Christians, which child would you rather have?

that entire question is covered in the parable of the prodigal son which is what I believe you are referring too.

If you wish to know how God thinks about this be sure to pay close attention to what the father says to the older son when the prodigal returns.

It also says a lot about us believers too.

The first answer, even though he's got a point, didn't really understand the question.

You're completely right. I'd like the first one best, because he does it independently of either prize or punishment, like, just because he loves his mommy (me). The same way, if I were god I would like people to do what's right for love, not because they're scared of sinning and then suffering in hell. That was invented by the church so long ago to keep masses dominated and it still does the trick.

As a friend of your's, and a christian, I have to agree, My God is mighty. He has never threatened us, or told me that my reward is ever deserved. I would have to say that Christians all seek to be as the first child you represent in your question. But as a human, I realize that I , by myself, can not control my actions. The first child is not one that exists in any realm. Would you like to believe that your faith in man is the way to your eternal happiness? I just wonder why you scorn what you love so much. My God awaits your return. He sends no one to hell. All men have an open door to my God, and from what I can tell, to the God you are angry with.

The first child responds to God within naturally; the second does not. The first already has the law of God on his heart; the second needs outward laws to condition behavior. God shows his many sides depending on who is on the receiving end. To the upright and meek he is such; to the selfish and arrogant he appears as such.

Your reasoning is so typical: I don't like what I interpret about God, therefore I believe He does not exist. Go figure those mental gymnastics.

The viewpoint we have of God that He will send us to some eternal hell for not believing in him is incorrect. God has a particular purpose to do and that is to serve humankind. At the level of the superconscious man chooses his destiny and God must come through on that request. When "evil" or "tragedy" strikes, it is not God who "did it" but man at the level of the collective consciousness. God can only deliver and respond. When a person dies, their consciousness lives on and if they did not believe in God to begin with their consciousness will direct them to the place where there is no God - called Hell in the Bible.

The bible was written a long long time ago by man , and it should only be used as a guidance. Those who take it word for word ought to explore other religions as well.

so I'd say the question is irrelevant.

This might be the best question ever posted on this site.

However, you'll never get an honest answer from those who really need to consider it's further implications,consequences, and conclusions.--- Once a person chooses a self-serving, feel-good philosophy as a substitute for truth, you'll never get an honest, rational answer from him. It's akin to asking him to give up his security blanket. His courage to face reality has been suspended. ---Such a waste. ---Such a shame.

You've really moved your belief to the second grade level. It just isnt this simple.

First, God is a big God and does love us all. While you "as an atheist" appreciates one over the other, God as God is able to love all.

Second, God does not send us to hell. If you believe that then you are refusing to accept responsibility for your own actions, is that what you are saying.

I am responsible for me....I choose Christ. What about you?

The entire concept of the Christian God is so perplexing. How could anyone love something that is so egotistical, self serving and homicidal? Fear him? Sure. Love him? No. I would despise him.

Counter Point:

Which kind if husband would you want?

One that does only what pleases him? Only when he feels like doing stuff to his own satisfaction? One who feels no remorse for hurting your feelings or forgetting you? One who finds other woman when ever he wishes? One who puts any wishes you have for happiness on the bottom of his list?

Or would you want a husband who?

Puts you first? Loves you and does what you want him to, not because of threats of divorce, but because he Wants to please you and make you happy? Would you want a husband that spends his time and his money on you and speaks highly of you always and always your on his mind and in his heart?