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Fortunately, everyone goes to the same place. The whole "heaven and hell" thing is just a device to scare the sheep into line.
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Disclaimer: I don't expect anyone to believe what I write.... I'm just a messenger....
and so he created us with the capacity for evil, that he doesn't have. Why not just create us with different interests, hobbies or personalities?
I was mainly referring to in this life. He makes us flawed and then punishes us for our flaws (except a select few)
If the world works as I think it does, non-belief will not send you into Hell; given that hell exists in the first place.The title sounds dumb I know, but hear me out.
For the sake of argument, let's just say that god does in fact exist. Being an atheist, I would therefore be condemned to suffer an eternity of torment in hell. But...
Why? I am a good person. I'm not a criminal and I've never done drugs. On any normal day, I will go out of my way to help someone if they ask. Sometimes they don't even need to; I'll just offer my help. So if god is just sitting up there watching all this, why would he send me to hell? Because I don't believe? It was him after all who gave me the ability to not believe. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't, because I find the idea of an omnipotent creator absurd and illogical. If he truly did love me, as the bible says he claims to do, then surely he would be able to overlook the transgression of a difference of opinion when I am an overall good person.
Anyone else share the same theory, or have something to counter with?
Fortunately, everyone goes to the same place. The whole "heaven and hell" thing is just a device to scare the sheep into line.
_____________________
Disclaimer: I don't expect anyone to believe what I write.... I'm just a messenger....
We are not created in this life. The flaws probably have existed for a long time and the origien of the the devil. We were created perfect. People are punished for listening to the devil instead of listening to God. You have a choice.
The title sounds dumb I know, but hear me out.
For the sake of argument, let's just say that god does in fact exist. Being an atheist, I would therefore be condemned to suffer an eternity of torment in hell. But...
Why? I am a good person. I'm not a criminal and I've never done drugs. On any normal day, I will go out of my way to help someone if they ask. Sometimes they don't even need to; I'll just offer my help. So if god is just sitting up there watching all this, why would he send me to hell? Because I don't believe? It was him after all who gave me the ability to not believe. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't, because I find the idea of an omnipotent creator absurd and illogical. If he truly did love me, as the bible says he claims to do, then surely he would be able to overlook the transgression of a difference of opinion when I am an overall good person.
Anyone else share the same theory, or have something to counter with?
There are requirements in order to enter heaven. One of those requirements is to enter the Church of Christ and to adhere to its doctrines.
and who created the devil and how do we discern what the devil says from what God says. After all the devil is a great deceiver.
If the world works as I think it does, non-belief will not send you into Hell; given that hell exists in the first place.
The world never works the way we think it does.
Non-belief can be seen as rebellion against God which is akin to witchcraft and punishable by death.
Since just caling a person a fool (I have done that) would qualify a person for being in danger of Hell, certainly non-belief is worse than that. Still it comes down to a judgement of God. I don't believe that a person accidentally goes to Hell as a result of non-belief.
One says He is a friend and He dies for you.
The other says he is your friend and he kills you.
Then why would you tell me your opinion, if the world would never work like you believe either?The world never works the way we think it does.
Seen by whom? Punishable by whom? Not by the God I believe, certainly.Non-belief can be seen as rebellion against God which is akin to witchcraft and punishable by death.
Insulting is not preferable, but I believe it's unavoidable when angry. No reasonable father would eternally punish their children for momentary angers. Anger is part of human nature. We're not perfect and God knows.Since just caling a person a fool (I have done that) would qualify a person for being in danger of Hell,
Yes, I agree with that. God is the ultimate judge. But it is my hope and belief that God is merciful and loving, instead of a punisher.certainly non-belief is worse than that. Still it comes down to a judgement of God. I don't believe that a person accidentally goes to Hell as a result of non-belief.
The title sounds dumb I know, but hear me out.
For the sake of argument, let's just say that god does in fact exist. Being an atheist, I would therefore be condemned to suffer an eternity of torment in hell. But...
Why? I am a good person. I'm not a criminal and I've never done drugs. On any normal day, I will go out of my way to help someone if they ask. Sometimes they don't even need to; I'll just offer my help. So if god is just sitting up there watching all this, why would he send me to hell? Because I don't believe? It was him after all who gave me the ability to not believe. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't, because I find the idea of an omnipotent creator absurd and illogical. If he truly did love me, as the bible says he claims to do, then surely he would be able to overlook the transgression of a difference of opinion when I am an overall good person.
Anyone else share the same theory, or have something to counter with?
My 2 cents late in the game. I believe in God and Life After Death and believe you will be fine (better than most probably).
You're concerning yourself too much with the conservative Christian dogma which doesn't stand up to intelligent reasoning.
My 2 cents late in the game. I believe in God and Life After Death and believe you will be fine (better than most probably).
You're concerning yourself too much with the conservative Christian dogma which doesn't stand up to intelligent reasoning.
The title sounds dumb I know, but hear me out.
For the sake of argument, let's just say that god does in fact exist. Being an atheist, I would therefore be condemned to suffer an eternity of torment in hell. But...
Why? I am a good person. I'm not a criminal and I've never done drugs. On any normal day, I will go out of my way to help someone if they ask. Sometimes they don't even need to; I'll just offer my help. So if god is just sitting up there watching all this, why would he send me to hell? Because I don't believe? It was him after all who gave me the ability to not believe. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't, because I find the idea of an omnipotent creator absurd and illogical. If he truly did love me, as the bible says he claims to do, then surely he would be able to overlook the transgression of a difference of opinion when I am an overall good person.
Anyone else share the same theory, or have something to counter with?
Entirely this.
I don't believe eternal Hell is even really a Biblically-based doctrine anyway. Generally Hell was Hades, or Sheol -- the grave, so those who died 'wrong' would stay dead.
However, my own belief as universalist is you'll be fine.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking here.Does this include standing up from your flesh and 'moving on'?
That's what I believe is the case. Jesus is claimed to have said:And if you fail, the grave and it's eternal darkness is not felt?
Dead means...no life, no spirit?
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking here.
That's what I believe is the case. Jesus is claimed to have said:
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28. With "hell" meaning "the grave".
But it's not my religion, though, so that doesn't affect me; my own personal opinion is we all meet God, eventually.