Does hell really make sense?

[Kidlicious]

No, you're saying that from a position of already believing god exists. In doing so the game is already rigged. For someone who doesn't already believe in god, the idea that salvation is almost random or unachievable in some cases, throws the entire idea into question. If god is all powerful and merciful, how could he adopt a system that appears grossly unfair and unreasonable?

Fair is a place where pigs compete for medals. I don't know what fair is, and I never did. I've only decided to believe in Jesus Christ and obey His commands. I didn't just believe, but I CHOSE to believe.

You're excusing yourself because you aren't a believer, but I'm telling you that you can change that by making a choice. You won't know anything, but you will start to love and obey Christ and He will provide everything for you.

[Ben Kenobi]

Why? How does that make any sense at all? If he's omnipotent then what difference does it make if his toys that he created anyway then go around swearing they love him? Is that not a bit petty?

Because he loves us and wants us to love him back. If we choose to reject him, then he will give us what we want, eternal life without him.

[kentonio]

Because he loves us and wants us to love him back. If we choose to reject him, then he will give us what we want, eternal life without him.

Yet 'hell' is always painted as this horrific place of fire and pain and suffering. If you're saying that as an athiest currently, hell is actually eternity in somewhere comparable to where I am now, I'm not seeing the downside to that to be honest. I quite like my life.

[Kidlicious]

I don't see why I should be able to change how my brain works. Are you suggesting I take drugs, maybe? The idea that people can just choose to believe anything seems false to me. And if belief was a choice, why would I choose to believe something that I don't already think is the truth?

The Holy Spirit will inspire you to do it. It may or may not involve Christians. For me it's hard to say.

But if you are willing there are things you can do to believe. Read the Bible, pray, go to church, help the poor, and obey God. Do that and you will believe.

[Ben Kenobi]

Yet 'hell' is always painted as this horrific place of fire and pain and suffering. If you're saying that as an athiest currently, hell is actually eternity in somewhere comparable to where I am now, I'm not seeing the downside to that to be honest. I quite like my life.

Hell is other people. I'm sure you do like your life, but I'm also pretty sure you like having your own space and stuff. Now you don't have any of that and you're stuck in a place with lots of people, but no God.

[kentonio]

Hell is other people. I'm sure you do like your life, but I'm also pretty sure you like having your own space and stuff. Now you don't have any of that and you're stuck in a place with lots of people, but no God.

Why am I suddenly crammed in with other people? Is heaven equally crammed but with space even further reduced by the presence of god there too?

[Docfeelgood]

scares me

[Uncle Sparky]

As I'm sure BK could tell you, Hell wasn't a Christian concept until Cyprian borrowed it from the Greeks in the 2nd century. Most of the Christian stories about Hell are apocryphal and should be regarded as 'fan fiction' by real Christians.

[Uncle Sparky]

I'm also SHOCKED that this thread has gotten this far without

This sums up my long held belief that Heaven and Hell only pertain to those who explicitly believe in heaven and hell.

[Kidlicious]

As I'm sure BK could tell you, Hell wasn't a Christian concept until Cyprian borrowed it from the Greeks in the 2nd century. Most of the Christian stories about Hell are apocryphal and should be regarded as 'fan fiction' by real Christians.

What is the basis for your belief?

[a.kitman]

What about people who would prefer to not stop existing after death but think Christianity sounds like a fairy tale? Are they choosing to stop existing?

They're evil.

i only skimmed the thred and didnt see a good answer. but this is really my major bone whit religon. why would a omnipotent beeing give a **** about us. and why would he only save people that belibe in him from very vague evidance.

and why are we evil? it makes no sense. i basicly live like my grand parents who are christans only i dont belive in christ. i just dont belive a omnipotent beeing can be small minded like that.

[Kidlicious]

Universalism is just plainly wrong. Let's just have no more of it, because it will cause people to not be saved.
Daniel 12: 2, 3

[Dinner]

No. Next question.

[Kidlicious]

i only skimmed the thred and didnt see a good answer. but this is really my major bone whit religon. why would a omnipotent beeing give a **** about us. and why would he only save people that belibe in him from very vague evidance.

and why are we evil? it makes no sense. i basicly live like my grand parents who are christans only i dont belive in christ. i just dont belive a omnipotent beeing can be small minded like that.

No you don't live like your grandparents do. They asked for forgiveness for their sins, but you do not. They thanked God for their blessings.

[a.kitman]

No you don't live like your grandparents do. They asked for forgiveness for their sins, but you do not. They thanked God for their blessings.

what sins? and i mostly thank my grandparens/parents for my blessings.