If Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult then.....?

Question

Why do Catholics and other churches preach that billions of souls are roasting in torment in hell if God is love?
I am told Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God is love and not hurt people forever in horrid pain that I would not wish on my very worst enemy.
I want to know the answer cos I don't believe that God is that cruel.

Outlaw what can anyone do to deserve forever torment - oh man.
I don't deserve to suffer on hot coals I ain't killed nobody. I pay my taxes.

Hey Linnie you tell me where YOUR Bible says it. I can't believe it else God would be cooking every atheist up.

Nina if God is love, but He is also Just then why do you want hell cos you say bad stuff.

OKay come on give me your scriptures of burning hell forever. I don't want your doctrines. Gimme the burning hell stuff in the Bible that PROVES I'm gonna be toast.

Answer 1

WHY IS THERE CONFUSION AS TO WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HELL?

Click on the following link for an answer to this question from the Encyclopedia Americana:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JWquestions-and_answers/message/166

--------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT REALLY IS HELL?

Click on the following link for an answer to this question from the Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site:

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_02.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF HELL?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JWquestions-and_answers/message/163

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does the Bible indicate whether the dead experience pain?

Eccl. 9:5, 10: "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all . . . All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol,* the place to which you are going." (If they are conscious of nothing, they obviously feel no pain.) (*"Sheol," AS, RS, NE, JB; "the grave," KJ, Kx; "hell," Dy; "the world of the dead," TEV.)

Ps. 146:4: "His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts* do perish." (*"Thoughts," KJ, 145:4 in Dy; "schemes," JB; "plans," RS, TEV.)

Answer 2

You may be assured that Hitler is presently rotting in hell. However, so is Winston Churchill, Patton, Gandhi, and everyone else who has ever lived and died. The only person that has ever gone to hell and revived to live forever is Jesus Christ. Acts 2:31 specifically says that Christ went to hell for the brief period after his death, but before his resurrection. The King James Version even says so.

Obviously Jesus was not roasting in some subterranean inferno. He was simply dead for parts of three days until Jehovah brought him back to life. But the Scriptures unmistakably say that Jesus was in Hades or hell during that period.

The English word “Hell” is taken from the Hebrew word “Sheol” & the Greek word “Hades".

The Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades mean the same thing. This is shown by looking at Psalm 16:10 in the Hebrew Scriptures and Acts 2:31 in the Christian Greek Scriptures

In all the places where Sheol occurs in the Bible it is never associated with life, activity or torment. Rather, it is linked with death and inactivity.

Hell (Sheol, or Hades) is a place of rest in hope for the dead. Both good and bad persons go there, to await the resurrection.

(Although Jehovah's Witnesses have taught for over 100 years that hell is not a fiery place of torment, but is simply the grave of mankind, others now have come to appreciate our teaching on that matter.) Here are some Non-JW's links that may help you reason on this further:

http://www.scripturaltruths.com/soul/hell/
http://www.commontruth.com/Hell.html

Answer 3

The word "hell" is found in many Bible translations. In the same verses other translations read "the grave", "the world of the dead:, and so forth. Other Bibles simply transliterate the original language words that are sometimes rendered "hell",that is , they express them with the letters of our alphabet but leave the words untranslated. What are those words you ask?
The Hebrew she'ohl' and its Greek equivalent hai'des,which refer, not to an individual burial place, but to the common grave of dead mankind;also the Greek ge'en na,which is used as a symbol of eternal destruction. However,both in Christendom and in many non Christian r3ligions it is taught that hell is a placve inhabited by demons and where the wicked,after death,are punished(and some believe that this is with torment)
This is not a Bible teaching.
Eccl.9:5 states:" Th living are conscious that they will die;but as for the dead they are conscious of nothing at all"
If they are conscious of nothing,they obviously feel no pain.
Ps.146:4 says:"His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground;in that day his thoughs do perish".
Translators have allowed their personal beliefs to color their work instead of being consistent in their rendering of the original language words.
For example: The King Jams Version rendered she'ohl' as "hell", "the grave," and "the pit"; hai'des is therein rendered both "hell" and "grave"; ge'en na is also tgranslated "hell".
You are going to receive alot of negative responses regarding Jehovahs Witnesses on this site.Many are apostate and others are just ignorant and/or misinformed.
Please do yourself a favor and study the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses.Only they have the truth......

Answer 4

Sadly, too many self-described Christians have not studied what the bible actually teaches about "hell" and "hellfire". The bible teaches that "hell" is *NOT* a fiery place of torment, but is actually the common grave of mankind.

There is no suffering in "hell", or the grave. Sometime after the resurrection, death and "hell" will themselves be destroyed.

(Ecclesiastes 9:5) For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all

(Ecclesiastes 9:10) there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol ["hell"]

(Revelation 20:14) And death and Hades ["hell"] were hurled into the lake of fire

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020601/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_07.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20010901/article_02.htm

Answer 5

According to the doctrine of hellfire, God will LITERALLY torture someone who is not saved forever.

Here’s something to think about.
If a bad person lived only 20 years and was not saved, is it FAIR to torture him not only 20 million, not 20 billion years but FOREVER?

This is like saying you owe me $20 and I will ask you to pay me back $20 billion for that, is that FAIR?

Now, is God a TORTURER? Yes or No.

If a person, torture you everyday of your life, and instead of just killing you, will keep you alive and torture you over and over again, everyday, will you call that torturer a LOVING person?

John 3:16 states ““For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”

If a wicked person is to be tortured forever, he needs to have everlasting life as well, doesn’t he? Well that conflicts with John 3:16 where it states that only those who exercise faith WILL HAVE everlasting life.


Rev 21:4 states “death will be NO MORE, , neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” If God is torturing the wicked still, how come Rev 21 states there is NO MORE OUTCRY, PAIN, MOURNING and DEATH?


Prov 10:25 states “25 As when the storm wind passes over, so the wicked one is no more;”

Answer 6

Christendom teaches that if you don't get "saved" you're going to burn in Hell forever. This something that the Bible doesn't teach and its something God will never do.

Sure the wicked as to be punished, but its basically

Jeremiah 7:31
"They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind.

Jeremiah 32:35
"They built the high places of Baal that are in the valley of Ben-hinnom to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I had not commanded them nor had it entered My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

People being burned for their sins never came into the mind of Jehovah God, so why would he do this once someone dies?


I guess Christendom believes all the men, women and children around that world that did not get to know God will burn in Hell forever too.

Answer 7

You are correct. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the existence of a burning hell, where the wicked are tormented forever. Here are some points to think about, including scriptural context -

(1) In Jeremiah 46:28, God promised to chastise the wayward nation of Israel to "the proper degree". How do you accept that and still believe he would punish ..... TORMENT us forever, for the sins of our puny lifetime.

(2) The suffering Job endured is legendary. Keeping that in mind why would he ask God at Job 14:13 to HIDE him from his suffering in sheol (or HELL). Why is he asking to be shielded from his temporary suffering by being sent to a place of permanent torment? Because there is some question as to the translation being used, let me add this. Do you know that the Latin Vulgate of 405 AD (yes in Latin) uses the word "Inferno" which stands for Hell? So yes, Job literally asked to be hidden in hell. Why?

(3) God condemned the nation of Israel for following in the footsteps of the pagan nations around them and sacrificing their children... making them pass through the fire. Why would he condemn such a thing and yet do it himself? (2 Kings 17:16,17)

There's more, but that should do ya. Email me if you want to continue the conversation or go to www.watchtower.org.

=============

Answer 8

Everything the Jehovah's Witnesses teach is Bible based. Ignorant, prejudiced people lie and say other wise.

I will provide you with a link to an article that will go into detail about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe. Make sure you have your Bible handy, because you will be looking up A LOT of scriptures.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm
This brochure will explain who Jehovah's Witnesses are and what they believe.

Answer 9

a cult worships man, we worship Jehovah God and live in our own homes. hell is the common grave that when you die, you go into hell or common grave. the devil wants people to believe that Jehovah will harm you when you die. Jehovah is a loving Father. Jesus Christ commanded as at Matthew 28 verse 19 and 20 to tell everyone about his Father Jehovah. Jesus did the samethings as well as the 12. see what we are all about at www.watchtower.org

Answer 10

Jehovah made the earth for a purpose, as he stated to the first human pair: "Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth . . . , have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28) Because they became disobedient, this couple failed to fill the earth with righteous families who would lovingly care for the earth and its plants and animals. But their failure does not make Jehovah's purpose fail. Thousands of years later, it was written: "God, the Former of the earth . . . , did not create it simply for nothing." He "formed it even to be inhabited." It is not to be destroyed, but "the earth endures for ever." (Isaiah 45:18; Ecclesiastes 1:4, The New English Bible) Jehovah's purpose for the earth will be realized: "My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do."—Isaiah 46:10.


Hence, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the earth will remain forever and that all people, living and dead, who will fit in with Jehovah's purpose for a beautified, inhabited earth may live on it forever. All mankind inherited imperfection from Adam and Eve and, hence, are sinners. (Romans 5:12) The Bible tells us: "The wages sin pays is death." "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." "The soul that is sinning—it itself will die." (Romans 6:23; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Then how can they live again to share in the earthly blessings? Only through the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus, for he said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life." "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."—John 5:28, 29; 11:25; Matthew 20:28.

How will this come about? It is explained in "the good news of the kingdom," which Jesus started to proclaim while on earth. (Matthew 4:17-23) But today Jehovah's Witnesses are preaching the good news in a very special way.

WHAT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES BELIEVE Belief Scriptural Reason
Bible is God's Word and is truth 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; John 17:17
Bible is more reliable than tradition Matt. 15:3; Col. 2:8
God's name is Jehovah Ps. 83:18; Isa. 26:4; 42:8, AS; Ex. 6:3
Christ is God's Son and is inferior to Him Matt. 3:17; John 8:42; 14:28; 20:17; 1 Cor. 11:3; 15:28
Christ was first of God's creations Col. 1:15; Rev. 3:14
Christ died on a stake, not a cross Gal. 3:13; Acts 5:30
Christ's human life was paid as a ransom for obedient humans Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 Pet. 2:24
Christ's one sacrifice was sufficient Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28
Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person 1 Pet. 3:18; Rom. 6:9; Rev. 1:17, 18
Christ's presence is in spirit John 14:19; Matt. 24:3; 2 Cor. 5:16; Ps. 110:1, 2
We are now in the 'time of the end' Matt. 24:3-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Luke 17:26-30
Kingdom under Christ will rule earth in righteousness and peace Isa. 9:6, 7; 11:1-5; Dan. 7:13, 14; Matt. 6:10
Kingdom will bring ideal living conditions to earth Ps. 72:1-4; Rev. 7:9, 10, 13-17; 21:3, 4
Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated Eccl. 1:4; Isa. 45:18; Ps. 78:69
God will eliminate present system of things in the battle at Har-Magedon Rev. 16:14, 16; Zeph. 3:8; Dan. 2:44; Isa. 34:2; 55:10, 11
Wicked will be eternally destroyed Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:6-9
People God approves will receive everlasting life John 3:16; 10:27, 28; 17:3; Mark 10:29, 30
There is only one road to life Matt. 7:13, 14; Eph. 4:4, 5
Human death is due to Adam's sin Rom. 5:12; 6:23
The human soul ceases to exist at death Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:10; Ps. 6:5; 146:4; John 11:11-14
Hell is mankind's common grave Job 14:13, Dy; Rev. 20:13, 14, AV (margin)
Hope for dead is resurrection 1 Cor. 15:20-22; John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26
Adamic death will cease 1 Cor. 15:26, 54; Rev. 21:4; Isa. 25:8
Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ Luke 12:32; Rev. 14:1, 3; 1 Cor. 15:40-53; Rev. 5:9, 10
The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God 1 Pet. 1:23; John 3:3; Rev. 7:3, 4
New covenant is made with spiritual Israel Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:10-13
Christ's congregation is built upon himself Eph. 2:20; Isa. 28:16; Matt. 21:42
Prayers are to be directed only to Jehovah through Christ John 14:6, 13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5
Images should not be used in worship Ex. 20:4, 5; Lev. 26:1; 1 Cor. 10:14; Ps. 115:4-8
Spiritism must be shunned Deut. 18:10-12; Gal. 5:19-21; Lev. 19:31
Satan is invisible ruler of world 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31
A Christian ought to have no part in interfaith movements 2 Cor. 6:14-17; 11:13-15; Gal. 5:9; Deut. 7:1-5
A Christian should keep separate from world Jas. 4:4; 1 John 2:15; John 15:19; 17:16
Obey human laws that do not conflict with God's laws Matt. 22:20, 21; 1 Pet. 2:12; 4:15
Taking blood into body through mouth or veins violates God's laws Gen. 9:3, 4; Lev. 17:14; Acts 15:28, 29
Bible's laws on morals must be obeyed 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Heb. 13:4; 1 Tim. 3:2; Prov. 5:1-23
Sabbath observance was given only to Israel and ended with Mosaic Law Deut. 5:15; Ex. 31:13; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:9, 10; Col. 2:16, 17
A clergy class and special titles are improper Matt. 23:8-12; 20:25-27; Job 32:21, 22
Man did not evolve but was created Isa. 45:12; Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4
Christ set example that must be followed in serving God 1 Pet. 2:21; Heb. 10:7; John 4:34; 6:38
Baptism by complete immersion symbolizes dedication Mark 1:9, 10; John 3:23; Acts 19:4, 5
Christians gladly give public testimony to Scriptural truth Rom. 10:10; Heb. 13:15; Isa. 43:10-12

Answer 11

My friend the witnesses are not a cult. and a lot of people on here are very misinformed.....
the witnesses do believe in Hell despite what others may say or think...
But they do NOT believe in a BURNING HELL because no where in the bible does it say that hell is burning, or hot or anything of the sort its just the temporary holding place of the dead.
If a person die & goes to hell which is only the common grave that person WILL come out of it. Dont believe me or take my word for it take your time and read carefully Revalations 20:13. All of this is during Christ 1000yr. reign this is also talking about the resurrection (Acts 24:15).So a person can live again during the first resurrection,if youre in Gods memory, if youre written in the book of life,Mal 3:16.(Philip.4:3)

A person can come out of hell..
Now what a person has to worry about is the Lake of Fire which is according to the Rev. 20:13 Death, and Hell and Rev.21:8 mentions even all the liars, idolaters, murderers,etc. will be hurled into, so notice the fact that Hell and the Lake of Fire are two "different" things or places rather---- one you can get out the other you cant.

vs. 8 of chapt. 21 of Rev does say that its the Lake which burn with fire & brime stone.
Now mind you this ALOT of Revalations are talking in "symbolisms" so that people like you and I can understand it because yes it is deeeeeep! But thankfully these VISIONS that the apostle John saw was to help us to understand nevertheless its what he saw in his vision. A person of God will understand these but those of the nations would not get a clear understanding & thats where preachers, priests, pastors have used these & twisted the scriptures to strike fear in staying in False Religion. but thats another talk, back to the hell & Revalations to prove that REVALATIONS is symbolisms.
Look at the rest of the book,
It called
Satan: the great dragon that was hurled down Rev.12:9
also serpent (remember the garden of eden?)

Jesus: Many times is called a LAMB Rev 5:6,8,12---Rev 12:10----Rev 14:1,4.

False Religion: is called A woman & harlot because she has many god's, and because many people have been with her... & Bablylon the Great because the number is MANY.

What about the 4 horse men of Chapt 6.

white horse: crown, bow, conquering, its rider--Jesus

red horse: power & sword its rider---- the wars thats going on in the earth now

black horse its rider--- food shortages thats going on now especially in Africa & other 3rd world countries

pale horse its rider--- death & hades(hell) in KJV. its also interesting to know that in revalations you'll usually see death & hell together remember (hell is the temporary holding places of the dead) which is why Rev 20:13 makes sense if theres gonna be no more death during Christ 1000yr reign theres no need for death or hell soooo, throw them in the Lake of fire no more need for them.

The burning lake is a symbolism too... it calls it the 2nd Death
Meaning once a person goes there-- its NO return,
no resurrection,no life, no chance,no consciousness of nothing but ""eternal death"" no more existence.
He use the eternal burning definition so that people would get the sense & seriousness of this No other hope once in the lake of fire. If you flood a house it can be restored, but if you burn a house with a fire thats not going to be put out theres absolutely no hope of it EVER returning and thats the sense Jehovah God & his Son Jesus wants to get across concerning the 2nd death or lake of Fire.
So once again to reitterate the point: Hell is nothing to worry about because if so that will make the Eccl.9:5,10 an invalid scripture & it is not. but what we would have to worry about my friend if we are not on God's side is the Lake that Burns with fire Rev:20:14 this means the 2nd & final eternal death.