IF someone were to believe that hell is not a place of eternal torment...?

Question

...What domino effect would this have on other traditional Christian beliefs? Please do not respond to this question with reasons why this belief is right or wrong...I simply want to know if there is dogmatic harm done if someone believed that hell was a place or form of punishment that ultimately (some varying time period after judgement) results in complete death, extinction, annihilation. What harm is done with this belief IF it could be established that this belief still holds to the accuracy of Biblical teaching? What other doctrines does this effect if any? That may be a big if, but any help to this question would be appreciated.

Seriously! How much more clear do I need to be....I'm not intending this to be a discussion on whether or not this is the right or wrong idea, or how stupid hell it, or how many religions have hell as a concept...please help with a legitimate answer to the question. Thanks!

Answer 1

Several people have become atheists over that teaching.

Funny how the Bible says that "the dead are conscious of nothing at all" (Ecclesiastes 9:5; Job 14:10, 12) and "from dust you were taken and to dust you will return" (Genesis 3:19) and "the wages sin pays is death" (Romans 6:23) and "he who has died is acquitted of his sin" (Romans 6:7) and 'those who have died are sleeping' (John 11:11-14; Job 14:12)

It's also funny how most Bibles translate the word Sheol as "hell" in some places and as "grave" in other places. -see Job 14:13; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10

The Bible does not teach hellfire. Hell is the grave. "Hellfire" (fire of Gehenna) is symbolic of everlasting destruction, not everlasting torment. (2 Thessalonians 1:9) Why else would Revelation say "death and hell gave up those dead in them" if it weren't speaking about the resurrection to life? (Revelation 20:13, 14) Furthermore, why does that same scripture speak of hell and death as being cast into the lake of fire. Death and hell cannot be tormented can they? No, the lake of fire is symbolic of destruction, just as Revelation 21:4 says "death [which was cast into the lake of fire] is no more"

Answer 2

I can never understand why anyone goes for the Hell stuff. It is completely out of kilter with love and forgiveness. I think it was established because it was felt people needed stick and carrot, otherwise another faith might have taken hold instead. And they are probably right.

Answer 3

I think all the major religions have some form of 'hell' that they teach.

Answer 4

God is truth and to believe Hell is not a place of torment is wrong.