Since the majority of world religions seem to be action-based, I think it’s a good bet to continue doing good for the hell of it, hoho.

You dont say what background youre coming from — i.e., from a Christian one, I presume? — but this entire site is written by and for people who do come from a deep Christian background but, one way or another, at one time or another, left that faith precisely for the sorts of reasons you suggested: fundamentalist Christian ethics and “soteriology” (the “study” of salvation teachings) are pretty monstrous. Its an ethical/moral critique of Christian (conservative Christian) teachings, and I agree with you entirely. So, no, youre not in outer space. Youre dead on.

The truth is that there are plenty of schools of thought within Christianity that do not teach what Tim and Lindsay did. Many more liberal Christians believe “works” matter a great deal, and in fact, thats what God cares about.

Even in Judaism, CHristianity’s parent religion, there has never been any teaching that assent to doctrine is requirement for salvation, *nor* that works were. There was very little teaching about heaven at all, in fact, and good works were done for their own sake.

Us “de-cons” tend to be atheists and agnostics, and we generally care a great deal about moral, ethical behavior, and we agree with you that such things are intrinsic goods. We find it liberating to be freed of the sort of — lets not mince words here — horrible doctrines about heaven and hell, right and wrong behavior, that we used to preach as former fundys.

So, if this is your first time here, welcome, and we invite you to look around. I think you will find many of your sentiments echoed here.

See, that’s where I have a little problem. “Giving honor to Jesus.” According to Tim and Linds, you can be a really great person – generous, loving, kind, involved in your community, peaceful and if you don’t profess a belief that Jesus is God – that you believe – there’s no ticket to paradise. If, however, you are scum – beat your wife, kids and dog, are greedy, selfish, crude, racist, and sexist pig, but on your death bed, 10 seconds before the lights to out, you say – “I believe that Jesus is God,” all is forgiven – all is good – you get the ticket to ride.

What am I missing? Lindsay say we are NOT judged by our acts. In fact ACTS are zip in God’s eyes. What is important she said, over and over, is that we have a “personal relationship” with God.

I tried that. It was always a one-way conversation.

I believe in the possibility of a supreme being – the possiblity of several for that matter. I also believe if they’re out there they really don’t give much of a tinker’s damn who we are or what we do. We don’t have to pass tests and complete complicated rituals to get his (their) attention.

Am I completely in outer space here? I’m a good person. I do things for others because it’s the right thing to do – not because I’m counting up Heaven points. So what is right? Works or Faith or ???

Great series. Thought provoking, informative, well written. Congratulations. I say again, you have a fine facility with the written word.

This series is really good, thought-provoking stuff.
I lconsider the prose shows a nice balance between passive voice and personal opinion. It makes for an easy yet informative read.

May I suggest you postpend Home, End, Prev, Next links on posts in this series? I think It would make it more convenient for newcomers.

PS I envy your non-confrontational attitude; I can do that, but it’s an effort to me

Thank you.