This world is a prison for the Faithful, but a Paradise for unbelievers

Mohandas Gandhi was someone who totally believed in living a "self-sacrificing" lifestyle that fostered a "love and respect" for the human race. When he mentioned those words he was looking at from that point of view. He admired the teachings of Christ and lived his life in harmony with those teachings. For someone who strives to live a "self-sacrificing" life in the society that is prevelent today, it is hard to do so since many people are driven by "selfish" desires. Therefore, to live un-selfishly amid a society that is selfish, would be like living in a prison that the "air" is to do selfish deeds. For those who are driven by "self", society is a "breeding ground" that assists in establishing and developing those qualities. One doesn't neccessarily have to be an "unbeliever" in the sense that we as a society define it, but one does have to be "self" driven and concerned about "self" as the foremost interest in their lives.

No, it doesn't mean you're an unbeliever to enjoy the world. I don't think God wants people to live in under a cloud of doom and gloom. This world is His creation. Just to not forget that the world isn't the most important thing or to let enjoying it conflict with serving Him. I think it's possible to have enjoyment here and still believe in Him. Just keep in mind that this world is secondary. Rather than a prison, it's more of a stopping off place for believers that sometimes has bad things happen and sometimes good until we reach Paradise. Religion isn't supposed to make people miserable.

It's a paradise if we make it a paradise. Unfortunately reality tends to unfold the opposite.

Hi, Gorilla! God gave us the intelligence and ability to do as we wish in the world. Some choose poorly, making the world a prison for themselves. Most, I hope, find every way they can to make the world a better place all the time, and to be truly happy! Faith is needed to accomplish that!

I agree with angelwriter. God wants us to enjoy life on earth. Enjoying life and being a sinner are two different things, though a sinner is often referred to as a worldly person. Life as a Christian for instance, since I am a Christian, is quite prosperous and truly enjoyable. There are many things I can do as a Christian that I could not otherwise. I believe that religion imposing suffering on earth is wrong. True we are transient beings on earth as we are only passing by on our way to heaven (or hell that is), but this world is not a prison. It is merely a stepping stone.

I don't think that's necessarily true... I know a lot of people who don't believe in God, yet are depressed and have no one to talk to when they are depressed. People who go to Church and pray actually have God to talk to as well as all those who attend Church. Yet again a lot of people who attend Church are depressed...and some unbelievers are very happy with their lives... I wouldn't say that the world is a prison for the faithful... at least they don't feel that way.