I do not agree with them. When we go down that road it leads to all sorts of name calling that is so unpleasant and does not get anyone anywhere.