Would you say that I'm going to Hell?

Question

I know that there's no such thing as Hell or the boogie man but I just want to know what a religious person would say.

I was raised accepting that God existed and was good and whatnot, but even then I never bought into creationism or anything crazy like that. So around age 15 I realized that while I prayed every once in awhile and wanted to see loved ones again, it all just felt like empty gestures that would have been just as useful directed towards Merlin. So I decided that I'd be honest with myself and stop pretending to believe for heaven. So I was atheist for awhile but then learned about Siddhartha Gautama the Buddha in a history class and it was love at first sight. So now I'm an atheist/buddhist and act on what the Buddha said about never following anything you haven't seen evidence for yourself, and I've never seen anything worthwhile in God's favor, and also hold the buddhist belief that all gods and religion are wishful thinking and delusion.

Continued in details.

I've never been drunk, I don't even like alcoholic drinks, I don't and never have smoked anything, had plenty of premarital sex (all with one woman who I'm still engaged to, I realize this is anti-buddhist teachings but I'm far from perfect), and don't even like to take aspirin or anti-biotics unless I have to. I've done all this completely independent of any God, and have at times rigorously opposed the idea of God although I respect Jesus. So with that information and knowing that I will never believe in God without solid evidence that points straight to a higher power, would you say I'm going to burn for eternity?

In case some one missed it the first time I'm pretty dern atheist and don't believe in any kind of Heaven or Hell and just want to know what a religious person would say.

For ILikeGirls answer I'd like to point out that I never said I believed all aspects of buddhism and that's why I still am iffy on reincarnation. And there is a logical base in it if you read what the Buddha himself said, but that isn't quite enough for me, I'll either figure it out and become enlightened in a future life or I'll just rot in the ground forever in a few 10 years and cease to exist, either way you're a jackass.

lovedbylove, I'm not mad, I did ask and wanted an honest answer. It doesn't scare me or make me think twice about anything I've done, thanks for the sympathy though.

Thanks for all the sympathetic answer but I'm really not "going through" anything. I just got curious, because I'm generally a decent person but completely Godless.

Jmanfan, you too seem to be under the impression that because I follow some buddhist practices I must believe every part of the buudhist theory. And really it doesn't take much blind faith, a different point of view. That the mind isn't part of the body, the body is part of the mind and so a life which is just the body functioning isn't as emphasized as being so one tracked. But that can sound crazy which is why I'm not sure about it and why I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket, plus I'm not good enough to abandon all desire or aversion. And I've done more research than reading a few books but just because I'm not a monk doesn't mean I'm not able to be classified as at least part buddhist. It doesn't pretend to be so black and white like some religions.

Reincarnation is a lot more complex than most would think by the way, so is karma and pretty much every other word that has been commercialized.

I'm going to put this up for vote because I got a few different opinions and I'm in no place to decide which one is right.

Answer 1

Nope. You'll rot in the ground just like everyone else. Once we're dead, we're done.

Answer 2

Your position on Hell and Buhddism seems a little contradictory. You reject God and the supernatural ideas of heaven and hell, yet Buhddism embraces similar supernatural concepts. Samsara is the karmic equivelant of hell because existence is suffering, and the only way to circumvent the endless cycle of death and rebirth is to achieve Moksha.

These concepts require just as much blind faith as Heaven and Hell. Buhddism also does not state that religion and Gods are wishful thinking. The teachings of Buhdda where agnostic and did not take a position one way or the other on the existence of God, or gods.

I think you should practice the faith and go to temple before you call yourself a Buddhist. Their is a big difference between reading a few teachings, and actively practicing the religion.

As for the hell question, you will not achieve enlightenment in this lifetime, so for all purposes yes you are going to suffer in the afterlife, so you may as well call it hell.

Answer 3

I don't think you missed it at all. God gave us all independent freedom of choice to choose to follow Him or not. It seems you found something that was easier for you to swallow or conform to (even though you aren't a conformist....more of an independent person that wants to live as he sees fit). Nothing wrong with that....as it is your choice and you have chose to live that way. It isn't my place to judge you or sway you or try to lure you into the Church of Jesus Christ.

You said that you respect Jesus. You also said that you studied and even prayed, but were left empty. I say to you, the next time you are feeling empty (for no particular reason), that you should pick up the Bible and read Mathew. If you feel the urge to pray....then pray strong. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and in your life. The biggest part of Christianity is asking God/Jesus into your life and then accepting Him into your life.

Sorry...got off track. I've been where you are....almost exactly where you are, and it took just one empty night to open my eyes to Jesus again.

I'd enjoy talking to you more about this, but I don't want to sound preachy or like a recruiter.

Answer 4

The classic Christian belief is that you choose. If you seek a life with God for all your years, when you die that is what you get(Heaven). If you seek a life without God for all your years, when you die that is what you get(Hell). Either way Jesus said it is your choice and you will have to crawl over his dead body to get either place; He died to be with you in eternity. That's the Hell debate.

Proof is so funny. Do you know anyone who wouldn't believe if solid proof was presented? Like I said, God wants people to choose a relationship with him (just like I do). What if I presented my wife with solid proof she had to be my wife? I could write a contract where she had to kiss me, and so on. What a loss!! She chose me and my heart says "Woo-Hoo!" So does God when we choose him.

The Bible says that God has "...placed eternity in our hearts." See if you think about it, it is mighty hard to believe we die and that's it. Just meditate on it and see if you're convinced that you'll never go beyond the grave.

The Bible also says that Joy is found in God. Take a second, picture everything you wanted. Women, cars, knowledge, mansion, fame, etc. I'm driving a Bentley, got the indoor/outdoor pool, in house theatre, private yacht. and on and on. ... Is that it? have I arrived, I'm on top, there is no higher? Don't let go of that picture. Close your eyes if you have to. Really feel you have all that. Is that it? There is nothing else to gain? Is life perfect, do you feel perfect in and out? I know I would not. Some would say they would. I believe the completing of our relationship with God (called a marriage) is what I long for and what I will get when I die.

Lastly, A lie doesn't change the Truth, but truth can always change a lie. If you study, not merely read, the Bible (get help if you'd like) you'll find truth evident. People who apply God's truth to their lives experience the benefits promised. Transformation of peoples lives is what Jesus was all about. When you believe, eternity can start now. He showed the best way and if you follow it with any dilligence it will become self evident.

In my hope of hopes, may God bring truth to you and the others here.

Answer 5

It's not a Christian's place to judge you. Only you and God can do that. I sounds like you've made a decision and it is appointed unto man once to die then after death the judgment. For all those who do not believe there will be the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. One can only pray that they will not be looking through a glass when that day comes and that we can see clearly through the windows of our soul and know that there is but one true God. Everyone will see in that day regardless of what religious background they claim. That includes both you and I... Only you can answer your question as to where you will spend eternity. That's between you and God, not you and the rest of the world.

Answer 6

i went through what you did brought up a catholic and thisngs just didnt add up. i thought if i believe and there is no God then I have lost nothing, if i dont believe and there is a God I have lost everything, so i investigated hinduism, judaism, islam, spiritualism, christianity etc, then i went to a budhist talk and at first i thought it was great, especially the principles for being morally sound but at this talk they said you get reincarnated and can come back as a god??!! i was like ok, woah, laters.

then i read the quran, and it changed my life but spoke my heart's language. If you reject or dont acknowledge God and you had an opportunity to investigate or research the truth I guess you will be answerable on the last day if u believe there is one. Thing is you say now you dont believe but if tomorrow was judgement day and you suddenly realise this has all been a test of faith, how will you feel facing God and dealing with your punishment? u cant lie to yourself but its better to keep searching for truth and avoid whats convenient, noone can really tell you whether you would be elligible for hell except God as He is merciful and it depends on how sincere and proactive you were in wanting to find Him, hope you find your way hun.
:)

Answer 7

No person can make a judgment about your soul. I can only state what my scriptures say, but in the end of time, I am not God, and I don't know what His final plans are. I have heard many theories...some wilder than others. But I really do appreciate hearing about this belief in Buddhism. I didn't know that Buddhists didn't believe in a god. Would this be true of all forms of Buddhism, or just the path of Buddhism that you follow?

Answer 8

1. No man can earn their way to Heaven.
2. Satan has better theology than we ever will. He knows more about God than we do. He is a master theologian. Keep that in mind.
3. Salvation is a gift from God to those who accept His provision. Jesus died so that we could have life. So the question is, will you reject Jesus or accept this provision by which you may have life.
4. Big question. Jesus is risen from the dead, even secular historians agree to this. Therefore, you have to consider what he says. Read "More than a Carpenter." This may be a good resource for you.

Answer 9

If you believe in Buddha, that's a start. Any religious journey is a lifetime and doesn't happen all of a sudden. I think if you hold high values for yourself and practice them, you will be fine. A priest would tell you that you're going through the "long dark night of the soul." Don't let it get you down, but you are here for a reason....that's for you to decide....called free will. Best wishes.

Answer 10

First, it's kind of hard that you single this out to Christians... let me guess, you are going through the situation of being condemned by christians for your beliefs, as well? Lately I have been hearing alot about this.

As Christians, we are not given the ability to judge, even though some may think that they have the GOD-given-right to. But, in fact, God tells us not to. Anything I say won't change your mind, you have to see it for yourself. I am sorry that you are going through this and I hope you can realize that not all christians feel that same way.

Answer 11

aye i tel you one fing.

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) says "about never following anything you haven't seen evidence for yourself" - okay, so you're infatuated with Buddhism, but have you looked into it?

There are many different sects within Buddhism, all of which believe in reincarnation, which holds no proof at all. Which is a complete contradiction to the religion...all religion is a joke, you dumbitch.