I do not practice any religion, but I was interested in a debate on TV today (The Big Questions, series 2, episode 31, BBC) with the question: Should religions tout for business? The debate was on whether or not it is right for the evangelicals to use commercial advertising methods to attract people to meetings where they can be persuaded through a controlled debate on 'life questions' to convert to Christianity. I was intrigued at the end of this debate, when the host Nicky Campbell asked a Jew, a Christian and a Muslim, whether it was possible to reach Heaven through adherence to any religion (ie. not just their religion) and asked for a yes/no answer. And do you have to follow a particular religion or any religion at all to be a good person? The Jewish Rabbi, Jonathan Romain said yes it was possible, God doesn't mind whether you call him God, Allah, or whatever, and it doesn't matter about variations in how you pray, etc. The Christian Rev Joel Edwards said no you had to be Christian. The muslim didn't give a straight answer and gave a longer explanation quoting books, etc. I'm not quite sure what he meant to be honest. So I thought this would be an interesting one for the ebaby forums!? Me? Well if there is somewhere after this life I hope the one who is on the checkpoint is less discriminating than some of God's followers here on Earth.
|