The Problem of Hell

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

We have already Libby. Didn't you read any of the posts?

No, you haven't, Billy.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by TheSword99

The creators of Wikipedia are the first to admit that not every entry is accurate and that it might not be the best source of material for research papers.

This particular article just happened to raise some questions that I have thought about on my own. I am not presenting it as an "authority" on anything. Just a jumping off place for discussion.

[ActRaiser]

Originally Posted by Libby

No, you haven't, Billy.

Interesting. I don't understand how what God wants can be unjust.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

The same reason that people who commit crimes that span a short period of time can spend their entire life in prison.

Okay, I missed this. That's something to think about. But, most of us don't commit such grievous sins....and even a lifetime in prison is not eternity. Eternity...I can't even comprehend...and can't imagine a crime big enough to warrant an "eternal" punishment. Plus, it's not just punishment (like being locked up in prison) but, "Torturous" punishment. A person is, supposedly, being tortured eternally. What kind of crime warrants that?

Not believing about God correctly? Really?

[ActRaiser]

Originally Posted by Libby

Okay, I missed this. That's something to think about. But, most of us don't commit such grievous sins....and even a lifetime in prison is not eternity. Eternity...I can't even comprehend...and can't imagine a crime big enough to warrant an "eternal" punishment. Plus, it's not just punishment (like being locked up in prison) but, "Torturous" punishment. A person is, supposedly, being tortured eternally. What kind of crime warrants that? Not believing about God correctly? Really?

That's your problem. God is God. We are not. We are not eternal. We cannot comprehend God. But God comprehends us and what we need in order to comprehend what he wants us to.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by ActRaiser

Interesting. I don't understand how what God wants can be unjust.

If you believe in a just God, then he has to act like a just God.

I know some Christians don't like simple logic, but I can't seem to help myself.

[ActRaiser]

Originally Posted by Libby

If you believe in a just God, then he has to act like a just God.

I know some Christians don't like simple logic, but I can't seem to help myself.

Simple logic? What's so hard about believing God is smarter than us? He knows what's just.

[Billyray]

Originally Posted by Libby

If you believe in a just God, then he has to act like a just God.

And who determines what is a "just God" you?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by ActRaiser

That's your problem. God is God. We are not. We are not eternal. We cannot comprehend God. But God comprehends us and what we need in order to comprehend what he wants us to.

If we are not eternal, then how can we be punished eternally?

And, simply, stating that we cannot understand God is really not good enough. That's how people can judge and do things "in the name of God" that are, sometimes, horrendous.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

And who determines what is a "just God" you?

I think I am required to make that judgment, yes, if I am going to believe and follow such a God. I am responsible for what I believe and promote, Billy....and so are you.

[ActRaiser]

Originally Posted by Libby

If we are not eternal, then how can we be punished eternally?

And, simply, stating that we cannot understand God is really not good enough. That's how people can judge and do things "in the name of God" that are, sometimes, horrendous.

God "gives us" what we need to live forever.

Besides stating that God's word isn't what he said is a good way to give people one way tickets to Hell.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by ActRaiser

Simple logic? What's so hard about believing God is smarter than us? He knows what's just.

And, so do I. It's not really that difficult...or shouldn't be.

[Billyray]

Originally Posted by Libby

And, so do I. It's not really that difficult...or shouldn't be.

Then why do you think that you can judge God and His justice?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

Then why do you think that you can judge God and His justice?

I am not judging it, Billy...for the millionth time.

I don't see it as justice and I don't think anyone really could...including God.

[Billyray]

Originally Posted by Libby

I am not judging it, Billy...for the millionth time.

Originally Posted by Libby

If you believe in a just God, then he has to act like a just God.

Who determines what a just God should or should not do? You?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

Who determines what a just God should or should not do? You?

If we are expected to worship and revere God, yes, certain things must make sense....otherwise, we are worshiping a devil in disguise.

Yes, we are responsible for what we believe and promote.

[Pa Pa]

Originally Posted by Billyray

What verses in the Bible about Hell do you interpret differently than me to lead to your your disbelief in Hell?

My theory about Hell is this...once someone thinks they have beat it, feel the need to pull up the ladder because the boat is full.

[Billyray]

Originally Posted by Libby

Yes, we are responsible for what we believe and promote.

So you decide what God should or should not do and what is fair or unfair. I got it.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

So you decide what God should or should not do and what is fair or unfair. I got it.

No, but I am responsible for my beliefs and what I promote. So are you.

[Billyray]

Originally Posted by Libby

No, but I am responsible for my beliefs and what I promote. So are you.

So is God unfair to send a person--who does not come to Christ-- to hell?

[James Banta]

Originally Posted by Libby

Okay, one step at a time. ***uming that we all deserve some kind of "punishment" for our sins, how do you justify an eternal punishment for sins committed during a very short period of time? How is that just?

Easy we all deserve complete and total ****ation.. Eternal separation from God, spiritual death.. IHS jim

[TheSword99]

Originally Posted by Libby

I, sincerely, wish that someone would, at least, try to make their best case for why a loving and benevolent God would send "most" of his creation (his children, IMHO) to a fiery, burning, ETERNAL hell. Can anyone make sense of that? Are most of us really such horrible sinners that we deserve that kind of treatment....really??

Think about it.

Libby God doesn't "send" anyone anywhere. People who do not want God will get their wish which is eternal separation from God. Hell is everything God is not. I have heard people say they would rather be in hell with their friends then be with God. God gives everyone a choice. He will not force Himself on anyone who does not want Him. But God so loves the world that he offers heaven and salvation as a free gift. We only need accept this wonderful gift.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Billyray

So is God unfair to send a person--who does not come to Christ-- to hell?

If hell really is some horrible eternal "torture"...yes.

[TheSword99]

Someone once said that God doesn't send anybody to Hell, because across the road to Hell he has placed the cross of Christ. So many people will not submit to a higher power. This is true of the lds. The idea of being gods in embryo, working towards a higher level of heaven and eventually being a god of one's own planet shows no reverence for God and certainly no submission if they believe they can achieve godhood.

Libby, Jesus said hell is real and he warned about it. I would rather give God the benefit of the doubt and believe it's a literal place, then to be wrong and find oneself there after death and eternally separated from God.

There's a p***age in Luke about a rich man who wakes up in hell. He begs Abraham to warn his brothers who are still alive on earth that hell is real. You can say it's just a story, but wouldn't you rather be on the side of caution and give Christ a chance?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by TheSword99

Libby God doesn't "send" anyone anywhere. People who do not want God will get their wish which is eternal separation from God. Hell is everything God is not. I have heard people say they would rather be in hell with their friends then be with God. God gives everyone a choice. He will not force Himself on anyone who does not want Him. But God so loves the world that he offers heaven and salvation as a free gift. We only need accept this wonderful gift.

This I believe (I don't believe God sends anyone to hell). I don't believe the separation (which WE create) will be eternal. God is drawing all back to him.

"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."