Christianity: Hardest or Easiest?

[Islander]

Originally Posted by Carl62

I believe that Christianity is a rather hard religion to follow because much IS required. You must 1) have a strong faith in Him followed by, 2) keeping his commandments, which Jesus said is the key in getting us into the Kingdom of God. (Luke 18:18-20). Not an easy task for some people.

Same can be said for college education. It takes time, discipline, effort and resources. It seems too much for some people. Motivation is key. If eternal life and exaltation is not enough to motivate someone then nothing will and this life will be their reward.

[prisonchaplain]

Easist? Yes! Hardest! Yes. But really, where else could I go, but to the LORD? Once you know the Truth--really know it--to live is Christ, to die is gain. (I'm no plagiarist--thoughts were borrowed by Apostle Paul)

[ErikJohnson]

Originally Posted by Godless

I agree with this completely. It's often hard for people to entertain the idea that they aren't in complete control of their lives, which I'd imagine is a crucial step towards accepting God's grace by the Christian model. We are generally more inclined to believe that we can overcome anything life throws at us on our own and without God's help. This mindset is a crucial part of my personal worldview, which is why I'm not religious. And I can definitely see how that sort of thinking could hinder someone from meeting the requirements for Christian grace. Contrary to popular belief, the Christian ideology (from what I understand about it) isn't "Trust in God and be saved!". That's just the beginning. A person's relationship with God is reflected in his/her lifestyle. You can't accept Christ into your heart and then go back to your sinful/prideful ways, because doing so would show that you haven't really accepted Christ into your heart. Anyway, I'm probably not making sense, but that's my two cents as an outside observer.

Hey Godless—

For what it’s worth, yours is my favorite post on the subject (thus far). And what’s striking to me is how compatible your worldview is with LDS teaching. They teach “free agency.” You assert your own sovereignty, your own control. From my experience and perspective, your worldview and Mormonism aren’t so far apart.

When I was active LDS—the concept of “free agency” was my biggest philosophical sticking point. At the time, I didn’t know who God was—but it was pretty evident to me my choices were a function of my genetic heredity and my experience. And at root—I controlled neither. So how could I have a free will or be a free agent in any meaningful sense? Yes, I was free, free to follow my inclinations (and being rational—I always did). But I didn’t choose my inclinations. Something else was in control of them—something that always had its way.

The beer's on me if you ever find yourself in Seattle...

Regards,

--Erik

[MormonMema]

Originally Posted by the Ogre

I think it is being in an activist/works-based religion and still having to know it is by grace that we are saved.

Step by step, precept by precept, ordinance by ordinance, and finally grace. It is hard to not look back at all the good works, ordinances, and a life of study and not feel pride for the works of one's hands. This is the challenge.

I'm inclined to agree, to an extent. But, it's also a humbling experience to realize what a privilege and blessing it is to be able to participate in the temple ordinances, for those who never had that chance. It is humbling to stop and realize that my own small efforts are but a drop in the bucket, as compared to the ocean of work that is yet to be done for the millions of people who are still waiting for their ordinances to be done.

"My yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Jesus