Ask a Catholic

[jeepnut]

Originally Posted by Teuthida

So we're in agreement that religion isn't a deciding factor if you're a good person or not.


Now I pose this question to you: If Christianity didn't promise an eternal afterlife in heaven (or hell), and explicitly said that when you die, that's it, would you still be as devout a Catholic as you are?

Sorry for not posting in so long. Busy life followed by avoiding giving a response because it takes a lot of time, but I'll try and start being active again.

I don't know. That's a very good question. I'm not sure what I would do. Basically, you are proposing a situation almost identical to the conclusion of atheism. In this situation, our life is only measured in our affect on others and the legacy we leave for future generations. Therefore, I would probably have an outlook similar to that of most well-minded atheists. Try to find meaning where possible and make a positive impact through my relations with others.

This has brought to mind the idea that being a Christian is ultimately a selfish endeavor. Sure, it requires personal sacrifice (sometimes great personal sacrifice), but the end goal is eternal life for yourself.