is it really a punishment?
2007-06-04 03:23:17 · 16 answers · asked by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
LOL at my first two answers
2007-06-04 03:27:11 · update #1
if you lived your whole life not believing in god, then for sure you don't believe in hell too!!!
2007-06-04 03:27:23 · answer #1 · answered by katerina 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Granted being in hell is living apart from God- which would be hell enough, however those who do not choose Christ will eternally be punished. There will be everlasting pain, from burning etc. I cannot explain it the way it will be because it is worse than "gnashing of teeth" as scripture says. You feel not living for God will be no different in hell- think again- now you live without God as a choice, when you get to hell, you will know He exists, but be suffering for eternity. Eternity is a very long time.
2007-06-04 10:50:14 · answer #2 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will be a punishment, indeed. You lived your life not believing in God, and you will spend eternity in hell separated from Him. The difference is, then, you will know for sure that he exists, and you will know that you spent a lifetime rejecting him and He, the all knowing, all loving God of the Universe now rejects you. It may sound cruel, but it's really justice. After all, you had your whole life to accept his Truth.
2007-06-04 10:35:46 · answer #3 · answered by Joshua B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hell has many meanings, but in my view the most meaningful is that it's a condition of not following the principles of happiness. Some of these principles are typically followed whether you believe in God or not unless you're darker than most.
In other words, Hell isn't a punishment, but rather something we bring on ourselves by making bad choices.
The whole reason for earth life is to help teach us these principles by allowing us to experience what happens when people make both good and bad choices. Of course it's more pleasant to not have to make all the bad choices ourselves. :-)
2007-06-04 10:34:33 · answer #4 · answered by Bryan Kingsford 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer this we must first define God.
I believe that hell is something we create by our choices and behavior, and exists on earth. I don't think God has anything to do with it. I know this is contrary to standard Christian thinking, but I believe that hell is a concept that was created to frighten people into blind obediance. Hell is not a spiritual creation, but a religious one, based on fear of death and the unknown.
2007-06-04 11:03:50 · answer #5 · answered by Grace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not matter if you do not believe in God, He is here. Not believing in Him does not mean that He does not exist. God is what sustains us, God gives us breath for life. If it wasn't for Him, we'd all be in Hell right now. But, He loves us so much that He gave us a way to Him, through His Son, Jesus.
2007-06-04 10:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by Princess of the Realm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jill,
The Holy Bible is very clear what Hades/Hell is...
It is eternal torment and punishment, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I do think living eternity without the living God would be hell.
For those of us that know Jesus Christ as our personal savior, this life is the only hell we will ever know.
For those that do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior...this is the only heaven they will ever know.
Peace be with you.
2007-06-04 10:33:57 · answer #7 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe Augustine postulated that there "Hell" was really just "of the earth," not so much burning fire etc. I agree with you. This is part of my reason for rejecting the concept of "hell." That and eternal burning is just silly.
2007-06-04 10:43:30 · answer #8 · answered by ZombieTrix 2012 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
being in hell isnt simply living without God. its hot and torture. it isnt like this earth now without God. it is much worse. and just being away from God is aweful. even if you don't believe it, God is all around you right now.
2007-06-04 10:31:57 · answer #9 · answered by Katie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being in 'hell' is simply being in your own grave.
In the Bible, Hell = Hades. [ Greek]]
And this is what Rev. 20;14 says;
(Revelation 20:14) And death and Ha′des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.
Anything into fire is destroyed. so death and Hades are destroyed. No death = no Hades/Hell=no graves.
so 'hell' is our grave.
And no more death is promised.
(Revelation 21:4) And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
2007-06-04 10:29:03 · answer #10 · answered by pugjw9896 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋