Is it fear of Hell that makes you believe?

Question

I guess it must be. If you really believe that stuff, you'll say anything to avoid it.

Answer 1

I don't believe in hell. I believe out of LOVE, for God's promise to each and every one of us :-)

Answer 2

Sounds like Pascal's Wager yet again.

Christians sometimes proffer Pascal’s Wager (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_wager ) suggesting to non-believers that they should accept Jesus (John 3:16) as some sort of insurance policy against hell, just in case it turns out god really exists. The fallacy with this line of reasoning is that faith in god for some reward or to avoid punishment is not faith at all. It is a selfish act to receive something in return for a belief. The point of religious belief so that one becomes a better person, not to receive a reward or please a spiritual being.

Answer 3

No, it is the love of God that makes me believe. I know that prayer works, and it's worked in my life for 10 years. I didn't get saved till I was 48 and my life was falling apart. Once I learned about the power of prayer and having a real relationship with God everything changed. I've been physically and emotionally healed of many things since then. It's true that there are many things that are hard to accept in the bible, and it's hard to admit that you are doing wrong when you are, but instead of denying God because you don't like what the word of God says, you ask for forgiveness, admit you are wrong, ask for help and mercy and move on. People don't want to do that. They'd rather deny God altogether. There are lots of things we don't like in this world that are still true whether we like them or not. That's how it is with God. Whether you choose to believe it or not,it's true. God is merciful, and if your heart is right he will keep on forgiving you over and over and He NEVER gives up on you. He loves you more than your parents, your wife, your children or your friends. He loves you with an everlasting love.

Answer 4

It is either trying to get the reward of going to Heaven or to avoid the punishment. For Christians, it is more about getting the reward. The Hell is only for scaring non-believers.

Answer 5

Why would I fear hell when I am on the side of God?

Christians are not Christians out of a fear of hell, but rather a love of God.

Answer 6

i do no longer see how worry ought to ever be another to faith. such many people say to easily obey god, yet what precisely does that entail? who's god, and what does he/sh/it want from us? how the heck ought to you in all probability understand that? "The bible says so" basically isn't good sufficient for me. So worry and obedience are out because of the fact I refuse to worry what does not make any experience, and that i will't obey what hasn't been made crystal clean to me. As for faith, i assume i'm greater of a 'tutor it' style of woman. So no worry, no hell, no faith.

Answer 7

It is fear of God that causes you to believe in a hell.

Answer 8

sounds like you made up your mind so anything we say you will presume otherwise. However regardless Ill say my opinion. Its a personal relationship with God and actual real life experiences why I believe, trust in, and know God.

Answer 9

I don't believe, but if I did, I would prefer Hell to Heaven because 1) I don't want to be with fundies and 2) I don't want to be in a place if the merit is believing in arcane stories and not how you live life.

Answer 10

Hell makes me only defiant. I'm an atheist who wishes that the Bible is right, just so I can stand in front of God on the Judgement Day and spit in his beard with contempt.