That's not my opinion. That's based on scripture, unless you think the Bible is just a story and not sacred text, then you would view my take as an opinion. Only referring to the most popular book in the world that's all.
I read and have read the bible, and I am a Christian. I doubt what I believe is hell is the same as what you believe is hell. From what I've read and understand about the bible and Christianity, believing that Jesus was the son of God sent here to die for the sins of man makes someone a Christian. If a person believes that and doesn't believe in hell, I've seen nothing in the bible that would lead me to believe someone other than God could determine they weren't a Christian.
If a Christian doesn't believe in hell, then that means they believe a portion of the Bible is false. I'm pretty sure the Lord wants every word in that book to be considered the truth.
So your Bible says nothing about fire, and gnashing of teeth for all eternity. And nada about Satan the ruler of the place?
That is in there as well. That's the thing. There are different words that end up being translated into the English word hell. The bible doesn't spend that much time dwelling on it, but it is in there. So many people read the bible and see the word hell and to them it always means the same thing. To the people who wrote the bible it meant different things, some of which were taken directly from Greek Mythology(Hades, and Tarturus) and another was taken from the valley I mentioned which was just outside of Jerusalem. So it was an actual location near Jerusalem. The other comes from the word sheol which has different meanings even for that one word. In the end as a Christian I believe that I should focus my energy on how to lead a Christian life while I'm breathing, and my heart is beating. Once I die, I believe God is the judge, and it doesn't really matter what I think hell is or isn't.
Thanks for your insight I believe that the most dangerous Christians are the ones who take the entire Bible literally and on face value. It's no wonder people are confused and wonder 'why bother' when there are so many groups/sects/denominations that can skew interpretations to meet their own desires. Different facets of the Bible are and can be interpreted millions of different ways by millions of different people - and this has been the case throughout X amount of generations.
Are you saying that one needs to follow and believe in the Bible, to the letter, to be a true Christian? I don't think there are too many people on this Earth that would qualify, then.
Just to be accurate the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom (valley of Tophet) Greek Geenna is where they burned trash, dead animals, 'filthy fire' so to speak. It is a word used exclusively by Jesus as a simple reference point It is used 12 times in the Bible and 11 are used by Jesus 10 of those times it is used by Jesus in the context of being cast into hell, or hell fire, or destroy soul and body or damnation or fire that never shall be quenched or some combination, here is each reference: Mat 5:22 hell fire Mat 5:29 cast into hell Mat 5:30 cast into hell Mat 10:28 destroy both soul and body in hell Mat 18:9 cast into hell fire Mat 23:33 the damnation of hell Mar 9:43 go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched Mar 9:45 cast into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched Mar 9:47 be cast into hell fire Luk 12:5 to cast into hell The reference to Geenna Jesus used would be the most clear reference point (or metaphor) He could possibly use for the Jewish audience of the day. This clearly was consistent with Jesus remarks on judgments: Mat 13:41-42 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Mat 18:8 be cast into everlasting fire. Mat 25:41 Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment Jhn 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Jhn 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. The proper term from the bible for the place of the wicked is a lake of fire (Rev 20:15) The issue raised has nothing to do with Christians or non-Christians as there were no Christians or non-Christians in Jesus time. Jesus is speaking clearly with what happens to wicked people and hypocrites He was not talking about South Jerusalem, just using a simple metaphor for the people as he often did. carry on
I love these questions. To be a true Christian, you have to believe every word. Following is a different story. The only person ever to follow the bible perfectly on earth was Jesus. All others come up short. Me, you, everyone. We are all sinners. A perfect man had to die to pay our sin debt. That's what Christians believe.
And by the way, to be a Christian you need the same spirit in you that was in Jesus- love I don't really care what people call Christian if it doesn't look like the Jesus in the bible I don't pay much attention to it.
So.... what do you make of it rhester? Even though you said "there were no Christians and Non Christians" in Jesus' time, you are referencing Revelation which is a pre-cursory book, correct? So without skirting around the issue - what is your take on what it all means? Your quotes taken from the Bible (so, so many of them!) represent my previously held and understood LITERAL views of a hell with fire and brimstone and eternal torture. Very scary book that Bible.
Most people that call themselves Christian do not believe every word of the Bible, I'd bet. And I know many do not believe in actual Hell. Whether you think that doesn't qualify them as true Christian is sort of beside the point. The original poster was concerned about how his children would think of him if he raised them amongst other self-proclaimed Christians. I think there are many out there that would be perfectly cordial and respectful of his Judaism. He doesn't have to worry.
I do believe most, if not all, Christians believe the idea situation is for them to inter-marry. There is a verse where it says to not be "unequally yolked".
Someone gave me a rep for this post. WTF. 'Unequally yolked' is in the Bible, I dont feel like I deserve credit for quoting it.
justice-the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments (Webster's dictionary online) wicked people and hypocrites will pay justly, hypocrites the most people who suffered will be comforted, those who think they get away with it all will not it's not scary, it makes sense if I remember you're an atheist, forget about it no need to debate it, I like you, you are a good poster, BTW do you live in Australia and are you around any good surfing spots?
Sorry if you feel like i'm forcing you to discuss what you dont truly want to - but I kind of think that deep down you believe in a literal, firey, torturous hell for non believers. You kind of described 'karma' you do realise - which is not a Christian belief. I am an atheist but with a Christian background and upbrin ging, so there's plenty to talk about (I wouldnt say 'debate' - I just respect, and am interested in, your opinion). Not into surfing, but there are a few good spots in Tasmania if that's your sort of thing. Eddie Vedder and Kelly Slater have reportedly come here on surfing trips to a beach at a place called Marrawah.
No I didn't think you were forcing anything, I'm up for discussing karma is different than justice karma to me is more quid pro quo, what goes around comes around(obviously I know very little about karma) justice is specific to moral choice- guilty vs. not guilty I don't think of people as non believers I think in terms of forgiveness, mercy and love for people I certainly believe there is future justice for the wicked and the least of the poor- for the poor they shall be comforted for the wicked they will not get away with anything- justice is blind (impartial) the hottest fire of justice is reserved for the Christian hypocrite those are my opinions what do you think BTW I really like surfing, never been to Australia but may be going to Papua New Guinea next year (they have great waves there)
