I am an agnostic, but I used to be a Christian. Sometimes in the back of my mind I think: What if Christianity is right; then am I going to hell? How do I get over this sort of silly thinking?
2006-06-05 12:32:02 · 22 answers · asked by BIll Q 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
you need to find a way for the Holy Spirit of God to stop convicting you and telling you the TRUTH about your eternal life...good luck with that one
hell is a place where Christians preech to you forever and ever and ever
2006-06-05 12:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What if Christianity is right? That's a very good question. It's echoed in a song titled "What If" by Nichole Nordeman, and the lyrics are very poignant.
I'm actually happy to hear that you are debating the possibility of Christianity being true, because that means you are open to it, and I'd love for you to know you are saved and free from the fear of Hell.
To be honest, according to Christianity, the only way to conquer the fear of Hell is through Jesus Christ. And I'm sorry if this sounds really narrow-minded or clichéd, but that means you can't be an agnostic and also possess peace of mind that you're not going to Hell.
However, trying to appeal to your logical side probably won't help here, since you're already struggling with what seems to be a logical dilemma. If you're wrong, you pay a horrible price. What you need to experience is the love of Jesus; the true winner of hearts and not minds. It sounds like your mind might actually already be convinced, but your heart hasn't experienced enough true Christianity to convince you.
I guess I'd recommend finding a good church in the area, and looking for help there. There are many people who attend church who aren't "saved," and that's better than them not going at all. You might find some answers, and perhaps one day Jesus. I personally prefer non-denominational churches, as they focus more on the relationship with God than legalism or rigid traditions that can actually inhibit you from getting to know God better.
And finally, you might try praying. As a former Christian, I'm sure you've prayed before. Try it again; what could it hurt? I actually prayed back when I was an agnostic and had absolutely no conviction that God would listen to me, let alone answer me. I was actually convinced of the opposite; and yet, he found it in his heart to reach out to me and I became a Christian. Stranger things have happened...
I wish you much success with this!! And please, don't let the fear of hell be what ultimately drives you to a "relationship" with God. Focus on his love, courage, strength, and mercy. Those are the attributes that should (and do) attract us. Learning to love God by being deathly afraid of him is not really learning to love him at all, and it will only lead to lukewarm faith at best.
God bless and good luck!
2006-06-05 13:17:51 · answer #2 · answered by amberaewmu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you have a fear, you have a phobia. Fear is when there is real danger of something. A phobia is an irrational and abnormal fear, when someone is afraid when there is no reason to be. Some people have an irrational fear of spiders (arachnophobia). For some reason they think being near or touching a spider will hurt them, when in reality there is absolutely no danger. It would make sense to fear hell if hell existed, but, it doesn't! There is no reason to be afraid of a place that doesn't exist, hell is just part of a story that you were made to believe was true. Another reason I believe you have a phobia is that many people that have them will admitt it is silly. Someone that is afraid of a tiny spider will say it's silly, but, they will still be afraid of it.
You have to understand exactly what you said it is, it is SILLY. It's also irrational, stupid, and most of all dangerous thinking. Hell does not exist (neither does heaven). Stop worrying about it, it's not worth your time. If a good god exists, he doesn't have to scare people into believing.
2006-06-05 12:39:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to know that hell is not the place of fiery torment that Christendom espouses. The Hebrew scriptures use the word "Sheol" and the Greek uses "Hades". All of the scriptures that use these words refer to mankind's common grave, not a burning torture. If it meant otherwise, then David and others ended up in hell, because Psalms refers to "you will not leave my soul in sheol". If you want more information on this and the fact that we do not have an immortal soul (which is also proven by many verses), then go to www.watchtower.org.
2006-06-05 12:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by CulturalWiz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing silly bout that u need to get back to christianity! I was a christian and then became an athiest for a while! ANd that thing in the back of ur mind is God! I have seen miracles in Jesus! I have plenty of proof other than the bible
2006-06-05 12:38:50 · answer #5 · answered by mitchrocks1234 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said "sometimes" and "In the back of my mind". So that's good... maybe Hell is a state of mind and not a "Place"
You are here to live life. Try not to waste too much time thinking about what happens after that.
2006-06-05 12:47:39 · answer #6 · answered by memargo122 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over time and with study of other religions or ways of being you will learn to not fear a place called Hell, because you will not believe in it anymore. If there is a thing called Hell it is a state of mind more then a place. I believe God loves us all and always will, its us that have to learn to be loved and love in return.
2006-06-05 12:39:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible tells us that hell is mankinds common grave so all who die go to the Bible hell. In the book of Revelation,we are assured that soon death and hell will be done away with.(Rev.20:13,14) If death is no more,then there will be no need for hell(graves). We should be glad that our Creator is a loving God who would never think of torturing imperfect humans,not one day and certainly not forever.
2006-06-05 12:50:09 · answer #8 · answered by Micah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the sites below. Salvation is just a credit card order away. I particularly recommend the wallet-sized "Get Out Of Hell Free" cards and the "Wash Away Your Sins" handiwipes.
2006-06-05 12:42:39 · answer #9 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what happened to make you walk away from God but it seems like maybe God is calling you back. Heaven, hell, and Jesus death are a package deal. Either it's real, or it isn't real.
Two things you have to decide where you stand
1 Why you walked away
2 What you believe about eternity
Someday we all will leave this world.
When you leave, where will you be?
2006-06-05 12:58:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to come back to Christ. God is putting that fear in your mind for a reason, and the reason is that it's a very valid fear. Know that with Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior, you will not have this problem. You will have eternal life.
2006-06-05 12:37:11 · answer #11 · answered by cucumberlarry1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋