I have dropped the idea from my belief and when I tell others that I don't believe in hell(especially when they tell me someone's going there) they get all bothered by it. Granted, it could be something that might bother people but why do people assume that I can't be Christian if I don't believe in hell?
I suppose the question is why do some act as though it's mandatory to believe in hell to be Christian? And do you believe in hell? (explanation please, I enjoy hearing others' comments and insights.)
Thank you.
2007-04-09 07:14:04 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's actually not necessary to believe in hell and be a Christian. The bible describes hell as the eternal absence of god. Not some place that you go and burn for eternity.
2007-04-09 07:23:59 · answer #1 · answered by Chris J 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many don't realize that the ideal of heaven and hell are motivational concepts to steer society into doing what the doctrine dictates.
Assuming god exists, doesn't appear a bit sophomoric, prehaps sadistic, to create the universe such that he/she/it can judge over your actions. If god wants 'good' why did he allow for 'bad'? If God is responsible for everything, it was under his power to do so. If God did not have control over this, then by default, there is a higher being. If God did create good and bad, then both attributes must reside in God in order for God to be knowledgeable to create the two qualities. So what is God then, good or evil or both, and what would place God in the authority to judge others if this was true. To allow bad or evil implies God has a taste for seeing it played out. But you're not supposed to wish illwill on others?
Freeing yourself from the confines of heaven and hell may enhance your spirituality, if that is what you seek. It allows you to live for the moment, not the past or the future (which lie out of your hands).
Some of the most spiritual people I have had pleasure of knowing, know that being a good person is not confined to places of worship, following doctrine blindly, and doing what others expect you to do.
It all comes down to the very simple mantra of 'Treat others the way you would like to be treated'. Not on what others believe to be good versus bad, because there is nothing universal. If someone tries to argue that there is universal good and bad, then that should apply to all nature, not just humans. If that is the case, where does that place most of the animal kingdom?
Remember that good, and bad or evil, are notions that may be defined differently for each society.
2007-04-09 14:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by Telemon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you either believe the Bible or you don't. You can't pick and choose to believe some parts and not other parts. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Savior, it tells us there's a Heaven and it tells us there is a Hell. If you don't believe in Hell then you don't believe the Bible which is the very word of God.
2007-04-09 14:20:55 · answer #3 · answered by tas211 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most organized religions shun any beliefs that vary from their own.
With no more proof than the "My way is right because I say so" excuse.
Believe what you want. Use the head on your shoulders and come to your own conclusions. No one but you has the right to decide in what or how you choose to be believe.
2007-04-09 14:22:25 · answer #4 · answered by Former Republican 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I absolutely do not. And it comes from the experience of my sister committing suicide. After hearing so called "Christian" views on her fate, I could not fathom a loving god sending ANYONE to that fate, no matter what the sin. I'm agnostic, and that's mostly due to her death too. What god would allow something like that to happen to a person when asked for help? none I know...
2007-04-09 14:21:04 · answer #5 · answered by elfkin, attention whore 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell is a concept that religions with no factual basis will use to threaten you into submission.
Toriaxle feels no such means are necessary. He will simply condemn those with bad intentions to a place where they can harm only each other.
If your intentions are always good then your life, and afterlife, will be great.
2007-04-09 14:22:20 · answer #6 · answered by Toriaxle's Messiah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I think Hell exist. It's like an everlasting punishment because of sin. What would God do to the people who rejected him and did evil on Earth? Will God greet them in heaven?Don't think so.
2007-04-09 14:21:11 · answer #7 · answered by carlos r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Buddhist we believe in the hell realms... just not the way some people define it, and you don't wind up there the same ways other people define it as either, basically.
_()_
2007-04-09 14:30:37 · answer #8 · answered by vinslave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply enough the bible talks about hell.
It talks about the second death (in hell) which is the separation between you and God.
Jesus referred to hell many times in one he says
"weeping and gnashing of teeth"
Hope that helps you a little bit =)
2007-04-09 14:21:43 · answer #9 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can not be a believer in God if you do not believe the whole Bible.
AND,
the Bible says there is a literal heaven, hell, and devil.
2007-04-09 14:54:34 · answer #10 · answered by 1saintofGod 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋