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?

[Mamyalynne]

Ah Retrocop , the heady smell of incense - when I was about 14 I tried to persuade Father Hough to replace it with Patchouli oil, he sadly wouldn't do so.

[retrocop]

nailit
Well if he has contravened the law no doubt he will be arrested. I am surprised he hasn't been reported.

[nailit]

Dont think theres a law that prevents you from saying that homosexuality (according to the bible) is a perversion and an unnatural act that will see you burn in hell.

[retrocop]

Mamyalynne
Please do not say "Heady" I got seriously whacked over the head with a left handed incence swinger. Deep cut to my forhead and claret running down my face and my white cassock turning red.
It was a church parade sunday communion and there were the local scouts and Girl Guides by the score but not a ruddy band aid between them. Useless lot. Talk about "Be Prepared"

[Mamyalynne]

Oh dear.

[retrocop]

Then he is quoting the bible and his opinion which he is entitled to isn't he ???

[tamborine]

Nailit, catholics dont judge anyone. All are loved.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2015/03/03/good-christians-dont-judge-others-says-pope/

[andy-hughes]

tambourine - //Youre the one seeking answers andy, not me. //

Goodness me!

You are crediting my simple question with a deal more importance than it deserves!

It's simply a little light diversion on a Monday - nothing to do with 'seeking' anything, that's far too biblical, and therefore irrelevant, for me.

[tamborine]

Andy, then dont thrust mouthy Dawkins at me.

[jim360]

I'd say the joy you have, or not, is about far more to do with your character and state of mind, than it is to do with the religion you follow.

[retrocop]

jim360
I couldn't agree more. That is the difference between the poster and myself.
I am a Christian ,though it is something I don't discuss, and my state of mind and not my belief keeps me happy and the poster is an atheist.!!
Religion has nothing to do with it in my opinion.

[tamborine]

Andy for you. Words incl here. Belief in love can lead to prayer for sustenance.

https://youtu.be/DVewUtxyIYs

[andy-hughes]

tambourine - //Andy, then dont thrust mouthy Dawkins at me. //

I can't possibly 'thrust' anything at someone I am not engaged to!!!

[andy-hughes]

retrocop - //I am a Christian , ...//

That is interesting.

[andy-hughes]

tambourine - //Andy for you. Words incl here. Belief in love can lead to prayer for sustenance. //

I think you are hearing what you wish to hear ...

Nick Cave stays in the song, 'I don't believe in God ... but if I did ...' - so his perspective is clear, if you choose to hear what he says, not what you would like him to have said.

Nick Cave lost his teenage son in an accident a few months ago - a fell off a sea wall to his death. I am sure Mr Cave is not looking to 'God' for a reason for that - there isn't one.

Nick Cave is an atheist.

[retrocop]

Well religion didn't kill him but his joyless state of mind could of!!

[tamborine]

NC sings "O Lord". Not "O Dawkins" ;)

[retrocop]

Thanks for your timely correction.Perhaps you better lie down now and get over your apoplexy :-)

[naomi24]

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

No, it isn’t fair at all to say that. Whilst it appears that some, despite what they say they believe, are terrified, unsure of their eventual fate, dwelling quite gloomily upon the end of times, sin, retribution, etc., etc., many Christians who adhere to a less complex doctrine live happy lives comfortable in their own ‘certain knowledge’ that they will eventually see their deceased loved ones again – and that’s a happy thought. I never understand why Christians are unhappy when someone they believe is going to ‘heaven’ dies. Surely a time for celebration?

I will always remember a very dear friend of mine, a happy, gentle, and genuinely caring lady, quietly and smilingly singing hymns shortly before she died. She was content. Of course, some would say she wasn’t ‘Born Again’, or she wasn’t a Jehovah’s Witness, or some such other spin off cult of Christianity, and therefore she wasn’t a true Christian – but in my opinion, she was the best sort. Hers was a joyful existence.