Are religious rules more for making the present better, or to get into heaven?

[°Leprechaun]

I vote for the enlightened Buddha's answer, which is making the present better.

To be enlightened you don't need to believe in a creator or afterlife. The point of Buddhism is that peace comes by focusing on what we already know and experience. Metaphysical questions are not important. If you go to change a flat tire, you don't go read the Bible, you go change the flat tire. Jesus also taught to focus on today and not to get all bent out of shape on the future, so a true follower of Jesus focuses as does a true Buddhist on getting it done today, and not spending too much time on planning for tomorrow (although it is prudent to prepare for the future). Living in the present is the way to live life. Tomorrow you can worry about tomorrow. Live one day at a time.

[°Leprechaun]

To be enlightened, one must recognize that he needs to be enlightened and seeks it perpetually.

That is the Gnostic Christian way as well as the best Buddhist way.

Regards
DL

Yes, I agree, enlightenment is something one should seek whether or not one is a Buddhist. Gnostic Christianity has much to offer.

[°Leprechaun]

The key to enlightenment is, of course, not just to talk the talk, without walking the walk, talking the talk will not lead to full enlightenment.