A serious question on Hell?

Question

I have asked many questions here on the Christian religion, not because I dispise it but Because I am interested in it. Although I I have been baptised Catholic, I Doubt I will become true a Catholic, do to certain types out there. But I do belive the religion serves many good purposes in life.

Now for the question.

Why is it you threaten everyone who does not belive in your religion with eternal damnation (hell)? Is it that your hoping to scare them into beliveing? Or some other reason I cant comprehend? Does constantly spouting the "H" word serve any purpose or help for your cause?

Not all of you are like this (thank god) so....

For those of you who dont curse everyone to Hell. Please tell me what does it make you think and how do you feel when you see fellow Christians say this. And how do you deal with it on a daily basis.

(Im predicting 4-5 answers that say nothing but "Your going to hell")

Answer 1

In the late 1980s, TV commercials in the U.S. asked, "What goes through the mind of a driver who is not wearing a seat belt in a head- n collision?" Then they showed a crash dummy having its head crushed by a steering wheel in a collision, and said, "The steering wheel!" Those were scare tactics, but no one complained because they were legitimate scare tactics. That’s what happens in a head-on collision if you are foolish enough to not put on a seat belt. To warn of hell is fearful, but it is absolutely legitimate, because the Bible says that it is a fearful thing for a sinner to fall into the hands of the living God.

Answer 2

Hell as a concept was largely invented by the Early Christians, as part of the eleveation of Lucifer into the position of 'Ultimate Bad Guy. It certainly served a purpose in those early days, when Christianity was an incoming religion in pagan lands - you had to have a propoer, dramatic consequence for disobeying the commands of Christendom - Hell, eternal suffering - that allowed the logic to be put that "Unchristian behaviour on this fleeting earth is not worth the consequences it brings".

This, to some extent, is still the use to which Hell is put today - It's kind of like US foreign policy in a way: God is love (the US is a great economic power that can give you everything you need), but if you break God's laws, you go to Hell (but if you don't do what we want, we'll bomb you back to the stone age). It's all designed to make the choice easier - be God's friend, do as he says (and as we, his appointed ministers, say) and you'll be safe from the eternal fire. Go against us and you're damned.

Still works for vast swathes of the planet's population.

I know for me, this particular question of Hell and damnation was what made me lose patience with organised religion as a teenager. Now I believe, as it seems you do, that organised religion can and does have many positive impacts on people's lives, but it also has much to answer for in preaching love without practicing acceptance.

Answer 3

Intolerance and ignorance. I think it's also in how a person is brought up and how they are taught. Some can't comprehend that for some it's all in God's time on when they feel the spirit enough to realize that God is really apart of their lives. It's best to just live life being an example because you never know how your actions will affect another person. Life is full of many religions and as far as I'm concerned it's better to believe in something then nothing at all. Eventually all work work in God's purpose so I don't worry about all the technicalities. Everyone has their free will and who am I to take that away, or worse, who am I to judge another. That lies only in the Saviors hands, not mine.

Answer 4

I'm not Christina, but, since God knows when, Christians and many other religions "think" they're religion is the only one true religon. Truth is, there is no such thing as one true religion, because all religions are just that, Religions! It's an idea, a belief a set of rules. It's not something solid or set in stone. Something true is the trees, the moon and sun, the plants, sand and rocks, etc.

However, these days or should I say for the past few thousand years (and no offense to anyone), the Christians these days are NOT true Christians. Why? Jesus was on earth to teach and spread love and peace, NOT to be closed-minded, ignorant and intolerant. Christians who say your going to hell, or I damn you, or try to convert someone and say our religion is the only one true religion, are not true Christians. A TRUE Christian is open-minded, tolerant, accepting of others, etc. You don't have to be all goody-goody or go to Church and pray like crazy to be a real Christian. Just believe in God and folow JESUS'S teachings and ways NOT the Church's ways.

As for the HELL thing, I don't believe in hell, but I think people say it to scare others. To let them know if you don't listen or believe in my religion your going to hell for all eternity. That's just a bunch of BS!!! You want a true religion to follow and worship? Follow the path of your own, I'm not saying make up your own religion, but follow your own beliefs and practices. Do what YOU think is right and good. Books are just a bunch of papers with ink on it, it doesn't mean anything. The true and one path is in your heart. Follow it and forever you'll be happy and safe.


Blessings.

Answer 5

Jesus promises eternal live if you follow His way. His way and truth are reflected in the bible.

You should know some stuffs about the bible by now. It's easy to follow Jesus. Do the right things; like don't curse others when you are angry with someone. Don't steal, don't lie, etc. God is patiently waiting for all to turn to Him.

I don't know much about hell. I am going to heaven. If you are fixed on going to the right place to spend eternity, don't have to look the other way. In fact, there is only ONE way.

It's a tough question you asked. However, I have not told anyone that they will go to hell when I ask if they wish to believe in Christ if they don't. It's a choice. God gives us that choice. Isn't that just?

I hope you will find out the answer you are looking for.

Answer 6

Good question. It is unfortunate that some Christians try to scare people into becoming a believer. Fear is not the right way to bring people into a relationship with God. When I witness to people, I try to tell them about the love of God.
Of course, the truth still remains that if you deny God's salvation you will end up in Hell, but if you accept God's salvation you will be saved from Hell. Hell is still an issue. But it is best to focus on salvation rather than damnation. Focus on the rewards of having God's salvation rather than the consequences of living without it.

Answer 7

it's truly ignorance - and that involves insecurity - when people say things like that. the truth is, the master said 'he who is without sin cast the first stone.' That in itself should solve it - but it doesn't.
No one but God and Yeshua Messiah have a right to judge, and anyone who falls into this trap will eventually find themselves falling into the trap. Like the Jesus said, 'many will come to me saying, master, master - look all i've done in your name!' And he tells them get away from me - i do not know you.
don't let these people bum you out. True religion is the Word - the Books - not the spin people put on it.
i can understand your frustration, but you've got to shake the dust of these people off your feet and move on, as the Master taught.

Answer 8

the answer to your question is that people are worried about the future. all the people including u and me want a pleasent happy life with all comforts. waht the common man thinks is that if u do not follw a religion u will be in hell. but actually it is not like that. reoigions preach principles that help us lead a happy life. so people started thinking that without following the principles, u will not be happy. such thoughts gave birth to what they say today as "if u do not follow a religion, u will go to hell". but it is untrue. its ur wish to follow a religion or belief. dont worry about the'H' stuff.

Answer 9

No one on this earth is able to tell you that you are going to h***. The truth is that only God knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men. In other words no one can judge you but the One that can see your heart. God did not intend for h*** to be a threat, people do that on their own. H*** is a place just like heaven, it is your choice where you want to go. Don't worry about what people say. Concentrate on what God says. Read the Bible and see who He says you are.

Answer 10

Wow. You sound like you've been smacked by a few well intentioned but misguided folks. I know the feeling. I was raised in a church that spoke much more frequently about pain than about joy. Left a lot of scars on me.

Many, many years later I learned about Jesus. Jesus has a lot to say about love.

Jesus came not to condemn, but to save. He came to set us free, to give us a way to escape the coming wrath.

Let me first explain that when someone attempts to tell you about Jesus, IF they really know Him, they won't be focusing on what will happen if you Don't; they will be telling you about the joy of what will happen if you DO!

I have made many mistakes when witnessing and I deeply regret every one because each misstep had the potential for turning someone away from Jesus. That's not what I'm about and that's not what most sincere believers are about. Our first obligation is to Jesus and His instructions to us are to Love God, Love our neighbors and tell those neighbors about Him.

Sometimes we don't do a very good job with that.

Please consider however, that it's difficult to explain why you need Jesus in your life unless we explain to you why you need Jesus in your life; think about that for a minute.

Jesus loves you and He came to save you. From what? from the coming judgement and punishment that we all deserve.

How? He offered up His life as a one time payment for all our sins. God the Father sent Him to make that sacrifice BECAUSE God wants you with Him, BECAUSE He Loves YOU!

All you have to do is make a choice to receive His gift.

That's all. It's free and its yours for the taking. Just ask.

More info below.