Is hell anything like -- do unto others and love the sinner?

[Greatest I am]

Is hell anythinglike -- do unto others and love the sinner?

Some more enlightenedChristians are trying to mature Christianity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF6I5VSZVqc

The Christian invention ofhell and Christian strong desire for it to exist, shows a hatred that is quitedeep within the Christian tribal soul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv_rmQuagpY&feature=player_embedded

Jesus would not cast thefirst stone yet Christians adamantly demand that he cast the last killing stonecalled hell.

You will reap what you sowChristian.

This will be you unless yourepent from your hating ways. You are corrupting Jesus and his good archetypalname.

I predict this following for youif you do not lose your hate for those who just happen by accident of birth tonot believe as you do. Beware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3LNL6wKhXA

Regards
DL

 

[Stone]

You're losing it, GIA

 

[Kyle B]

Isn't hell theoretically not meant to punish sinners?

 

[hart]

Isn't hell theoretically not meant to punish sinners?

Hmmm, it's not meant to punish good people then is it? :eek

 

[Minor Axis]

Isn't hell theoretically not meant to punish sinners?

Views may be changing, but traditionally the threat of hell is eternal punishment for not following God's rules. I view it as human's interpretation to give incentive to the sheep to be good. And it does not help when the church's hierarchy is corrupt. My definition of corrupt? Self enrichment based on teaching the word of God.

 

[Kyle B]

Hmmm, it's not meant to punish good people then is it? :eek

Views may be changing, but traditionally the threat of hell is eternal punishment for not following God's rules. I view it as human's interpretation to give incentive to the sheep to be good. And it does not help when the church's hierarchy is corrupt. My definition of corrupt? Self enrichment based on teaching the word of God.

That's contrary to my understanding of Christianity. I could be wrong.

Basically, Christians believe that everyone is a sinner, even the smallest sin is still a sin. Murder is a sin just as much as saying "god dammit". It's all against God.

But, enter in Jesus. Christians believe that by dying on the cross, Jesus took on everyone's sins. So, you have to accept that this was done and that you believe in Jesus yadda yadda. Then you go to heaven. So theoretically murderers could go to heaven.

 

[Minor Axis]

That's contrary to my understanding of Christianity. I could be wrong.

Basically, Christians believe that everyone is a sinner, even the smallest sin is still a sin. Murder is a sin just as much as saying "god dammit". It's all against God.

But, enter in Jesus. Christians believe that by dying on the cross, Jesus took on everyone's sins. So, you have to accept that this was done and that you believe in Jesus yadda yadda. Then you go to heaven. So theoretically murderers could go to heaven.

My understanding of Christianity is that murders can go to heaven if they repent their sins before God. He's ready to forgive you, just acknowledge his existence and really repent, but that means more than just saying the words. It sounds easy, but I don't think it is because it would have to be more than "oh, I'm caught, I'm sorry."

This is where the concept falls apart imo. Saying the right words based on the threat of punishment means nothing. We have to say it and believe it because we do, not because we are looking at the maw of Hell. If I imagine this spiritual journey where we become better spirits though lessons learned on Earth, our values (if they mean anything) must come from within, not be pressured and enforced from outside. Based on that premise, the process is complicated and takes time, probably more time than a single human lifespan. And I really doubt if there is judgment, it comes from God. There could be divine restrictions placed upon us, but we are the ones improving ourselves. Our values are the only ones that count, values that come from our hearts, without external coercion. Do you see the distinction I'm trying to make?

 

[Kyle B]

My understanding of Christianity is that murders can go to heaven if they repent their sins before God. He's ready to forgive you, just acknowledge his existence and really repent, but that means more than just saying the words. It sounds easy, but I don't think it is because it would have to be more than "oh, I'm caught, I'm sorry."

This is where the concept falls apart imo. Saying the right words based on the threat of punishment means nothing. We have to say it and believe it because we do, not because we are looking at the maw of Hell. If I imagine this spiritual journey where we become better spirits though lessons learned on Earth, our values (if they mean anything) must come from within, not be pressured and enforced from outside. Based on that premise, the process is complicated and takes time, probably more time than a single human lifespan. And I really doubt if there is judgment, it comes from God. There could be divine restrictions placed upon us, but we are the ones improving ourselves. Our values are the only ones that count, values that come from our hearts, without external coercion. Do you see the distinction I'm trying to make?

Well yea, I would think it would depend on whether or not "God" felt that you truly believed and were sorry. But like I said before: Christians believe everyone is a bad person and deserves to go to hell. So murderer or not, you would still be looking at that prospect and would have to repent and believe.

 

[Minor Axis]

Well yea, I would think it would depend on whether or not "God" felt that you truly believed and were sorry. But like I said before: Christians believe everyone is a bad person and deserves to go to hell. So murderer or not, you would still be looking at that prospect and would have to repent and believe.

Yes, if those are God's rules. But I'm the first to proclaim that's a big "if". Obvious we are smart enough, if we don't believe, is it our fault or God's for being so elusive? Why would God care if an individual believed in him or not? If this (Gods existence) is the truth, and it wants a meaningful relationship with us, we will recognize it when it's time, don't you think? There is absolutely no need to go along with Church teachings just because you don't know, but you think it's expected, or we are afraid if we don't go along, we'll burn. As a supreme being I'd certainly hope that God holds us to a higher standard than that.