Is that really how it’s supposed to be?

    I’ve always had an interest in Religions.  I find other views on life and death and such interesting.  I was brought up in a Christian household (mother Lutheran, father Roman Catholic).  It was never forced upon me to go to church and go through Sunday school, confirmation and such.  Since I’m a curious person I would go and listen to what the Pastor said.  I found it interesting.  I studied religions on my own and in school.  While I have many opinions about all religions, there’s one thing that constantly annoys me about Christianity.  It’s the dictation of who gets into heaven and who doesn’t.

Now I’m the type of person who stops to talk to those who preach in the streets.  If someone comes to my door, and wants to talk about their views, I listen.  I want to know their opinion.  I want to see what they’re thinking.  I ask many questions-of which I generally know the answer, or have heard it before.  I will ask the same question fifty times just to see what all fifty people say and how many views were different.  When I talk to many Christians they always ask me, if I  believe I’m going to heaven.  I haven’t made up my mind on the subject(or even decided if heaven is something I believe in) and will sometimes state so.  However, I usually answer back with a question of my own;  what dictates my entrance into heaven?  The answer I receive…”if you believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, then you will get into heave.”  Then I will ask if that is the only way.  Of course they say yes.  Now that gets me thinking.  Christianity is not the largest religion in the world.  There’s a lot of good people who don’t believe in Jesus.  Does that mean they are all going to hell?

For many Christians, the answer to that question is yes.  This is where I go astray.  So I can go my whole life, not believing in Jesus Christ, and as long as before I die I accept Christ all my sins will be forgiven and I will get into heaven.  Well then if I kill twenty people brutally, go to prison, sit on death row and then just before I die I accept Jesus Christ into my last bit of life I will go to heaven. I understand it would be a little deeper than it may sound.  Yet, I can live my whole life doing great things for people, living life to it’s fullest, be loving and caring , be Muslim.  Sounds great doesn’t it.  I have everything going for myself, except for the “unfortunate” fact that I’m Muslim.  Now according to the majority of Christians I can’t get into heaven.  The only reason, my personal religious beliefs.  I don’t think that’s right.  Isn’t that a bit judgmental for a religion that is supposed to be all loving and accepting.  How is it we can say who gets into heaven based on such simplistic ideas in belief systems?  According to Christians God loves everyone for who they are.  He[or she]isn’t much of a figure if they are judging only on whether you believe and trust in Jesus.  Judging you based on religion is no different than being racist or sexist.  If that’s what Christianity is about, then I’m willing to take my chances elsewhere.

Consuelo Hinojosa