Isn't it easier to not have empathy or understanding for someone when you have...?

Question

convinced yourself that they are going to hell?

Answer 1

would make sense.

i think its easier to lack sympathy or care for anyone when u believe your immortal. that when you "die" you will get a new body and live forever in a paradise.

this life wouldnt matter.

Answer 2

I think you might have more sympathy. Why would you want someone else to suffer for eternity?

I think you would be looking for away around the dilemma. Perhaps some loophole...but it would be likely to lead to some feeling that you were underming your own religious convictions and ultimately you might fall victim to the same fate!

I think at that point you would need to alleviate some apprehension...which you could probably accomplish in a few different ways:

1. Denial- You have no power to judge others. Other's fate is up to God. Your faith remains relatively intact, but with a somewhat more selective religious focus. Perhaps there are "special" circumstances...for the other person...I think you would have to avoid understanding the other person- too apt to limit possibilities- hence you would need to avoid empathy,. but you could be mildly sympathetic.

2. Unconvince yourself that they are going to hell- that might require much more understanding of the other person- hence an increase in empathy, but less sympathy needed of course. Some change in religious perspective would be needed. Hopefully the other person would be kind enough to show you some sympathy. Maybe they could empathize with your position. The question might become, "Can a nonbeliever have empathy for a believer?

3. Become more rigidly adherent to your religious beliefs, viewing your "weak" sympathy feelings as a seduction and a test of your faith. Odds are that your initial conviction was a projection of your own self-doubts in which case you could completly understand the other person. Your empathy would be total, because you would actually be understanding yourself. Of course, if that were possible you wouldn't be projecting in the first place, which means you would work quite deligently to change the other person (before they changed you). In this case, there would be no sympathy, but empathy would be required. How could you change someone else unless you understood their position.
In any event, I have little hope that things would go well.

Answer 3

No. Anyone who has convinced themselves that someone else is going to hell is out of touch with scripture. Judgment occurs at the white throne of God. We are judged according to our works, acts, repentance, and being forgiven. There is only one 'unforgivable' sin and that can only be committed by one of The Elect.

Therefore, my empathy and understanding are free of preconceived notions.

Answer 4

I have not convinced myself that no particular person is going to hell.......The empathy and understanding I have has came from the spirit of God....

Answer 5

I am astounded by the moral code that permits some people to revel in and enjoy the thought of other people suffering horribly for all eternity just because they disagree.

Wouldn't a simple bonk on the head be more appropriate?

My general statement on this is: "May you receive that which you wish for others." This is a blessing, not a curse. MY hope is for everyone to achieve peace and happiness. Happy people are nice to be around.

Answer 6

Empathy..... I don't understand so it's not really understanding, it's somewhat empathy to suffer with them a bit for their decision but it's not even that because we cannot know what they are going to go through exactly. It's more just plain sorrow.

Answer 7

If we are convinced they are going to Hell, we should have the desire to convince them otherwise. If they reject us, we need not push but we should still desire that they believe.

(The following added after reading comments from others)

Many comments are coming in saying "do not judge". If a person says he does not believe and trust in God, he is admitting he has no relationship with God. God made it clear that this person would not go to heaven. It is only by faith. So don't confuse judging with counting on what God said.

Answer 8

No. Why would you convince yourself someone is going to hell? We should try to help them.

Answer 9

And who are you to juge?! Why must you say this about someone, you are entitled to your own opinion but this statement is out of line.... You convincing yourself just b/c you see it your way is probably not the way the Lord sees it. Besides you only see a part of it not the whole picture juge not till' you be juged yourself and have the true authority to.

Answer 10

I have more empathy for someone that I believe is not a believer. I want them to believe and go to heaven.