[TheQ]

I see a lot of interesting posts here, discussing the differences of various denominations. What makes me interested, is the fact, that it's a Poker Forum.

Some Questions for Debate, and Thought.

Do you think there is a .01% chance God exists?

Assuming you can answer yes, let me make some more assumptions.

1.) We have souls (A part of us that is eternal)

2.) We live forever, either in Heaven or hell, after we die.

I think these are reasonable assumptions to make, if in fact, God exists.

So now we have a Pot Odds Question with infinite return on one hand and infinite loss on the other. I would rather put my money on God. Is it really so hard anyway?

Don't lie, steal, murder, everyone knows the 10. The difference between right and wrong is BUILT into us. That is why everyone will be Judged at the end. Ignorance of the law is impossible on this one.

This brings me to my next point: Two men commit murder. One is mentally retarded, and one is a police officer. Who should receive the harsher penalty? The police officer of course. WHY? Because he has a more developed sense of awareness, and morality.

So combining the above paragraphs, and applying what I have learned from the Bible, I would tend to believe that any creature whom God created, with a soul, can enter Heaven.
If you have never been introduced to a bible, or gone to church, it doesn't matter. You will be judged based on your deeds in relation to your level of awareness, and knowledge. There comes a time in everyone's life when they are old enough to stop blaming their actions on the way their parents raised them. And there comes a time when you realize there is something more.

Jesus said "look, there is ANOTHER way" which infers MORE than one way, to get to heaven.

Who cares about the differences between churches! It's not what is important.

I believe Jesus came to cut the red tape, the Jewish religion was creating. A strict diet, circumcision, sacrifices. All these things are no doubt pleasing to God, but to a non-believer, it's a mountain to overcome. A lot to ask.

As you become friends with God, you are free to ask for the answers to life. "Ask and you shall receive" But remember, knowledge, is a double edged sword. As your knowledge, or level of awareness increases. You will be held to higher standards and more will be expected of you. This is yet another reason why God keeps changing the entry requirements. We as a species, are becoming more sentient. (That last sentence is debatable...lol)

So anyway, I think based on MY level of awareness, and knowledge, this is what I need to get to heaven.

1.) Believe Jesus died for our sins, and was resurrected - Is this so hard to believe? Tony Robbins brought a man with a heart attack back to life. Look into it.

2.) Ask God to forgive you. So easy. My parents taught me to say sorry, when I was 4, and be sincere.

3.) Ask God to let you into heaven, because you know the doorman. (Jesus)

Good deeds are not required (but are inevitable, so don't sweat it)- Why?
1.) Jesus told a story about a fruit tree (us) that didn't produce, and he threw it in the fire (hell) However, I would tend to think saving your soul, IS a good deed, God doesn't want to waste his time creating a being, only to watch it burn forever. That would piss ME off, if I were God.

2.) Jesus also told a story about how some will yield more, and some less.

3.) Just because you don't educate other people about God, you still affect this reality we occupy. The butterfly effect.

4.) No man can serve two masters (You are either with God or against him) So if you are with God then how could you NOT do good deeds? The two are mutually exclusive. What I think people disagree on, is the definition of "Good Deed" Smiling at someone is a good deed. Can you do that? Of course.

LET THE CONTROVERSY BEGIN. Feel free to tear this apart. Disagreements, I actually encourage, because, I'll be able to go back and either correct my misconceptions, or re-enforce my knowledge.