Why am I told Im going to hell?

Question

Im a buddhist and I cant stand it when Im told Im wrong about my religion when I want to make peace and all they do is critisize. And this whole Im going to hell thing, it makes you look bad because it's like your ruling your religion on fear not faith. (If your going to judge me in your response, you need not awnser)

Answer 1

You didn't say who has been saying these things, so I am going to assume that Christians have been saying it. They like to preach that their religion is the ONLY acceptable religion in the world. However, within the Christian faith, there are dozens of different denominations of churches. There is more than one type of Baptist, Pentecostal, etc., and usually these groups do not even agree amongst themselves, let alone with outsiders.

It is all about control and intimidation and a quest for money. You've likely seen wealthy preachers on TV who promise great miracles if you send them a generous donation. If you don't do as you are told, then they will try to make you feel guilty and will read all sorts of bible verses (none of which have been proved) to tell you that are going to hell. It is either their way or the freeway.

You sound like a really good, decent person. Unfortunately that is not good enough for some people. But do not let it detract from your spiritual growth, and do not get discouraged. Seek out others who do share your beliefs and who will support you, and leave the negative people to their own devices!

Answer 2

This is less than kind, but I think that Middle Eastern religions are death cults intent upon global conquest. They don't really care about becoming a more spiritually perfect being, they just want to convert others. 'Conform or be Damned' seems to be the motto that they use when interacting with people of different faiths. They are sure that they have the One True Faith that makes all others False and Paths to Damnation. They will only see that you are a devout and spiritual person if you are actually a part of their own faith. If this is not a cult, than what is? It makes civil discourse very difficult when they won't even acknowledge the validity of your spiritual path. I know that the Ideal is to continue to attempt to engage them in peaceful, constructive dialog. But. I think to the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel would not accept any cease fire until the international community was a part of the deal. They have tried for 50 or 60 years to negotiate with people who are hostile to them and have found that cease-fires are only used by these people to re-arm, re-position, re-supply, and recruit more people to fight Israel. Can one negotiate with a party whose goals include your complete destruction? It is different, I know, and the metaphor is not entirely comparative of this situation, but there is something similar there. It may not make sense to have discourse with those who see you as Damned, but I guess people should continue to try. As far as Hell goes, I think of each faith having it's own Afterlife traditions. A Christian may say you are Damned to Hell, but I think that only Chrisitans who have failed Christ will go to Hell. Hell is a Christian Afterlife. It is a part of the Christian paradigm and does have anything to do with me or my spiritual practices or faith. Why worry? You know what your tradition tells you, have faith in your faith.

Answer 3

According to Buddhist beliefs, there are 6 realms of existence including the hell realm. So it's possible that a Buddhist may still end up in one of the numerous hot or cold places in the hell realm in his next existence in order to pay off karmic debts accumulated during previous lifetimes.
http://www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art34036.asp
http://www.khandro.net/doctrine_hells.htm

Answer 4

It can be seen as the rule of fear. I think that the goal of Christianity is not to focus on death but life. Yes hell is real, but God is trying moment by moment to draw us to Him and to heaven.

Actually I always thought buddhism was a philosophy based on the teachings of buddha. If so that means buddhism isn't a religion but a philosophy. Not raggin, just don't know

Answer 5

Because there are ignorant people.I am a devout catholic and I have yet to hear of ANYONE ON EARTH that gets to make such a decision.That you have faith in a Deity or power greater than yourself shows you are heading in the right direction.There are far too many self proclaimed Christians that have no faith,so have pity on them when they speak to you in such a manner.They do not speak for true Christians.

Answer 6

I won't judge you, I will counsel you. Although Buddism is a beautiful idealistic practice, it has no sound basis. You are gentle and kind to all living creatures and cause no harm in the world. But even at that, you are not perfect. No one is. All fall short of the glory of God.

There is nothing you can do to purchase you way into paradise. Not by doing great deeds, anything.

Buddism is not based on a real character. Jesus is written about in history. Josephas was a historian and it is proof that Jesus walked on the earth and performed miracles. Jesus is the Son of God, sent to teach and die for our sins, once and for all, because mankind was doomed in sin.

I am not going to tell you where you will be in eternity, but the Bible has numerous prophecies that have come to pass. Jesus is real. It is a simple plan laid out for us. Give it a try.

Hell is the eternal un-quenchable thirst for God.

Answer 7

May I ask you something? Did you post a question saying, I'm Buddhist. I don't believe in Jesus as my savior, does that mean I'm going to hell? If you did, then people were giving you an answer. That is what they do on this forum.

Answer 8

Some people are just plain rude.

It's a big club or a lot of people that all get the same thing from the same type of people. The one situation where people of other religions/ways and the non religious alike are together...don't feel too bad, it's a rather large group with all of us. ; )

Answer 9

That is the belief of brainwashed religious fanatics. All religions (including Buddhism) are flawed and man-made. It's like a bunch of lost individuals searching for a the same destination, but all their maps are wrothless.

Answer 10

Honey, if you beleive that there is only one God then your not going to hell. I beleive that it doesn't matter which religion you are. The only important thing is that you recognize your god and stand fast in your beliefs about him. Stand firm in your religion. Yes, it does make them look bad. Be the better person though and try to forgive and forget.
-Amber Laurie
-christian
-Monroe, LA USA