Skwim
Veteran Member
Truthfully, many Christians don't give hell and its implications much thought at all. I know the more moderate denominations such as Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Episcopal rarely get into the subject..
Of course great thinkers disagree and they can't all be right. As a Mormon (which is Christian) I have several areas where I disagree with certain aspects of what has become mainstream Christian thought. My concept of hell is in some ways significantly different from other Christians. And if I took the time to explain my view, I think it would diffuse many atheist objections to hell. But I don't think you would admit that yes that is a more reasonable concept of hell and yes you can see how such a place could be part of the plan of a benevolent God. Maybe you would surprise me, but I doubt it. Your approach is so typical of what I see here. People act like Christians have never thought this stuff through and will have to run and hide the first time a reasonable person makes a contrary argument. Perhaps that's the case for some Christians, but not for this one.
Okey dokey.I want to be very clear. Your challenge to "hell" is not the least bit discomforting to me and your line of thought is not the least bit persuasive.
I wasn't aware they were. Just what negative motives are you thinking of?And why is it that non-believers are so anxious to ascribe negative motives to those who disagree?
Whoa, there big fella. Settle down and put your reading glasses on. I said "What I suspect is that the question is discomforting, and you would prefer that it never appeared." I assume you know the difference between "suspect" and an assertion of fact. Even "suspect" and your "suggest" have very different meanings.How in the world would you know if your thread is discomforting to me? For you to suggest such is like me suggesting that the reason you post things against Christianity is because deep down in your heart you know it's true and you feel guilt for denying it.
I think, NOT KNOW, , that too many believers are unable to take the smallest criticism of their beliefs OR have its inconsistencies pointed out. They like to tout the truth of their beliefs, but fold when anyone starts to question it, and often retaliate, not with counter argument, but ad hom attacks. I've found that most Christians are pretty poor defenders of their faith. Not that I really blame them; Christianity is rife with vexing inconsistencies and stumbling blocks.And if we want to play psychologist, I think those who loudly mock the views of others do so because of insecurity in their own position, Atheists around here spend far, far more time mocking Christianity than I mock atheism.
Perhaps what you see as ignorant are simply points you're failing to understand, and the belittling as points you're unable see as having merit. Perhaps.My behavior demonstrates a more sure conviction and peace with myself, who I am, and what I believe. I don't like talking like this, because it can sound arrogant. But I feel that I have to when my beliefs are ignorantly belittled and my motives are incorrectly challenged.
My suggestion is that when you come across such bothersome postings you ignore them and move on. (Now that's a suggestion and not a suspicion.)
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