Heaven and Hell or Reincarnation?

Question

Where do we go when we pass on? Why do you beleive this and have you come to these conclussions on your own or have you been brainwashed to believe what you do?

Definition of Brainwash from dictionary.com: persuade completely, often through coercion; "The propaganda brainwashed many people"

Answer 1

There's no proof that any of the afterlife experiences exist. While it might be nice to see long dead relatives and to know that we'll be living a blissful existence (or fiery one), without proof, its just fanciful thinking.

For me, it exists in the vast majority of people's mind to help cushion them from the grim reality of our utter death and annihilation. I'd rather face objective reality and try to live life for the moment with the temporary goal of decreasing pain and increasing pleasure....all else is lost to oblivion.

Answer 2

All the above or none of the above or whatever you want. We believe what we believe for various reasons and no one is qualified to claim that one belief is more valid than another. I think all we can do is believe what makes the most sense and reject what makes the least sense. There is some validity to the concept of reincarnation as I watched a show on TV in which kids were able to recall past lives in detail. It seemed real and I always remember the show because of the realness and sincerity of it. I have yet to see or hear anyone describe a journey to heaven or hell, so I have a tendency to lean towards the reincarnation theory.

Answer 3

If you believe that Christians are brainwashed, then I have nothing to offer you.

However, if you are seeking information about these concepts, then maybe I can help.

The idea of reincarnation does NOT exist in the bible. The concepts of heaven and an "event" called hell are in the bible.

2 Peter 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Matthew 13:40  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 20:9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

etc.

Much more can be said!

Answer 4

brainwashed is a pretty harsh way to put it. I saw an SNL skit years ago by Father Guido Sarducci. It was comedy, but it sounded as plausible as anything else I had ever heard. He stated that when we are born, God gives us a bank account. Every time we do good, some money is added. Every time we sin, some money is withdrawn. You've heard of the price of sin? Well, it's real. The price depends on the sin of course, murder is the big one, that's a thousand right off the top. Masturbation is a small one, twenty five cents, but it can add up! When you die, you go to heaven. If you still have money in your account, you are allowed in. If not, you are sent back to live another life to repay for your sins. There are some mafiosa that are on their 3rd life as nuns!

Answer 5

I have researched religion and "forbidden" texts all my life. I have compared the different versions of different holy books. I have explored "New Age" and other alternative religions. I believe that the force of love is god, or as close to god as we can appreciate. I believe that love is all accepting and that every creation, especially those of us with free will, are important stepping stones in the increase of love. I believe that god experiences existence through each of us and that we all return to that ultimate source of love after we have learned all we can here. Obviously, some of us have further to go to get back there than others. Some have been working at it longer, others are just starting. Obviously, (to me at least) you can't learn it all in one little lifetime. Also ... there is research done into reincarnation. There was an excellent program on Discovery Channel with real scientists and everything :) And finally, what did the disciples say when Jesus asked, "Who do you think I am?" They said they thought he was Ezekiel (or some such) RETURNED. There is another example, but I'll let you find it yourself :)

Answer 6

Heaven and Hell I believe because I believe in Christ. I was never brainwashed, I searched out other religions with my ex, none of them spoke to my heart or felt right. I used to believe in reincarnation, past lives, and the such, but turned to Him that was and still is. If Christianity was brainwashing wouldn't everyone believe by now since it is so old?

Answer 7

Without getting too deeply into personal details, I believe in reincarnation. I've been working the whole question out since I was a kid--you know, what happens when we die, is 70-odd years enough to fully live and fully experience life, yadda yadda yadda. I came to my conclusions via my own study and constant questioning, and these conclusions are under constant scrutiny.

The last part of your question doesn't track: if I've been brainwashed, I wouldn't know I've been brainwashed.

Answer 8

I have been brainwashed to believe that I should look at the evidence and use my reasoning capacity to come to an informed decision on this matter. I believe we don't know, but I lean towards reincarnation

Answer 9

I believe in heaven and hell.

I believe this because I don't believe that everyone always gets a second chance to live their lives the way that only they want to.

I believe that we have become used to getting things our way, or working for them to become our way. If it's not our way then we dismiss it as not right.

and I feel that reincarnation is just an easy way to say if I didn't live the life I wanted to now, maybe next time will be better.

But that's just my opinion.

Answer 10

I believe in the Bible (Christian in my case) and this is from it pages: Heaven is where God is and hell is where God is not, Earth is where man is. The goal is to be with God.

We come from God and return to God. Going to God is by dying and being resurrected. This happens only once.

You might believe something different. For example, in Buddhism (road to environment) man is reincarnated over and over again, the goal is the stop this cycle.

Unfortunately, there are no observations about after we die. So we are stuck with belief. What do you belief and how will it get you to where you want to be.