An interfaith communication question: Do Christians and Atheists perceive this statement differently?

Question

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The Statement is: YOU ARE GOING TO HELL.

Do Atheists hear this as the equivalent of an upraised middle finger?
Do Christians hear it as the spiritual equivalent of "Watch out for the poison ivy?"

I have probably over-generalized, so feel free to comment. And if you discover that people are not hearing your intended message, consider that the responsibility for clearing the static lies chiefly with the speaker.

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And if anyone can offer any insight as to why this question is accumulating the "thumbs down" insignias, I'm curious to know what's so offensive.

Answer 1

Ah....did someone read my recent question?

I don't find it offensive, since I don't believe in hell. If someone says it rudely to me, I often state that they better hope I'm right, cause they probaby will end up there according to their beliefs.

I think some Christians (again, NOT ALL) do use it as a weapon, thinking it offends us. I know at least ONE case of a "Christian" woman I know that used it like a weapon.

However, I will get offended and very angry at the person if they use it towards or about my kids. They are innocent of anything right now, as they are young. When they grow up, they can choose whether or not to believe, and I will completely support them. However, when they are young, I'm pretty sure someone telling them they are going to hell because they don't believe in God or their mommy is going to hell because they don't believe in God will absolutely terrify and upset them.

So, in the case of me, it's not a big deal. In the case of my kids, it's a middle finger, followed with my fist in their mouth.

Answer 2

If stated the way it is is a condemnation and believers shouldnt do that. But actually the more easygoing Christians will mention eternal punishment not as a condemnation but a WARNING.

To the atheist, Im sure it all sounds the same. They hear the words "hell" or "eternal punishment" and immediately they think of themselves as poor victims against the onslaught of the mindless Christian biggot spreading hatred and trying to force religion on anybody. But I tell you the truth we force nothing and no Christian has the power to send you to hell. People will be judged by Jesus based on their discipleship to him and what they spent their time doing here on earth.

Answer 3

That's not over-generalized. It is a pretty good question. I hear the statement as not one of compassion, but an insult like the finger. What is good about your question is that it addresses the point that if people are supposed to be in a dialog, but the subject matter is different, watch out.

Answer 4

It depends on the context of course but if/when a christian says this to me in the course of a conversation about religion, I hear it as the bell. It says, 'I cant argue anymore so I will fall back on an argument you cant comment on.'
This is because the statement 'you are going to hell' only makes sense to a christian; to an athiest it has no relavence.

Answer 5

This statement is Not DEEP nor something to Analyze. This statement is just true according to God and his followers. If atheists expect another statement then they are Delusional and very much Brain dead. If atheists don't dwell on that statement then they shouldn't worried or have a stroke because obviously in their so called free thinking minds doesn't Apply to them. Plain and Simple to those who are truly not interested in this topic no matter how it sounds. Now that couldn't be hard to understand?

Shalom

Answer 6

I think that's a pretty insightful question. I usually perceive "You're going to Hell" as an upraised middle finger.

Answer 7

I'm Christian, and I consider it an insult - I think where we go in the after like is a decision for God to make, not people.

Answer 8

As an Agnostic, I perceive it as an over-used empty threat that just goes in one ear and out the other.

Answer 9

I hear it as a verbal condemnation from a Fundamentalist. How an atheist hears it, I don't know, since they don't believe in Hell. I suppose it is like "F-you, scum of the earth." I guess?

That is a good question. I've wondered how others "hear" it as well.

Answer 10

As an atheist, I perceive it differently from either choice you offered.

This is what I hear:
You are going to hell. I wish that I could dump my ignorant fear of the unknown, and join you in celebrating and enjoying life, but can't because I've been brainwashed and I am truly afraid.