Dualism (Identity)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Thursday, March 19, 2015, 21:34 (3318 days ago) @ dhw

DHW: Closeness to God need not denote being in heaven. David will correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know there are lots of NDEs who simply meet dead relatives. No specific mention of heaven, although very often there is great tranquillity. In any case, lots of believers are convinced that they have an immortal, individual soul and that heaven is real. Is Satan working on them too? If dear sweet Mrs X prays to God and Jesus every day, loves God and Jesus, lives a good life in accordance with what the Holy Father tells her is what God and Jesus expect of her, and believes she has an immortal soul that will go to heaven when she dies, do you really think your Satan could be said to have turned her away from God? In fact, I would have thought that for someone who is "roaming about like a roaring lion seeking to devour", such a case would reduce him to a pathetic miaow - but what in hell do I know?-Closeness to God certainly doesn't denote being in heaven. Not sure where that came from, but I agree with you on that. When a lion roars, it typically sneaks up on its pray, puts its head very low to the ground and roars. The prey then has no idea which way the lion is coming from and panics. It is a clever deception. I am not the judge of anyone. I can't say what would be the outcome for your sweet Mrs X. But here is something to think about. It is a known, well documented, and proven fact that most religions, including some forms of Christianity, are utterly riddled with pagan influences. Idolatry, ancient pagan holidays, and even teachings that directly contradict the bible. There are parts of the bible that warn people to "flee" from those things, so I am going to assume that it matters.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.