While in Greece, we came across a lot of people who believed in Heaven, but not Hell. In fact, there are a lot of people in Europe who have ideas like these, but the view in the US is relatively rare. I, for example, describe myself as a "hoper" in universalism, and have gotten a lot of criticism on the web, and have not even told anyone outside the net, because my fundamentalist church group would probably say that I'm "not really a Christian" or something like that.
But why is it that Americans seem to think that a belief, even hope, that the wicked will be punished with "hellfire" is necessary to be close to God? Could it be because what I call the "retaliatory mind" is still quite strong in America and is ingrained in the psychology of the American branch of religious fundamentalism?
2007-11-04 11:29:35 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People want the easy way out...... I will assure you Hell is as much real as Heaven
2007-11-04 11:33:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
There are religions such as the Seventh Day Adventist who do not believe in Hell…
Some believe the decision of “punishment” is forever and not the punishment itself, that it is irreversible and the soul will die and some believe that the punishment itself will last forever
Even if there is no Hell there is the Lake of Fire created for Satan and his followers…so either way they're toast!
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
2007-11-04 11:42:16 · answer #2 · answered by ' 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can assure there Is a Hell.
Jesus spoke twice as much about hell than He did about heaven.
Reason: He doesn't want anyone to perish,but that ALL would come to salvation.
Perfect example; The Rich man & Lazurus.
The rich man knew who he was and where he was and said that he was tormented In the flames.
Sounds like Hell to me.
Jesus made It possible for ALL to have eternal life In heaven,but everyone has a choice to make.God doesn't send people to hell.
They send themselves with the choices they make In this life on earth and Who they choose to serve.
Repent and receive salvation before It's too late.
2007-11-04 11:41:34 · answer #3 · answered by Isabella 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a generalization to say that all Americans believe in Hell. There are many American atheists. I think when you say Americans you actually mean Catholics. And anyone who believes in Heaven but not Hell is not believing, they are just hoping for the best.
2007-11-04 11:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that's funny you being in Greece. Socrates was the first person to use the term "Heaven". A lot of Greeks' belief in a Heaven and not a Hell stems from that.
2007-11-04 11:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by mental1018 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hell is considered by Christian to be where God is not. It could be literally a place of hell fire but that could just be a metaphor for the type of world that would exist with Satan ruling.
2007-11-07 16:49:51 · answer #6 · answered by Kisses & Hugs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only speak for myself, of course, but I see in the Bible where God says there's a Hell, that He created it, and why He did so. If God said it, that's pretty much all I need to know. I believe in Heaven because He said it exists. I believe in Hell because He said it exists. I need no other, nor could I appeal to any other, evidence or rationale for believing that such a place exists and that those who reject Jesus Christ will spend eternity there. God did not ask me, nor does He require me, to believe what He says. He only told me what I need to know to follow Him. Nuff said.
2007-11-04 11:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by Steve 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In Buddhism, whether heaven or hell is a result of your own karmic action (killing, stealing etc), regardless of your religion.
Human, Heaven, Hell, Animals or Ghosts, they are all non-permanent destinies. We could be human in this life, in heaven next life, and to hell in following life -- all determined by your past karmic actions, not by your religion.
2007-11-04 11:51:44 · answer #8 · answered by Prajna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The concept of heaven and hell is man-made and has nothing to do with reality. As I see it, heaven was invented to give hope to the docile of a better world than this. And hell was invented to put fear into the hearts of those who are inclined to disobey man's rules and regulations. All religions are based on fear and guilt, although Buddhism is the least guilty.
2007-11-04 11:36:59 · answer #9 · answered by FRANsuFU 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know, but I believe that one is entitled to their own opinions, regardless of others' opinion.
Natural rights, baby.
Edit:
Mike J, I understand that you're an atheist, and I am, too, but there's no need to push your beliefs down people's throats.
2007-11-04 11:34:02 · answer #10 · answered by hello, world 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like you're being closed-minded, and repeating stereo-types.
I disagree with you completely, and I don't think you're informed well enough to publically state any opinion regarding what all Americans believe, or don't believe.
In my opinion, Hell is a state of mind, not a geographic location.
2007-11-04 11:34:26 · answer #11 · answered by teaser0311 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋