I posted this a few minutes ago. It was removed. All I posted was that subject and a link about them, with the comment, "Can't believe this hasn't been brought up."
I haven't done anything wrong. I'm posting it again.
What *do* you think of Hell Houses?
And here is the (admittedly rather biased against) link.
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2006/10/10/15640/438
2006-10-11 04:00:03 · 24 answers · asked by GreenEyedLilo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hell Houses are Christian alternatives to haunted houses on Halloween. They illustrate "sins" that get people into hell--the depictions are sometimes controversial. Then you see "hell." Then you hear a short sermon and are asked if you want to be saved.
2006-10-11 04:05:29 · update #1
I haven't read the link, but I think that they are shameful ministry tools used to scare people to coming to Christ as "fire insurance" used to boost numbers of people saved, but they go about it the wrong way. People should choose Christianity because God is love and gave himself up for us, not because they are terrified he is going to throw them in hell.
As a haunted house kind of thing, whatever, but I would not use it to witness to friends or family.
2006-10-11 04:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I seriously doubt that some of these people are actually saved christians. I find it very sickening. These people are touching things of the Devil to try to preach the Lord!?!? what has christianity come to today? It is like the mustard seed that grew into a huge tree. It is an abnormality. Christanity has veiled the hearts of so many dear brothers and sisters!
2006-10-11 11:20:20 · answer #2 · answered by BMac 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went to one at a local church near us. The first 5 minutes of it was like you could feel the Holy Spirit speaking to hearts. If they would have stopped the play then and gave a altar call then I believed many would have gotten saved. Then watched more of it then it was like a comedy show after that. The rest of the play killed what the Holy Spirit was doing. Then at the end the pastor of that church got up and said if you would like to be saved repeat this prayer, and a few got up and repeated that prayer. Then he said you are saved. God should tell them they are saved, not some man. I hate those repeat after me prayers. I think the prayer should come from your heart. So my opinions on it is I dont like them. A play on Hell should not be made funny.
2006-10-11 11:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by iwant_u2_wantme2000 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A little bit of what waits on the other side. You may not like it, but that is what Jesus came to save you from and it is so horrible that Jesus died on the cross so you don't end up there.
Graphic, but true. If you don't like the manner, then don't go, but when you do arrive in hell you won't be able to say that you weren't warned...
If there is no God, heaven, or hell, then what is your problem?
Eze 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
2006-10-11 11:21:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am a Christian. I think it's really sad when Christians have to stoop to scare tactics for people to come to Christ. Yes most of the time the depiction of hell is true, graphic but true. However, there are much better ways of witnessing to people.
2006-10-11 13:17:50 · answer #5 · answered by cnm 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I will not condemn 'hell houses' because it's not my place to do so. These people are only practicing their religion - as they understand it. Being human, and therefore fallible, they just may have it wrong. I strongly suspect they do. I mean, isn't their god smart enough to know if someone is only following him because they're scared spitless? Wouldn't he know if the faith wasn't real? Fear and faith are two entirely different things. Don't you need faith to get into the christian heaven, or will simple obedience do? And why do I have more faith in the intelligence, love and wisdom of their god than some of them do?
~Morg~
2006-10-11 11:33:02 · answer #6 · answered by morgorond 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
my church does one based on Dante's nine levels of hell with the final room just the empty tomb with a recording of the "Roman Road" The turn people to Christ. it is up to the church to teach the newbies what being a Christian really means and show them the true meaning of being a Christian--that un believeable love jesus has for us humans.
We charge 5 can goods to enter and then give the food to the local food banks. I can find no harm in them--if they are followed up with good solid loving teaching.
2006-10-11 12:58:12 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Admittedly, this concept is new to me, so I'm working through my feelings at this point ... however, I can say that my initial impression is that I'm not entirely "for" it.
I strongly believe the Bible tells us a person must repent from his or her heart and turn to God out of LOVE, not fear. I've seen a number of false converts who made a profession of faith because they are afraid of Hell. That's not at all what God wants, as you must know. All of these folks eventually fell away, being "stony ground" hearers or "thorny ground" hearers (Mark 4).
Peace.
2006-10-11 11:12:48 · answer #8 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They are lame and promote intolerance.
I am curious about the part where the girl gets raped at a party after having endured sexual abuse, kills herself, and SHE ends up going to hell.
2006-10-11 11:13:06 · answer #9 · answered by DontPanic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
These things are great. Some denominations seem to get a little more graphic that others, but the general idea is good. As with any endeavor, there will always be the fringe that will make something good seem bad. For instance: Fred Phelps and his "so-called" Baptist church.
2006-10-11 11:09:25 · answer #10 · answered by Desperado 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋