Question for Atheists and maybe those who believe in God.

[ThisHo]

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I just don't believe that there is some all-knowing being watching over me and taking notes, to exact vengeance whenever I step across the lines that he has set out.


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I am a Christian and this isn't the God I believe in. The God I believe in sets rules to help me live my life to the fullest. Does He discipline me when I am wrong - yes, He does. Does He do it by running me over with a car or by some other extreme punishment, no. Jesus came to Earth to restore our relationship with God. He came and died for our sins so that we could have relationship with the God that he referred to as Abba ("daddy"). He called us "children of God" and gave us access to relationship with Abba. This is the relationship that I have with God. He loves me like a son and I love Him like a Father/Daddy. Does a Father discipline his children? If he loves them, yes he does. Does he protect them and care for them and provide for them... if he loves them, yes. This is the God that I know. This is the relationship that I have with HIM. This is possible through Jesus.

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I spend my Sundays sleeping in, lying around the house, maybe doing some chores, and watching football during the season--where I a Christian, such behavior would condemn me to an eternity in hell (depending on which sect of Christianity, admittedly).

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I'm assuming you're referring to the Catholic Church here as they are the strictest on the "must go to Church on Sunday" rules... but even they have a Saturday evening service you could attend if you wanted to sleep in on Sunday or catch some football.
However... the point of Sunday church is that its an opportunity to gather with other Christians to worship and praise God; to thank Him for the MANY blessings in our life. It is also a time for some study of His word and a time of prayer and support from other believers. Nowhere in the New Testament does it say "thou shalt go to church every Sunday." It does say not to forsake the gathering of believers. Tradition has just built itself to do it on Sunday.

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I had a delicious bacon cheeseburger for lunch yesterday

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Really? Where from? I love bacon cheeseburgers and I had one from Carl's Jr today, but it wasn't exactly delicious.

I think the general question from the OP is an interesting one though and the fact that one of the poster's said that if he knew 100% that he could get away with taking the $25k he ABSOLUTELY would. Also, his reason for not contract killing had nothing to do with respect for life, he just doesn't want the hassel of staying out of jail. I'm hoping I don't run into him in a dark alley 'cuz, although I'm looking forward to Heaven, I don't think I'm done with my work here yet.

just my thoughts on the topic
ThisHo