Originally posted by Regret
Sorry, but one cannot discern this unless one has judged another already. All the same, it is a harmless hypothetical question regardless of the motives of the author.And the simple answer for most Christians should be that they would no longer believe as they have concerning Christ but his teachings would still be held in high esteem because they are intrinsically based in humanitarian principle. If Christ is, or is not, who we believe him to be, the value of his teachings is the reason someone should live them, not for some reward for living them. For the value of living them, regardless of the end reward.
I do not believe in existence as a Buddhist does, but much of their teachings are honest and beneficial for all people. I do not believe as many religions do, but almost all religions have some truth that is beneficial for man.
Regardless of our opinion of Urizen, the question is being discussed. If you cannot respond appropriately to the thread there is no point in participating in it. Which is what Marcu has correctly stated.
I agree with you that we shouldn't seek a reward when attempting to do good. But how could one claim that they are still doing good, or the teachings of the person they followed were of a good intent and merit -- if the individual they were following -- had proven to have lied about the foundation of his entire doctrine?
That's another reason why the question was a vieled one. Nothing done with evil intent should be considered of good merit. Love, existing and reigning over evil though - can still overcome this evil and use it for good merit though -- or as the scripture puts it(I'm paraphrasing so please excuse, as I could not find the exact verse)
Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
So the evil that existed in you, myself, or someone else by following such an evil doctrine, could still be overcome by God leading you away from it -- and bringing you to the truth.
I strongly believe that God will have compassion on all those who are lead by such doctrines, and only hold those responsable for leading people astray with them accountable, or as he himself puts it --
Matthew 18:6-7
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!