Misshalfway Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 I know that just by watching my kids from birth up (and though biased, I believe I have great, well-behaved kids), man isn't by nature good. I didn't teach my kids to rebel, lie, steal, etc., but they figured that out on their own. When they were very small, and I would tell them "no no", to keep them safe from danger, they would look me in the eye, smile, and then disobey. I think it's in the heart of man, naturally, to defy authority and buck the rules--even as they pertain to God.Well, as you probably already know, LDS people don't necessarily see that the nature of man is bad. We have spirit and the natural man both inside of us. I think children produce just as much love as they do disobedience. Why else would Christ encourage us to be "like a child"?I am not quite convinced that the impulse to rebell is absolutely bad. I see it more in terms of consequences than anything else. I think rebellion in certain circumstances is actually a good thing. Quote
MrsAri Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 HOW WOULD YOUR LIFE CHANGE/BE DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY IT IS NOW IF YOU KNEW THERE WAS NO AFTERLIFE? WOULD YOU BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY? IN WHAT WAYS?If I had been raised without the concept of an afterlife, I wouldn't be the person I am today; therefore, I can't answer that question. Quote
Guest Alana Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 I'd stop bugging my husband to go to church. Also, as much as I love my family, if there was a way to be transported to a magic island where time stood still, and then I could go back to exactly when I stepped out of time, I probably wouldn't take any of them with me... Quote
talisyn Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 I'd have more kids. I am fairly confident in Eternity, and so raise the one I have in this lifetime with that in mind. But if there wasn't an eternity, all I would have to remember me is the future generations. Quote
Guest Alana Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 The problem with this idea is that there is so much sacrifice and suffering that doesn't lead to immediate (as in this life) blessings. The comfort and strength to go on during those times for me comes only from eternal thoughts and the Holy Ghost. So, yes, there would be changes. I would do things to reap more immediate results and try as much as possible to avoid any immediate negative consequences. For instance, if there's something bothering me now, I try to find a quiet time to think it through and figure out how to deal with it. If there was no eternal reward, I'd be more likely to push those thoughts (guilt from sin) out of my mind and over time would become numb. Quote
Traveler Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 **This isn't meant to be a doctrinal debate. It's simply a thought-provoking question......HOW WOULD YOUR LIFE CHANGE/BE DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY IT IS NOW IF YOU KNEW THERE WAS NO AFTERLIFE? WOULD YOU BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY? IN WHAT WAYS? No changes - for me it has always been about the journey and never about the destination. I have, however, wondered why it is that so many in religion, live for a "next life" and have no clue at all what it really will be.The Traveler Quote
cofchristcousin Posted September 24, 2009 Report Posted September 24, 2009 No changes, except to be a little more diligent in sharing hope and love and my resources. I would still want the world to be a better place and for their to be less suffering. Knowing that there was no God to save the day or bail us out might bring a deeper devotion and stewardship to serving creation, for it's own sake. Quote
Justice Posted September 24, 2009 Report Posted September 24, 2009 Yeah, this existence becomes meaningless without God and life after death (those 2 go hand in hand). There becomes no reason for law whatsoever. I don't word things as colorful as Maxel, but yeah. Quote
Moksha Posted September 24, 2009 Report Posted September 24, 2009 No changes, except to be a little more diligent in sharing hope and love and my resources. I would still want the world to be a better place and for their to be less suffering. Knowing that there was no God to save the day or bail us out might bring a deeper devotion and stewardship to serving creation, for it's own sake. You're so noble. If I could change my life, I would probably go for being younger, thinner, smarter and having the ability to always follow a Christ-like course. Truth be told, I would throw in richer and flashier too.But alas, I shall remain Moksha and sail into the west.:) Quote
bmy- Posted September 24, 2009 Report Posted September 24, 2009 (edited) My life would not change in any meaningful way. I might be a little more careful while driving, though. I don't need a "meaning". I didn't before I was LDS nor do I need one now. Edited September 24, 2009 by bmy- Quote
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