Hell? A Matter of Eternal Damnation

[tpdncr4christ]

So I was just reading through some other posts, and as should be expected on a mainly Christian Forum, the topic of Hell has arisen. I was just curious about what you all think of hell... Is it real? If so, who goes there and what happens to them? Why do people go there? Is it an eternal punishment, or a limbo like world where you server your time before paradise. Or do you just get to chill out and do nothing when you die? Or do you just die?

Just curious is all... :)

[Pablo Rafael]

Hell?
It seems like we can get into some pretty heavy topics. (Although last time we talked about hell it turned into a silly conversation about Dante's levels of hell. A conversation which of course I was ..ahem... to serious and erudite to get involved in.)

Being fairly conservative and believing in the inerrancy of the Bible (not literal interpretation, however) I believe that there is a condition called hell. It is the absence of God for those who have chosen to take themselves outside of God's grace. I do not necessarily see it as a punishment but as a realm of existence without God. God desires all to be saved, and I do not believe ever "sends" anyone to hell. Salvation is a life with God where His grace comes to us freely through faith.

But (I always seem to make statements of belief with disclaimers on the end.) what exactly it is, I don't think is wise to speculate upon. I think the idea of heaven and hell are so far removed from human understanding that we see only vague symbols. However, I am pretty sure it's not a cave with fire and a mean little guy with a pitchfork and horns who is dressed in a red jumpsuit.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[kara speltz]

Hell?

Being fairly conservative and believing in the inerrancy of the Bible (not literal interpretation, however) I believe that there is a condition called hell. It is the absence of God for those who have chosen to take themselves outside of God's grace. I do not necessarily see it as a punishment but as a realm of existence without God. God desires all to be saved, and I do not believe ever "sends" anyone to hell. Salvation is a life with God where His grace comes to us freely through faith.

I think the idea of heaven and hell are so far removed from human understanding that we see only vague symbols. However, I am pretty sure it's not a cave with fire and a mean little guy with a pitchfork and horns who is dressed in a red jumpsuit.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

Amen, Pablo, I absolutely agree. I too have this sense that hell is not so much a place but a condition. A condition our own actions create.

I can't imagine a God that would want his/her children to do something because they were afraid of the consequences. So I have always maintained that I have no fear of hell, because I try my best to live my life as pleasing as I can to my creator. Isn't a gift freely given because we love someone much more desirable than one given because we're afraid what would happen if we didnt?

kara

[Daniel]

I find myself dragging out the saying: Hell is other people, a Sartrean maxim. Funny and serious when you think about it- unless one is feeling like slitting one's wrists, it describes how we can feel about our interaction with those around us. Though, on closer examination, I think we can see that there are layers and layers upon what the psychologists call 'projection'. We tend to be rather unaware and see everything as being 'out there'. Oh...we tell ourselves....we're not self-deluded...it must be everyone else! :lol: Truth is, is take a great deal of courage to face our own foilbles and neurosis. Boy....that sure can be hell! ;)

Speaking personally, I don't find myself thinking or fearing a place called hell. The suffering that we go through seems punishment enough:Compassion for one's own suffering leads to compassion for the suffering of others.

This is the language of Buddhism, but it is also the language of the Golden Rule.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The way the Buddhist's put it is like seeing the coat from the inside. But the important thing is to wear the thought until it becomes a second skin.

[Vortex]

My limited understanding of Hell is that it is a place or a state of being one goes to or experiences when they have lived a sinful or unholy existence (a life without God if you will). This to me seems to correspond with the idea of “Justice”. I think “Justice”(the necessity of which I am not debating) though to be a human construction, one of which there is no evidence to support a supernatural rule or authority behind it.

Now obviously my own observations lack the Theological perspectives (admittedly of which I have little) so elegantly stated by earlier posters. I am not presumptuous enough to tell you that Hell does not exist, I honesty do not know, but because there is no evidence (outside of spiritual text of course) to support the existence of such a place I am not about to let it dictate my actions.

I believe that an individual can have a moral code and adhere to that code without the anticipation of a reward (Heaven), or the fear of justice (Hell).

It is fear that turns nation against nation
It is fear that turns societies against societies
It is fear that turns families against families
It is fear that turns humans against humans
It is fear that turns individuals against themselves
And it is fear that places us into closets
Shall fear be the reason I believe in Hell?


Vortex

[ladyinred]

I think you all make excellent points, but I will say that the fear of hell has hardly turned man around, as evidence, we see all sorts of things happening in the realm of human behavior, war , injustices, murder, genocide, hate... the list goes on. I once asked my then 7 year old son what he thought the devil was.. not having much religious training or having really gone to church himself.. He said,"Mommy, I think the devil is hate." Something to think about when a child has that kind of inate wisdom.

[ladyinred]

I will say that I don't think children are naturally repulsed by homosexuality , when he was younger he never seemed bothered by the fact that I had a female partner, or even acted like it repulsed him.( he acted curious and would smile at us when we kissed or embraced) But of course now that he is older, and has gone to school, guess what was put in his head? Mommmmmmmm, that is bad.. homophobia and hatred are learned not inate.:confused: :eek: