What happens to people who don't know about Christianity?

[naomi24]

If eternal damnation to hell is the punishment for non-Christians, are those who have never heard of Christianity, primitive jungle tribes for example, condemned to hell too - or does the Christian god give them special dispensation?

[whiffey]

This is a very good question to which I have no answer, best left to God. It's the same puzzle as one's place of birth. If I had been born in Saudia Arabia or Pakistan I would be a Muslim, without the option.

[saxy_jag]

Wouldn't bother me anyway. I know if I'm going to hell, then most of my mates will be there as well, so it won't be that bad.

[wizard69]

Theland will be along shortly with a circular arguament for us all to peruse...

[luna-tic]

Unfortunately, many ancient tribes and their cultures have been either completely wiped out or forcibly indoctrinated into the ways of European settlers and this includes their beliefs.
People who before ever seeing strangers from other shores in huge numbers had their own religion that dated back thousands of years. Many of these indigenous tribes would welcome these people who usually were in a terrible state from travelling and malnutrition then once they were nursed back to health decided to systematically wipe out their generous hosts.
Was the strangers god better?
Not from the eyes of the natives, all it brought was death, greed and disease and even the people that brought their new religions couldn't decide which one was better.
When I think about it, nothing much has changed over the years regarding the supposed superiority of religions and humans.

[brionon]

An Indian once asked a Jesuit the same question. The answer was ,'They'll be OK',at which he asked the J. ''Why did you tell me about it,then?''

[naomi24]

brionon, if that's true, that's got to be the best answer the Indian could have given.

[LouUK]

If I end up at the pearly gates, see God and he asks "Do you believe in me?". I would reply "I do now and I am sorry for doubting for you". Then he will let me in, as I am a good person and live from the heart which is honest and truthfull.
Did Jesus not die on the cross though for the salvation of mankind, as man will always sin? if that is the case, we will all party in Heaven anyway

[naomi24]

LouUK - excellent point for discussion - and one I'd never really thought of. How about putting the question up for debate?

[naomi24]

Come on Theland - where are you on this one?

[Theland]

Jesus tells us that by the measure we use to judge others, so we will be judged by that same measure.
That would apply to the people you describe.

[naomi24]

Theland, so despite the fact that they can't seek redemption of their sins though Jesus, some of them will get special dispensation and to heaven anyway?

[naomi24]

Sorry, that should have read 'go to heaven anyway'.

[Theland]

I think so, yes.
The bible tells us that God has written the knowledge of Himself on our hearts, and we also have the evidence of the creation for His existence. So, no matter where people are, they have no excuse for not knowing of His existence.
Then there is the ingrained knowledge of right and wrong. If a person acts with integrity in accordance with this knowledge, and judges others by this standard, then that standard will be the measure used to judge that person.
So, if somebody is merciful and forgiving, that will be the criteria used to judge them.

[naomi24]

Theland, hang on a minute. We're not talking about people being aware in their hearts of the existence of god - the Jews and the Muslims believe in god - we're talking about Christianity and the only way to salvation supposedly being through Jesus Christ. It's not true then, is it?

Cor, your argument there almost borders on the logical!

[Theland]

I think it is our Christian duty to tell others. Once they know, they have a choice, to accept or reject Jesus.
Beyond that, people who have never heard of Jesus, will be judged as I said above.
This is what I think, but I open to instruction if I'm wrong.

[naomi24]

Theland, It seems to me that god is far bigger than you imagine. I really wish you could see it.

[Theland]

I agree that God is far bigger than I could ever begin to imagine.

[naomi24]

Theland - please broaden your mind then - look outside that which you are taught by your church. There's so much more to see if only you will give yourself the chance.

[LouUK]

Is it possible that the name God can be spelt differently in other languages, as in a different name but with the same meaning?
Many religions/faiths have the same ideals/philosophies/codes of practice although they donnot have the title God. How many religions/faiths use insence, prayer, blessed water, candle flame (light representing life) and oils to anoint?
Sometimes I wonder how it is, that so many practices can be so similar and why!

Theland-quote
"If a person acts with integrity in accordance with this knowledge, and judges others by this standard, then that standard will be the measure used to judge that person."
A CHAV/Scally grows up with fowl language, abuse and violence, its normal. When they judge by their own standards, (what they have been taught) about what is acceptable and what is not. Knocking someone out is a sincere way of reacting to negative behaviour and full of inetgrity.
Will they be judged by their own standards?
Or is this not similar to (quote naomi24) "primitive jungle tribes"?

[Theland]

Do you ever get tired?