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Good people in heaven are not needed? Why should a good person also be religious?translated

September 28, 2026 · 1 min read

The editor received a question:

Greetings. I know many non-believers who live honestly, help others, love their loved ones, and sometimes behave much more decently than some Orthodox Christians. Then, what is the point of the assertion that only Christianity bears the truth and saves? Is it not enough to simply be a good person? What is the difference between him and someone who goes to church every Sunday? Why would he not be allowed into heaven? And why is faith in God necessary if morality, compassion, and humanity are found in all cultures and often have nothing to do with any specific religion?

The priest's response:

Father Evgeny MURZIN

editor of the "Faith and Church" direction

THESES 1. God does not leave any good deed unanswered. However, heaven in Christianity is understood as eternal life with Him whom a person has come to love during their lifetime on earth and towards Whom they have strived with all their heart. No one can be forced into it against their will. We cannot judge the eternal fate of people; we can only trust God's love and mercy.

You raise several important questions that require a certain sequence of answers. And perhaps we should start with...

Source: Журнал ФОМА  ·  Read the full story →
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