I see many people saying that the Devil is tricking you and you will go to hell if you don't believe. But I always though that you should believe because you love God/Jesus, not because you hate the Devil/hell. So what is the point of telling someone they are going to hell for their beliefs to try and scare them into religion?
2007-01-03 18:42:40 · 21 answers · asked by haiku_katie 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I dont know, I don't understand why they do that. Non-believers will not be scared by a hell they don't believe in. I don't see why other Christians do not understand this.
2007-01-03 19:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is OK to be a Christian, but I don't think it's OK to be afraid, whether it be a Hell or a Devil. I think you should be content to be a good person and be what you are within your Faith. Forgive me if any offence was taken I was not infering that you are not a good person at all, on the contrary, I imagine you have a strong Faith and your intentions are very true and honest, I am infering that your fear is unjustified because of your strong and true Faith not in spite of it.. If your Faith is what makes you happy, gives you strength both spiritually and morally then by all means be that.
Often we are confused because of small differences of opinion regarding Faith and the intricacies of our particular sectarian doctrine, if you are Faithful withing your Faith and your intent is honest and from a source of unselfishness and Love then the consequence can be nothing but good.
I think that scaring others into changing their belief is incorrect behaviour if by doing so it benefits you rather than them..Let me explain.. if you are required to 'witness' your Faith then by all means do so, but it should be to strengthen the Faith or belief of others, rather than 'witnessing' and strengthening your own Faith with no regard for another's.
Let me give an example....I am Buddhist...by witnessing to me about the dangers of Hell, I would be encouraged if this concept was 'witnessed' with Buddhism in mind...as I have Teachings involving several Lower Levels of existence, Buddhist notions can be quite esoteric and 'strange' to others, the 2 Teachings could be compared and with a little compassion and understanding these notions can be very beneficial in strengthening the 'witnesses' own Faith and thereby uniting different Faiths, although differences are apparent between Faiths, there are remarkable similarities, witnessing then can be a very positive and rewarding experience for both parties.
A thought for contemplation..?
Peace from a Buddhist..in the season of joy...
2007-01-04 03:32:00 · answer #2 · answered by Gaz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love is profoundly more powerful than fear as a motivator and your point is true. Hell can get a persons attention but fear will never keep someone in church for the long haul...once a person gets to know God it is the love that keeps them in the faith. I am not sure I care that hell got my attention, I am just glad I got to know God. As a matter of fact I would willingly go to hell if He asked me to. It is the relationship that matters not the dogma on these pages. As for your question is it OK - yes it is but it would not be fun for the poor soul that lived like that - they have clearly missed the point.
2007-01-04 02:50:31 · answer #3 · answered by Pilgrim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is OK to believe so, as a starting point, but maturity of faith is necessary as you grow into what it fully means for you to be in loving relationship with love God and Jesus. Having fear as a basis for one's faith will not last one very long in life. Fear in relationship will ultimately destroy the relationship. There are many ways to share good news. Scaring people is not the best of them. It's recommended that we not scare anyone into believing. It's not conducive to strong and mature faith. It is not very loving. It is disrepectful. Jesus didn't do that. He LOVED people into the kingdom. I encourage all Christians to do the same. Let's follow Jesus' example and serve and love others. That's the way to win the human heart.
Whether someone will go to hell or not is not for us to decide. Therefore, there's no need to bring it up. Just point to Jesus. Be a mirror of Jesus' love.
2007-01-04 02:57:11 · answer #4 · answered by im3ngs 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A christian because you are afraid of hell?? Christians are christians because they are "working" towards an eternity with God and Jesus, so they keep from sinning. When they do sin they repent. I guess everyone would prefer forever with Jesus than burning for eternity in hell.
Whoever told you that you were going to hell for your beliefs will have their place in line on judgement day with the rest of us when Jesus comes back to judge us.
What I mean by this is that we shouldn't judge ppl into hell because that isn't our place to to do so. It is sad that they had you afraid of what to expect in hell if you didn't convert.
God does love you very much.
2007-01-04 03:07:22 · answer #5 · answered by julie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at it this way. Fear is the devil's greatest weapon, so if one inflects fear in someone, then that is wrong. God is a god of love. If you fear damnation all your life, then where is the joy? You came from the creator and return to him, why would he want you to spend your life in fear? The Holy Spirit convicts people to turn to God, another person can only suggest or feel guided in helping. If you read and believe the bible, don't be confused with a person being over zealous.
2007-01-04 02:51:14 · answer #6 · answered by AJ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you follow Jesus just to avoid Hell, you're missing the point. Follow him to be a better, kinder person and do the will of God. The rest will come naturally from there.
2007-01-04 02:50:49 · answer #7 · answered by John T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're right, but the bible also says that fear is the beginning of wisdom. Unless these people get stuck at that level, then the faith is meaningless.
Those who are not sick do not need a doctor. If these people think they have not sinned, but are merely afraid of hell, then there's no cure from the physician. If there's no confession, there's no forgiveness.
2007-01-04 02:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Marshal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is OK to believe anything you want to believe and for any reason, b/c morals vary from person to person, however in my opinion the fear of going to hell is the very reason you believe in a creator. It is the fear that holds believers; if one doesn't believe in God, they will be ultimately punished, and the only way to avoid being punished, is to believe in God. Without fear, people cannot be controlled, which is the purpose of religion...control. Without control, civilization would cease to exist.
2007-01-04 02:58:40 · answer #9 · answered by Kenny F 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm afraid you just might have to go to hell for asking that question. You should be very afraid.
P.S. Smile, Jesus loves you.
2007-01-04 03:19:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋