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Originally Posted by roachboy
i cant tell any more if we are discussing a definition of the term "christianity" or criteria for determining membership in a group that might call itself "christian"--these arent the same.
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Good point. I'm inclined to believe we are discussing the latter for the most part.
On the topic of hell, one of the more interesting conversations on religion I've had involved me (as a born and raised atheist) and a friend of mine (who's Jewish). Having been exposed to the Christian aspect of morality for the most part, I was curious to know what the Jews believe. I expressed my discontent surrounding the Christian belief that I was hellbound because I didn't believe in God and that I viewed Jesus as merely a philosopher.
What he told me was interesting. It was comforting to know (according to the Jewish view) that I won't be going to hell, because it doesn't exist. Instead, I will be confronted by God, who will enlighten me on my ignorance before I take my seat beside Him. This is what all of us will go through. The Jewish beliefs tend to make more sense to me in general.
My friend's view of Jesus was interesting as well. He looked at the view of Jesus as the prophet with some disdain: "He didn't even fulfill the prophecies!" he exclaimed. He discredited the status of Jesus based on the texts upon which the Christian faith is built. Interesting. This is why the Jews are still waiting. So, I asked him this: Regardless, are the teachings of Jesus of any worth in and of themselves? His answer was yes. But he pointed out that the teachings of Jesus aren't necessarily unique in terms of the ends they promote. They are unique in delivery and context. This is something I have already thought about. There are many parallels between belief systems in terms of a common morality. For example, compare and contrast the core moral teachings of Christ and of Buddha and you will have some interesting findings. Inject dogma, metaphor, etc. into the picture, and it then gets a little blurred.
Baraka_Guru's conclusion:
Jesus... philosopher.