2006-07-03 02:49:03 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They're not a thoughtful "I disagree with you, and here's why," but rather "our merciful God is going to condemn you to suffer in hell for eternity because you do not believe the exact same way that I do."
Luckily, most use their beliefs to enhance their own lives, rather than use them as a weapon to try to condemn or control others.
2006-07-03 11:36:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The answer to your question requires several possibilities.
1) They are attempting to be insulting by hiding behind a religious mask.
2) They aren't attempting to be insulting but are simply giving an unsolicited (therefore insulting) opinion.
3) They've been able to determine by your responses to them concerning your acceptance or denial of Jesus' sacrifice for sin that you are going to hell (unless you change your response to the sacrifice of Christ).
There are other possibilities but I won't waste your time by listing them.
I've noted in several posts that in order to answer your question people deny the existence of hell, place blame on the person answering this question for 'judging' you, etc. However, these positions simply beg the questions: A) Does hell exist or is it imaginary? B) Are people who make judgments automatically hypocrites or are there times when judgment is proper (and enough facts are known to make the judgment)?
So, if there person has stated, in all sincerity, that they are 'sorry you're going to hell,' they may indeed be sorrowful that you are going to hell. Certainly they could have couched their determination in a different manner so that it would be less offensive but that might not have been the best manner. Jesus, for example, didn't mince words with people He judged were going to hell and whose father (authority) He considered to be Satan.
Assuming that the Bible is true and that we can follow the advice found therein, Christians are called to judge in the sense that we can make logical deductions as to the validity of actions etc. We are not called to judge in the sense of condemnation but, as we can do in everyday situations, we can judge actions that would lead to condemnation if they continue.
If we assume that the Bible isn't true then there is either a higher truth that we should adhere to or everything is ultimately fatal (i.e., there is nothing after this life). Any of these positions require a judgment from the person adhering to them or considering them.
2006-07-03 10:13:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Jim it's not as bad as saying "I'm sorry your going to Wal Mart.", but they are both pretty insulting. Not that I've anything against hell of course, it's not undermining the trade balance; being fictional of course. I think most people that wish me sent to hell also realize that they are wrong for wishing that and feel the need to absolve themselves from this utterance as soon as it has been spoken. Fortunately for all involved I have a forgiving nature ( Kind of like what Jesus would have wanted I think ) and I don't let little things like people wishing eternal damnation upon my soul bother me. Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinion upon this subject.
2006-07-03 10:09:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, i really do not hear that expression being used very often, maybe during arguments and little riffs, but is it an insult? Not necessarily. People tell people that to let them know that they are doing something against society or against a certain religious belief, and that they shouldn't be doing that, and that they should change their ways.
2006-07-03 11:28:00 · answer #4 · answered by pilotmanitalia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People that say this I think it depends on what they actually mean. If they are saying it and being sarcastic and stuff then yea, it's an insult. But, sometimes people say things because they really do care and they are just not saying things right. I mean they are sincere but their words come out wrong.
2006-07-03 10:21:41 · answer #5 · answered by proudmatriarch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very insulting. It assumes that your beliefs (or not) are not important in the matter. Insulting, rude and it stops any meaningful conversation between the two people.
Perhaps these people don't realize how insulting they are being. Surely, it defeats their purpose to insult those with whom they want to convince. ???
2006-07-03 09:57:12 · answer #6 · answered by Witchy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't be insulting to me. I have to care what that person thinks before it can affect me like that. But as to why... it's their "get out of the hotseat" free card... If they tell someone they're going to hell, they no longer have to deal with that person or what they are saying. Sometimes it's amusing... but most of the time, it's just downright pathetic.
2006-07-03 12:04:30 · answer #7 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there really is a hell, then only God can condemn you to go there. For anyone else to take it upon themselves to do so is arrogant and condescending. These are the same clowns who go around spouting verses from the Bible without the slightest idea of what they really mean.
It's called an "Holier than thou" or prideful attitude, and we all know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins!
2006-07-03 10:05:44 · answer #8 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's an insult. God's the One who decides who goes to Hell and people shouldn't masquerade as God.
2006-07-03 09:54:27 · answer #9 · answered by 4999_Basque 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not only an insult, it is sin. Christians are not supposed to pass judgment on any for they shall be judged the same way by the Lord.
2006-07-03 09:54:47 · answer #10 · answered by uspatrioteer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋