It's like no Christian that believes in eternal torment thinks it's weird. Love + Eternal Torment = Acceptable Behavior For An Omniscient, Omnipotent, Infinitely Loving Being? NOT.
So, are ANY of you Christians (at least the ones that BELIEVE there is an eternal torment) angered, disappointed or at the least even slightly confused by this apparent discrepancy/ conundrum/ profound paradox? Do any of you feel any emotion on this subject?
2007-12-20 03:33:31 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God made hell for Lucifer (Satan) and all who follow him.
Heaven is for all who follow Christ.
For me, the choice is crystal clear.
No problems, no conundrums, no paradox.
It is a choice.
edit: Yes, "all the while knowing", hence the choice. And if there was no choice then we would all be like lobotomized puppets but we are not, are we. We all make decisions every day, every moment and those decisions affect others. Those who choose to commit crimes all had choices and everyone makes bad choices, some worse than others. And when I was brutally beaten, abused and molested as a child, those who did that to me or turned a blind eye will be held accountable and I can let go of the bitterness and hatred I harbored for so long because I know that they will face judgment by God. In fact I feel pity for them and I wish that they would confess their crimes against me (and most likely others) to escape the torment that they will bear for what they did. But what is more, I can not blame them for who I became as a result of my treatment. I am still responsible for my own decisions. I still have choices to make; to become a monster like them or to let it go and forgive. So, I chose to let it go and look to God for healing and received the healing that I sought. Healing from the cancer that was eating me alive. Comfort from the wounds I suffered. Funny how I read words like "ad nauseum" and I just know that someone has been to college. Well, I have never been to college. Never even finished high school cause I had to work to pay rent so whoever wants to dis me will in essence dis the harsh reality of Truth. The truth is that we will all be judged. My defense attorney is Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, who by his own choice took my place on death row. So, if you think I am some sort of plastic christian with a tin cross in his pocket living in a quaint lil' neighborhood you would be dead wrong. And, if you think it unfair that eternal punishment by hell fire will be measured out to all who turn a blind eye to the reality of life, then you are totally clueless to how indecision is a decision in and of itself. Walk past a man on the street begging for some change and you might have well just stuck a knife in his gut. So, if you think life is somehow supposed to be fair as you sit in a nice warm comfy house watching a big screen tv, then spend a week on the street and see how many people stop to offer help. You see, people only use the word "fair" when it falls in their favor. You have no idea.
To be sure, the fire of God's judgment is coming from which there is only one escape; to confess your crimes and plead forgiveness. You have been warned.
p.s. - Nasty and hateful would mean that there would be no warning or chance for forgiveness. You have both, as you breath.
2007-12-20 03:43:10 · answer #1 · answered by TheNewCreationist 5 · 5⤊ 4⤋
This paradox you speak of is actually one of the proofs that hellfire doesn't exist. Here's an illustration you'll appreciate:
If you had a stubbornly rebellious child who wouldn’t listen to you, would you hold their hand on a hot stove to punish them? No, of course not. Anyone who would should have their children taken away. We know from the Bible that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). He would never torment someone for eternity (which is a really long time) for the sins of just 70 years.
In fact, when God warned Adam and Eve not to sin, he didn't mention anything about hell being the punishment. Instead he said "For dust you are, and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
Death (the state of non-existence) is the price we pay for sin. Romans 6:23 says: "For the wages sin pays is death." Again, no mention of hellfire.
The teaching of a fiery hell was borrowed by apostate Christianity from the Babylonians and Egyptians, both of which taught the existence of a fiery, tormenting netherworld. This was done to try to scare their followers into doing or believing anything they taught, regardless or whether or not it is from the Bible.
2007-12-20 11:40:37 · answer #2 · answered by Epitome_inc 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I personally think all that eternal torment stuff is just to scare people and not really Christian. I read a book by an Irish author in which a character dreams it's Judgement Day and God shows up and declares everyone is forgiven and will go to heaven. So instead of being happy, everyone starts to ***** and moan that they're gonna be up there with "bad" people. So I think the whole saved/not saved thing is more a way for some people to feel superior.
2007-12-20 11:42:13 · answer #3 · answered by atlas 4 · 3⤊ 4⤋
It's as if they have no concept of what eternity really means. It is simply amazing that they can justify it in their own minds. Should there be punishment for a crime? Of course but how does torturing someone for "eternity" fit the crime. In fact, how can torture of any kind or amount be justified? It is insane.
edit: I just have to comment on the answer by "Somebody" below. I've read this reason add nauseum. God also created Lucifer and his angels knowing that they would rebel and sin against Him. If God created hell for Lucifer and not man, how does this vindicate God torturing either Lucifer and his angels or unrepentant man? It's the same thing hidden in a shell game.
2007-12-20 11:41:31 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I've talked to alot of christians on this. some of which claiming credentials that you'd think they'd know.
and one thing that I've never found an acceptable answer on is how it is sensible to believe that its justice to give an infinite punishment for a mortal crime. some of which even give this for a crime that wasn't even committed by the person being punished!
the way I see it if God's justice is giving a person infinite punishment, for a mortal crime that they did not even commit themself.... then any moral person should rebel against that! only an evil being could apply such a system.
2007-12-20 11:54:18 · answer #5 · answered by RW 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
You make a valid point.
Truth be told, there is no fire in hell, hence no torment.
The idea of fire and torment was grafted by the Catholic church in the 'Dark Ages' to put fear in their followers, making them obey the church.
The idea originates in Babylon of old and adopted by many ensuing empires until the 'Church' said, "Hey! Us too."
The founder of Christianity never taught it.
He taught death was very similar to sleep. John 11:11.
FOR EVERYBODY .....the good, the bad and the ugly.
Any religious organization calling themselves 'christian' and teaching that bad people burn are proving they are NOT Christian.
2007-12-20 11:50:46 · answer #6 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
The emotion I feel is that I'm sorry that anyone would make the choice not to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and accordingly deny themselves an opportunity to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
2007-12-20 11:43:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
I completely agree.
That is why God gives us every chance He can for us not to suffer eternal torment. Because He loves us.
Too bad many of us don't listen, and don't accept his help.
By the way, apparently you don't know much about Christian teachings. God did not create hell. You ought to do some research before you start spreading misinformation.
2007-12-20 11:36:51 · answer #8 · answered by Free Thinker A.R.T. ††† 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Wow! The answers from Christians are so revealing. Evidently they DON'T have a problem with the eternal torment thing. What a nasty, hateful religion!
2007-12-20 11:43:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
God has offered us life:
John 3:16-17 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
People must choose it.
However: God is also HOLY, & cannot allow sin in His presence. There MUST be payment for sin.
2007-12-20 11:38:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋