I have noticed that being told they are going to "burn in hell" is the number one complaint or justification for slander.
But if its not even there, why take offense SO harshly?
(Perhaps you know its there??)
2007-04-01 08:57:17 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why do so many Christians feel this same need to lie in support of their beliefs? Shouldn't that tell you something about the quality of your beliefs?
2007-04-01 09:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like it's less because of the concept of hell and more because it's a provocative statement. Without other cues like tone of voice or facial expression (when that statement is read online), it just seems like a statement of hate or anger. For instance, in my mind:
"You're going to burn in hell" = "Go die in a fire" = "F*@$ you b$()!#"
when read from online. You (and by "you" I mean "any person who says such a statement") may not have meant it that way, but people (not just atheists) tend to interpret what they read in the worst way possible. And if someone else thinks that you've already made an ad hominem attack, they tend to feel more justified returning more of the same.
If that is not what you (again, broad use of the word "you") mean by "you're going to burn in hell", perhaps a rewording of the phrase to sound less antagonistic may help promote a more civil discussion. Something more like: "whether or not you believe in hell, I believe it exists and I am worried about you because I care about you, and I think you are in danger of imperiling your soul." That expresses more concern and love (something the Bible teaches I believe) whereas the former statement expresses merely condemnation (which is in God's purview) and contempt when taken out of context.
2007-04-01 09:09:45 · answer #2 · answered by tetracycline 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because it's rude and obnoxious. I know it's not there; in fact, I'd bet money that it's not there. But that doesn't matter. It's still insulting and completely unnecessary. I mean, that's like asking why a Christian would be offended at the question "why are all Christians dumber than a rock?". That's not true, obviously, so no one should be offended, right? No, that's not how it works; it's still not a nice thing to say, regardless of whether it's true or not.
2007-04-01 09:03:58 · answer #3 · answered by . 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
It's not the thought of going to Hell that bothers us. (We don't believe in Hell.) It's the idea that the person telling us we're going to Hell actually believes (and often seems to enjoy) the idea that we deserve to suffer torture for all of eternity--not because we've DONE anything bad, but simply because we don't believe the same things that they do. It's unbelievably arrogant, and disturbing to think that someone would wish such a fate for us.
By arrogance--I also refer you to the answerer below me "Jessica", who assumes that she knows exactly what atheists think and feel. She's not an atheist, and yet she's putting words in our mouths. Piece of advice--never presume to know what another persons thoughts, feelings, or motives are. That statement is an example of the type of things that some Christians like to tell each other so they can then pat themselves on the back and feel superior. It is also ignorant, arrogant, and wrong.
2007-04-01 09:02:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jess H 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
Being told to "go to hell" doesn't offend me at all. It makes me laugh, actually. But, perhaps some are offended for the same reason Christians are offended when people compare Jesus to the Tooth Fairy: people don't like their beliefs, or lack thereof, being questioned.
2007-04-01 09:01:45 · answer #5 · answered by ms_coktoasten 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Many people don't appreciate being told that they are wrong.
I didn't appreciate my atheist friend telling me that the afterlife I expect is not real and that Jesus is a "lie". If he had told me that I was a terrible person and that I was going to die and be tortured in a horrible afterlife then I think I would have gotten abit more disturbed.....
2007-04-01 09:03:51 · answer #6 · answered by Myaloo 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Here's a thought.........Christians hell .....................A group of witches dancing around a bon fire nude and the christians much watch this for all eternity................AND if that's not a good enough description then add this to it. George Bush will be YOUR president for all eternity...............
To the christians out there "It's your hell so go burn in it"
2007-04-01 10:13:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When Christians tell me that I'm going to hell, I just laugh at their stupidity for believing such nonsense.
2007-04-01 09:24:13 · answer #8 · answered by Billybww 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not the act of going to hell, it's the ambivalence of the person assuming that I am evil for not conforming to their views. Intolerance is the real issue.
2007-04-01 09:09:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Its an insult cause your imposing your beliefs and trying to make us feel sorry for yalls ****. Burning in hell is for you. Living a normal life with out the fear of being burned in hell is us. If I told you that if you worship god, you will be sodimized for the rest of your life, would you say.. OH, OK,, WELL THANKS FOR THE INFO. i doubt it.
2007-04-01 09:07:02 · answer #10 · answered by JUDAS RAGE 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋