Am I going to hell?

Question

I don't believe in a "biblical God" per se. I do, however, believe that Jesus DID in fact exist as a man and that many of the historical facts in the bible occured. I ALSO believe in the POSSIBILITY of a being (or beings) in the universe that are beyond mortal comprehension (ie. God). So, why then, when I talked about this with a priest, did he say I was still going to hell for not believing in God?? Personally I don't see the difference.

Answer 1

Consider the source. It's what he believes. It's what he NEEDS to believe, in his world view. If he didn't believe that, his whole universe would crumble.

Here's one to ponder: Maybe, whatever you *believe* will happen to you when you die, actually WILL happen to you. So if you believe in hell, there you go. If you believe in Valhalla, or the Summerland, or the Happy Hunting Grounds, that's it. If you believe in rebirth, OK, you get to come around again. If heaven's your ticket - you'll find those pearly gates.

It's logical and it resolves all those conflicts between different belief systems (they're ALL right, with this model). With the time you'd save not having to worry about all that stuff, you could work at thinking happy thoughts and bring joy to yourself, to others, to the world, and maybe even to the afterlife (if you choose to believe in one).

I'm not being flippant; I'm serious.

Answer 2

Since you 'sort of' believe in God and you do believe that Jesus was a man...do you believe that the Bible is a real book written by God? If you do, then you should believe it when it says that no one shall inherit the kingdom of heaven except through Jesus Christ. and that is by believing that he died and rose again on the third day, and that he died for you so your sins, whatever they may be, will be forgiven....if you can't deal with that just yet than think about this....'i would rather live life like there is a God and die and find our there isn't, than live life like there is no God and die and find out there is. God deals with a willing heart...just open up an believe in Him. good luck to you.

Answer 3

For those people who do believe in a "Biblical God," there is a certainty that it is not for human beings to judge one another. In fact, to do so is to invite judgment upon ourselves. Whether or not you and I agree, and whether or not you and the priest agree... that is ultimately irrelevant. Your relationship with God is a personal matter and not for someone else to second-guess.

A medieval French monastic by the name of Peter Abelard stated that we are all saying the same things, but because of different experiences, different cultures, etc. we use different language, and because we use different language we think we are saying different things. Of course, Abelard was also regarded as having stepped over the line for having said such a thing. But it makes sense to me.

Answer 4

OK caos lets get down to where the rubber meets the road. God said the wages of sin is death. Have you sinned. of course , we all have. But Christ has the ability to tell the father don't touch this man he is one of mine. This man is willing to accept my forgiveness and is willing to change. Then the father will say "as you wish my son". But if you don't accept Christ's forgiveness then the father will say "get out of my sight ,I never knew you". Then into the lake of fire you go. Where you immediately die and are gone forever. I know it sounds tough. But he has bent over backwards to give us every chance. Pray the rosary . I can't even begin to tell you how powerful it is. It will bolster your discernment. The bible proves itself with all kinds of prophesy that is coming true in droves in this time. There are some good ole country boys down south that teach the bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Get on the TV or satellite you will learn the truth.

Answer 5

Is there a hell? I believe in God but I don't beleive in hell.Why would a loving God send people to hell?I will give you a fine example of a christian womans view.When my 2 month old grandson died from SIDS this lovely christian woman asked me if the baby had been baptised.When I said no she shrugged her blessed shoulders curled her pious mouth and said Well I wouldn't give it another thought he's in hell.Do you believe God would send a baby to hell?I don't.God loves us and knows our hearts better than we do.He knows life here is confusing and accepts we aren't perfect.From what you have said you DO believe in God just not the organized church God.Two completely different things.In the bible it says God loves the one who prays quietly in a closet more than the sinner who sings loudly in church.Don't base your faith on what a paid member of a church says.Base it on your heart.

Answer 6

I am sorry that you dont believe in God. But if you believe in Jesus, then you believe in God as well because he is God. I see that you are questioning and pondering and sounding contradictory over the very existence of God. Because of this, hopefully the very God you think you dont believe will bless you with faith in his existance. It can be hard to believe, a struggle at times, but you must. The universe that is beyond mortal comprehension is God! He is beyond our comprehension. We must live by faith and hope in the existance of a good God who waits for us to believe in him. As for the priest, well..he is human. Capable of making mistakes and giving improper advice to a hopeful, questioning, searching soul like yourself. Pray for him! As for the question if youre going to hell....it isnt for anyone to judge. If you love Jesus, who is God, and believe in his mercy...then I believe you wont perish. Continue to search for God if you feel he doesnt exist and he will lead you to himself!

Answer 7

salvation (i.e. not going elsewhere including hell) can only be acquired by accepting Jesus Christ as the personal lord and Savior of ones life. this is not just a fact, this is for real. salvation is not through works or deeds so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8 speaks of it. i was once an unbeliever. i really doubted that there is such thing as god that exists. until god pierced the veil that covers my sight from seeing the true meaning of life. Jesus Christ is for real, he is alive, and he is the only lord and Savior. take it from someone who used to be an unbeliever and is now a believer and saved by the precious and amazing grace of god.

hmm.. go to a born-again christian church. once you accepted jesus christ as the personal lord and saviour of your life, you would never be the same again and the salvation that you want will be yours. salvation is for free for jesus christ had paid for it long before in the cross of calvary and rose again. he did it all for his love for us and to save us from eternal damnation.

i hope i helped you. =)

god bless! =)

Answer 8

Because you were talking to someone who represents organized religion. You probably would have gotten the same answer from any denomination. If you don't believe my way...then you go to Hell.

My church is comprised of only four individuals. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and me. Maybe I'm going to hell too? I don't know but if I am wrong, then maybe I deserve it.

Answer 9

Here is my thought .. I'm not religious but I do have a spiritual side.

We are currently living our our lives living either in heaven or hell.

If you are living a life you love, being gratful for all around you; being fully self expressed, being who you want to be then you will be living in 'heaven'. Being the cause of all around you - being open and loving of fellow man (and woman!). Being responsible for your actions - and having integrity. Not hating others, forgiving those who don't meet your expectations, and letting people have their own opinions. Then this to me is living a life in heaven .. and when you die .. you'll die but you would have lived a great life - essentially a life in heaven.
(It might sound like a christian, buddhist or muslim - but it can be anyone).
A life in hell, would be someone walking around blaming everyone but themselves for how their life is, someone who takes no responsibility for themselves, someone who creates stories up about what really happens in life and people who think because someone thinks differently or has a different opinion - they are wrong (or at worst should die).
These people live in a walking living hell .. and when they die .. that's it .. life has past them bye and life would have been hell.

Picture this .. someone living life with the goal of going to heaven will live a fairly good life - a heavenly life.

If you think you are living a life where you may end up in hell ... consider you are already there (but the good news is that you can give that life up - and live a really amazing life) It all begins with you and doesn't begin in having someone or something else be responsible for your life.

So .. consider if youa re reading this and working in a job you hate .. then consider you might be living in hell .. a nice hell .. but it's certainly not heaven. The bench mark is .. are you being - all you can be?

cheers

Benj

Answer 10

Oh my goodness, you opened a can of worms here:-) :-)

Well, you are in good company!!! There are many good folks who believe the same thing you do. Also believe in it or not, it sais in the Bible: “Be aware of false prophets”!
Priests and Ministers are no exception to the rule.