Over the years, I have heard many atheists say, “How could a loving, merciful God send his people, his very own creation, to hell?” But then I hear the very same atheists say “well, even if there is a hell, that’s where I’d want to go anyway, because I wouldn’t want to live the rest of eternity in the presence of a tyrannical despot.”
WHAT??? This would prove that God IS loving and merciful, seeing as this is what they want. Please elucidate...
2007-07-10 13:12:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
About as equally exasperating, confusing, and humorous to me to hear Agnostics & Atheists say, "I will pray for you." "God help me!" "God help us!" "I swear to God!"
It begs the question, just who the heck will they pray to and who the heck will answer them when they cry out for help or intervention in their lives?
But hey, there are those who say, "I KNOW I evolved from apes."
I always say, Hey, why argue with evolutionists, they know their relatives far better than I do, but I do not have any apes for relatives.
2007-07-10 13:57:47 · answer #1 · answered by faith 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When most people say things like that it is usually in a joke. I have said I’d rather be in hell cause that’s where the party is. I don’t actually believe in hell. That’s why it’s a joke.
I also say “bless you” to people when they sneeze. It is not because I think the devil will try and take their soul if I don’t.
I don't think this is one of those situations where you should try and dissect what people say in order to find some deeper meaning. Oh, and the second statement did not answer the first one.
2007-07-10 20:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by alana 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
well, I think what is meant in that case is that people refuse to be part of the select few that God deems fit for heaven on rather arbitrary grounds (such as belief in his existence or simply luck of the draw in Calvinism). Yes, if I knew God existed and he would offer me one of the 144.000 spots in heaven on no other ground than that I know he exists, I would refuse. At least, I hope I would.
2007-07-10 20:20:02 · answer #3 · answered by Ray Patterson - The dude abides 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because the atheists who answered that question (whatever it was) were probably answering a hypothetical question. Otherwise, atheists don't believe in god or hell.
2007-07-10 20:18:29 · answer #4 · answered by Leila G 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You've completely missed the point. Torturing dissidents does not make someone merciful or loving.
2007-07-10 20:20:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Um. No. Wow. It's saying that god is SO bad, that you'd prefer hell to hanging out with him. It doesn't mean he's "merciful" because you'd prefer hell to being in his presence.
For instance: Would you rather serve Hitler or spend time in jail. If you pick jail over Hitler it doesn't mean therefore Hitler is swell, does it?
2007-07-10 20:16:09 · answer #6 · answered by Laptop Jesus 3.9 7 · 7⤊ 2⤋
God is just. Everybody who will be in Hell will have chosen their fate. By our nature, all of us hate God unless He changes our heart.
Better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven, eh? There was once an angel who made that decision. His name was Lucifer. He is now more commonly known as Satan.
2007-07-10 20:18:25 · answer #7 · answered by Bob W. 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Those aren't atheists. Those are angry teenagers who want to shock mom and dad. Atheists wouldn't be bothered.
2007-07-10 20:17:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Again another believer with an amazing intellect. You guys are very entertaining.
2007-07-10 20:16:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
2007-07-10 20:16:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋