How come some religions require the physical or spiritiual death of non-followers?

Question

so how about that revelation 20:10-12, that whole "lake of fire"

Answer 1

It's not a death....Christianity doesn't require anyone to die. However, it requires the death of one's sinful nature.

Answer 2

I recall an interesting article, by a woman named Sissela Bok (link below). She poses the notion that the violent, eternal hell-torments for non-believers Christians incorporated into their dogma was based upon their desire for retribution against the Romans, who utilized Christians for sport in their violent spectacles. Since Christianity was in its infancy during that period of Roman history, there is more than a little merit to the idea, or so it seems to me.

However, I suspect, the answer is simpler than that. Ideas have always been anaethema to religion and power. Killing people whose ideas counter the mainstream is a good way to ensure that a majority of people stay loyal to the party line. At least for a while.

http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/b/bok-mayhem.html

Answer 3

What Thomas Jefferson said.

I didn't realize you were back yet since the damn links to suspended users never work.

To answer your question, it's called Original Sin.

Answer 4

God is a righteous god.
He demands his flock be made right with him.
Sin had entered this world before we were born.
Therefore in order for us to be made right Jesus had to die,become the sin offering if you will.
When we accept Jesus we are made right with god.
Non-believers are not right with god.
God Bless

Answer 5

That's not up to a religion. That is up to God. Allah might require physical death to non-believers, but I don't believe in Allah. The one and only God just wants you to love Him as He loves you. He's giving you many chances, just accept Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

Answer 6

Jim, my fine fellow. Hail and well met. I have missed you!