If There Were No Heaven......Tim's Response

If there were no Heaven or Hell would you still be a Christian?

If you are just joining me, this is the 5th of 10 answers I will be sharing in response to the above question.    Today,  Tim of Guitars and Theology will be answering the question.

Here were the parameters given to those whom I asked to respond:

Answer the question:

If there were no Heaven or Hell would you still be a Christian in 350 words or less.  Your answer should begin with one of the four choices below.

1. I absolutely would still be a Christian....
2. I think I would still be a Christian....
3. I'm not so sure....
4. I definitely would not still be a Christian.... 

Here are the answers shared thus far:

• Myself
• my husband, Sam
• Ashley of Ramblings and Photos
• Sandy of The View From Here

Here are the remaining 10 you can expect to hear from:

• Laura of Storybook Reality and Wild Locusts and Honey
• Katie of Katie Lloyd Photography
• Warren of Family Fountain
• Chrissy of Depirro Notes
• Josh of Re-Everything

To say that the senior pastor among us struggled to answer the question is an understatement.  However, like many with a deep theological mind his struggle is validated.  Tim broke the parameters, but I let it slide (after some prodding from my husband).

Here are Tim's 350 words, but scroll down for his video response.

Things that are pulled out of shape without “heaven and hell”:

1. Jesus’ teachings and parables are pulled out of shape.
2. Jesus as messiah changes meaning dramatically.
3. The kingdom of God means something very different.
4. The narrative sweep of the Bible is entirely different.
5. God’s Good Creation groans in vain.
6. Sanctification will not be completed.
7. No beatific vision.  We won’t be like Him because we won’t see Him as He is.
8. The dead in Christ are lost. 
9. Suffering for righteousness is inadvisable.
10. God’s dream of a people with whom He can abide won’t materialize.
11. The curse is never lifted.
12. No Justice for victims of grievous wrong.  Martyrs blood cries and is never answered.
13. No Just Judge.  How just is God?
14. Those who die young are just unfortunate, I guess.
15. Sin will never be eradicated.
16. A glass darkly…and that’s all.  Faith will never be sight.
17. The Hope of the glory of God is taken away.
18. Perseverance based on said hope is also gone.  De-motivating big time.
19. God will not wipe away every tear.  You lose that comfort.  Baby Olive (my neice) and Annie Brown (brain tumor at age 5) are just dead and that’s the end of that for the bereaved orphaned families.
20. Rewards for righteousness are limited to this life.
21. Accountability for everybody is pretty much gone.  The truth of hearts and motives and character never comes out.
22. The image of God seems to mean something less dignified and important.
23. The nature of the Gospel has changed.  I guess we’re the Gospel. Sarcastic tired “yay.”
24. The character of God would seem to change.

On the other hand…these people seem to do well without a fully formed concept of God’s big historical future plan…

1. Abraham responded in trust and obedience to the limited light God gave.
2. David didn’t have much of a view of the afterlife but treasured God’s presence.
3. Tim Miller:  Sought spiritual connection and a meaningful surrendered life amid moral angst.

Therefore, if there were no Heaven or Hell..........I don't know if I would be a Christian.