I know this sounds like one of those questions people ask just to make a point, but I really don't know the answer. I don't know how a person HAPPILY believes in Fundamentalist Heaven and Hell.
If a person believes in a merciful God, one who gives of himself to get forgiveness for others, then how does that person happily announce that non-believers will suffer eternally?
Remember, non-believers include friends, family and co-workers.
Non-believers include people who never heard the Gospel, people who once believed but couldn't keep their faith, and people who would have believed if given enough time (people like the believers themselves were maybe a year ago).
And remember the nature of Eternity. The person believes that they will be in Heaven one trillion years from now, happy as a clam, while the Hindu doctor who delivered their grandson, and kept their daughter alive has been suffering agonies that can only be imagined for the same one trillion years.
So, how do they do it?
2007-01-20 00:53:53 · 16 answers · asked by Mr. Bad Day 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Some of these answers are pretty unsatisfactory. Several Fundamentalists seem pretty smug. "If they don't obey, (their) blood is on their own hands." some one wrote. But it is still blood. Aren't we eagerly pushing blame for something awful so that we don't have to face it's awfulness?
Another answer says "The fact that we are fundamentalists means that we accept what God says." But I think people try to evaluate whether it really is God saying it by looking at the Godliness in what is said. And I'm trying to understand how fundamentalists find Godliness in the teaching of Eternal Damnation and Salvation.
Please keep answering, and thinking.
2007-01-20 01:52:30 · update #1
You know, as a Christian, I agree with you. How do THOSE Christians reconcile the concept of a loving God and an eternal hell?
I cannot go into the details now, but the Bible does NOT teach that there is a place where the souls of the unsaved will burn forever. It does, however, say that the dead will be resurrected in two different resurrection. In the first resurrection, the saved will be taken to heaven. After 1 000 years, the unsaved will be resurrected in the second resurrection. They will be destroyed with fire in a short time. Totally destroyed, annihilation.
2007-01-20 01:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by flandargo 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree that it is a complicated message, but only to those who believe that God is not a just God. The Bible is clear on this message, and you understand that very well.
This is God's law, and He is the ultimate Judge, not us. We have to either accept it, or not; it's not a Book where you can only pick out the parts you like.
Many people ask how Christians can believe in a God who punishes or condemns people to Hell if He is so merciful. How can Christians believe in this ? They see it as a way of keeping people "in line".
I believe that God is a just God. Who knows what the relative or the doctor, or whoever believed in their last moments of life? That is why the Bible says that Christians need to go forth and spread the News. And people will hate you for it. They'll think you've joined a cult and worry about you.
The BIble also makes comparisons to choosing your own family over God. Which would you choose?
This is because we have to stay focused on the eternal Life to come, where there will be no tears, disease, or suffering. This life on earth is only a short journey, but we have to prove faithful to God while we are on it. We cannot worry about what others believe if they don't want to accept Christ as their Savior.
2007-01-20 01:05:20 · answer #2 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As Christians,(the real ones) we do NOT express happiness in the knowledge that some will end up in Hell. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and neither should we.
If we are to "be transformed" into resembling Christ more, then this INCLUDES His views. Alot of us don't get that unfortunately.
By the way, the Bible says that this place of torment, the Lake of Fire, was created for the devil and his angels. We were not originally supposed to go there. And God, in His mercy has provided our way of escape. Our only way of escape, truly.
Jesus. Take care.
2007-01-20 01:05:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Justice is a good thing. I believe Saddam deserved to be executed because he would do things like feed people alive into shredders and cruel things like that. Also people who kill women and children indiscriminately should be given the death penalty. And who better to decide a persons eternal punishment than an eternal God who is perfectly just. We need to be very careful when we attempt to judge God for what He does.
2007-01-20 01:03:35 · answer #4 · answered by beek 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question, one of the many that drove me out of religion. The decent ones can't justify in any loving or caring way so they just accept it and the sicko ones enjoy it.
It's just another tool to keep people in line.
If this god being does exist and it is the epitome of love as they say it is, it could never do such a thing.
Great analogy with the Indian doctor
2007-01-20 01:49:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats why those who are saved should witness to their families and friends and even the person they meet on the streets. I wished all of this world would see the truth, but not everyone will. Those who are saved reach many people on the internet and then you have missionaries who go into far countries. It's not lack of not hearing the word of God it's because they dont believe.God wants all to be saved, and not go to a devils hell.
2007-01-20 01:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to reconcile anything. The fact that we are fundamentalists means that we accept what God says. The question we have is why, when you know what you do, don't you accept His offer of eternal life before eternity comes and not have to suffer eternally.
2007-01-20 01:01:28 · answer #7 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Listen,
heaven and hell need to exist for Universal Fairness and equality.
that being the case, we Muslims are told that God has saved 99 % of His divine Mercy to Judgement day, when where everyone goes, gets to be decided. And He has let only 1% of His Mercy rain down on earth.
This might sound preachy, but were also told that the smallest bit of good you do will be rewarded, and the smallest bit of bad you do will receive its consequences in the hereafter.
My heart and mind is in peace. I know God will never do anyone injustice. If people are put to Hell for a reason in judgement day, they will be fully deserving it.
2007-01-20 01:00:33 · answer #8 · answered by Antares 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the beginning, there was Heaven for God and the angels. Lucifer, who, with his brilliant and wonderful body, stood over the throne of God. This was his job, not hierarchical position. The brilliance of the throne was reflected by his body and it appeared that it was he who was so glorious. This perceived glorious ora went to his head and he said in his heart, " I will be LIKE the Most High."
He convinced 1/3 of heavens angels to follow his lead to 'greatness.' God exiled the now named, Satan from heaven for the evil conceived in his heart. There is no God but God.
Hell was created for Satan and his deceived angelic, now demonic following. Not for us humans.
God never stopped loving us and wanting us to be with him. However, we must not ignore his love. We must shun evil, pride and a whole host of sins that only distract us from a harmonious life in God's grace.
Christ said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Evil is a detraction from God's will and began with Satan. Don't confuse Satan's detraction and violating the will and authority of God with God wanting to punish humanity. We must fight to stay where God wants us. He fights for us everyday.
2007-01-20 01:19:46 · answer #9 · answered by Larry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HELL IN KJV
One Hebrew word “sheol” is rendered hell. Definition; hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranian retreat), grave, hell, pit. Three Greek words are rendered hell; geenna, hades, and tartaroo. Definition of geenna; a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: - hell. Definition of hades; properly unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls: - grave, hell. Definition of tartaroo; (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: - cast down to hell. Tartaroo is used only one place II Pet.2:4.
Christ teaching the Pharisees in Luke 16:19-31 shows us a separation from God is truly what hell is. The “water” is symbolic for God’s Spirit and love. The word “tormented” means distressed in the Greek, not torture. The “fire” is symbolic for the shame and desire not to be separated from God.
So all who die the first death of the flesh return to God Ecc.12:6-7, but on which side of the gulf do they end up?
Hell is not eternal but is done away with in Rev.20:14-15, called both the second death and lake of fire. This second death is non-existence, for death and hell and those not written in the book of life. This second death or lake of fire is like fat drippings that fall into the fire. Just a poof of smoke into non-existence.
Psa.37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
In my mind what’s worse yet is no memory of you, no tears will be shed for you like you never existed.
Rev.21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
So hell is a separation from God and is not eternal torture or burning. Eventually hell will be done away with or passed away and also some souls. Like fat drippings in the fire, a poof of smoke into non-existence, the second death.
2007-01-20 00:57:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋