Religious question...?

Question

Alright so I was creeping on some other questions and since I'm not Catholic I thought I'd ask (Don't be offended I'm truly ignorant of this stuff). So if God is all forgiving and loves his children, why does he send some of them to hell? Doesn't this defeat the purpose of a merciful God? I mean could he not rehabilitate the sinners and non believers with his being all powerful? Make them see the error of their ways? Eternal damnation sounds a little harsh to the outside observer.

Oh! So he already gives us our chance on Earth. That's an intersting perspective. I'm also sorry I pulled out the Dante version of hell. I am not too well read as regards the scriptural version :S

Answer 1

the scriptural references to hell and the images portrayed by scripture are only symbolic and figurative of the complete frustration and emptiness of life without god. rather than a physical place, hell is the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from god, the source of all life and joy. hell is a condition resulting from attitudes and actions which people adopt in this life. concerning the concept of eternal damnation, it consists precisely in definitive separation from god, freely chosen by the human person, and confirmed with death that seals his choice forever. the thought of hell and even less the improper use of biblical images must not create anxiety or despair, rather, it is a reminder of the freedom found in christ.

Answer 2

What do you think the Christians are trying to do?

On the one hand, everyone complains about Christians getting into other people's business. It is unacceptable in our culture to confront Sin.

On the other hand, no one wants to suffer the consequences of Sin. Everyone just wants to keep on living like they have been, never acknowledge God or change their sinful ways.

Eternal Damnation began at the Garden of Eden. Jesus said everyone is already condemned.

The point that God is proving, is that He does make people see the errors of their ways, and they do not care. So they do not repent, honor Him, or Love Him.

So He gives them what they asked for. Existence apart from Him. Yes it is terrible. Yet, while most people arrogantly live this life claiming, "There is no God", they proceed to lust for God's creations. They cannot get enough of it.

Living on this earth is not your right. It is a priviledge.

Answer 3

The most liberal Catholic view of things would go something like this:

God is love.

Love is just another name for charity.

Charity is the most important Christian virtue.

When we act with charity, we automatically keep God's law, and we provide God with a precise measure with which to judge us.

All other things considered, anyone who manages to retain at least some charity in their soul, right up until the moment of their death, is not likely to end up in hell.

In his mercy, God is also not likely to send anyone to hell who might be rehabilitated, through some process, or in some manner.

And God is the ONLY ONE who has the ability to fairly and equitably judge such things.

So, even heinous sinners might have hope in God.

Answer 4

God has given all of us a choice, follow Him or reject Him.
You decide,
Now is the rehabilitation time in a sense. He has set an open door, He will not drag you in

Yes it does sound harsh from the outside, but look at it like this...He does not send anyone before they are old enough to truly discern good from evil.

And the others have their whole life, either they have heard about it and did not care enough to check it out or they decided instead of accepting they rejected Him, wanting nothing to do with Him at all.

Salvation is simple and so is the decision.
Unfortunately many people spend more time deciding which HD TV is best for them.

Answer 5

If there was no consequence for sin, tell me what the world would be like today?

With the commandments in place, do you think that this has created religion which opposes non believers therefore creating a ballance perhaps?

If there was no rules then how is one a sinner? If man created law then we would be forever fighting each other to approve our own laws however due to a greater force imposing law uppon man, we now fight for what we can change/control - land?

Answer 6

He loves us more passionately than anyone who ever lived. He cares for the souls so dearly that He would do anything to save them. When one of them falls, there is no one in heaven more sad than He is. He gives us every chance to see the error of our ways (and we all have errors!), repent, and turn to Him for comfort and strength.

Hell is the lack of His presence. There are no graces available in hell. That is all. Those who are there do not truly want to be with God. God does everything in His power to keep them from going there. But in the end, if they do not wish it, He will not force it.

Do you know of anything in your life that would cause you to reject God or the mention of Him makes you actually kind of ill? There is something to that. There is another force in the world that wishes you not to be with God.

Answer 7

God is a loving, forgiving God but He is also a just God. That is why those who sin and reject the forgiveness God offers are condemned to the world they have chosen, apart from God's presence. That is hell.

Answer 8

I suggest you get a New Living translation of the Holy Bible and read it for yourself. The answers to your questions are there. Read it for yourself, it's too important to take some one Else's word for it.

Answer 9

You have such questions because you are taught there is a fiery hell.

However, the bible says no such thing!

Read this document on the facts concerning hell (or the lack thereof, that is)...

http://watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_01.htm

- Bob