Do You Believe in an Eternal Hell

[Mr. Ed]

There are so many beliefs in world about God(s) life & living and the afterlife it is not unusual to question the validity of the one true God in association with one’s personal beliefs or worldview.

I am Christian because I grew up that way. If I grew up where Buddhism was the primary belief most likely I would believe and practice the teachings of Buddha. The same is true of other beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

When predominately white Christian missionaries invaded third-world countries to fix culturally different populations to forget tradition and live and believe as Christian missionaries taught them.

While it may seem a godly thing to do rescuing unbelievers from eternal damnation and sin when in truth missionaries helped colonize third-world countries for eventual modernization. So indeed, native inhabitants would live and believe as white Christian missionaries taught them to behave like a monkey on a string.

Personally I don’t read the Bible because God and my relationship to him is one in the same. Therefore it is not necessary for me to replenish my spirit in him as he is in me.

Faith is what brought me to God through JC, a doorway to God. I’m told it is the Holy Spirit, God’s messenger lives within me, a conduit between God and self.

Giving one’s self to God creates a living, spiritual partnership in which you are bound together throughout eternity. Not a bad deal considering total freedom of thought and overcoming fear, anxiety and worry, unless you choose to engage in frivolous pain and discomfort. Remember, you are free to think as you choose to think.

 

[Lewkat]

Quoting ohioboy: “The human body is so medically and scientifically complex how can it form from simple microbes?”

How indeed! This is how!

We are all microbes...we started life in the ocean billions of years ago. How can anyone look at the fertilization of a human egg and not understand that!

Great video.

 

[Lewkat]

Hell is sometimes a result of our own creation. Other times, it is created for us.

As for our origins, well, there are multiple theories regarding this and each has its own merit.

Something in my opinion far greater in intelligence was able to create all creatures and it boggles the mind as to how great this is.

As for Dante, his take on it all was entertaining, but not convincing.

We are either believers, seekers or non believers. Matters not at all.

It is what it is.

 

[Dana]

Why is Mary Magdalene not mentioned...after all being the wife of Jesus, she is of paramount importance.

 

[digifoss]

IMO Had Mary Magdalene been the wife of Jesus, she would have been mentioned

 

[Lara]

Why is Mary Magdalene not mentioned...after all being the wife of Jesus, she is of paramount importance.

Because Mary herself said in the Bible Luke 1:46-49
...she only wanted all generations to call her "blessed" because "it is He who is the mighty one"
...souls magnify Him
...rejoice in our Savior (savior from punishment of sins)
...for it is He who has looked over her home (and refers to herself as His servant since she served God when giving birth to Jesus)
...and she says Holy is His name (she doesn't want her name to be holy)

Luke 1:46-49

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His name.

 

[garyt1957]

. But we learn from history so the Old Testament is also relevant and has many of the prophesies that were fulfilled that's really cool.

Like what? I'm not really versed in the Bible, so what prophecies have come true?

 

[garyt1957]

I am Christian because I grew up that way. If I grew up where Buddhism was the primary belief most likely I would believe and practice the teachings of Buddha. The same is true of other beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

That's one of my main problems with organized religion. The vast majority of people who claim their religion is the one true religion are only believers in that religion because they were brought up in it. Had their parents been Muslim, they'd be Muslim. Had their parents been Jewish they'd be Jewish, etc.

 

[Verisure]

Like what? I'm not really versed in the Bible, so what prophecies have come true?

Let me know if you find out.

 

[Serenity4321]

Well, I said I would tell you about the Catholic baptism ceremony of a 10 year old child and an adult I attended on Saturday night.
As a confirmed Presbyterian, it was first time in a Catholic church and it was heart warming. The church was packed (probably because of Easter) and the people were so warm and welcoming, it was a lovely experience. It wasn't a complete dunking, just a matter of leaning over a very smallish bowl and water poured over the front of the head. The participants were each given a large candle (about 18 inches tall) with their name and date engraved on it, and a small ornament of a child praying. There was no mention of Mary during the 2 hour ceremony. The head priest (there were 5 priests taking part) is the most laidback person once he takes his robes off - as we would say, he's a beaut bloke

mellowyellow..Sounds lovely. I am a nonpracticing Catholic and it has been years since I attended a Baptism...

I noticed someone mentioned dunking in conjunction with Catholic Baptisms but I have never heard of that. I know protestants have dunkings but was not aware it occurred in any Catholic Baptism.

 

[Serenity4321]

That's one of my main problems with organized religion. The vast majority of people who claim their religion is the one true religion are only believers in that religion because they were brought up in it. Had their parents been Muslim, they'd be Muslim. Had their parents been Jewish they'd be Jewish, etc.

I have to agree ..I have always said there are many paths to God and I truly believe there is truth in all philosophies. Over the years I have read up on most religions and find truth in all. The only part I dislike is the claim of exclusivity and even there I wonder if that is something some need to believe... for whatever reason...

 

[garyt1957]

I have to agree ..I have always said there are many paths to God and I truly believe there is truth in all philosophies. Over the years I have read up on most religions and find truth in all. The only part I dislike is the claim of exclusivity and even there I wonder if that is something some need to believe... for whatever reason...

Take Catholicism, or maybe all Christianity. I went to catholic school. We were taught you can't get into heaven if you're not baptized, original sin and all that. So now let's consider Mother Theresa. What if she were born Muslim but still lived her life in the ghettos helping people her entire life, truly saintly. She wouldn't get into heaven after that life simply because she was brought up in and believed another religion? Makes no sense whatsoever. What kind of God would do that?

 

[Keesha]

Take Catholicism, or maybe all Christianity. I went to catholic school. We were taught you can't get into heaven if you're not baptized, original sin and all that. So now let's consider Mother Theresa. What if she were born Muslim but still lived her life in the ghettos helping people her entire life, truly saintly. She wouldn't get into heaven after that life simply because she was brought up in and believed another religion? Makes no sense whatsoever. What kind of God would do that?

What kind of God would do that?
One that humanity made up for their own reasons. We created a God with human characteristics. ‘Enough said.

 

[Lara]

Like what? I'm not really versed in the Bible, so what prophecies have come true?

Your question deserves an answer 2 thick volumes long. There are different types of prophecy and for different things. If you are talking about the coming of the Messiah aka Christ, there are over 300 that came true when he was born. They predicted his full lineage (geneology), his life and death while on earth, etc. I refer you to Josh McDowell who has spent his life studying and writing books on this for specifics.

If you are talking about prophesy regarding the End Times, that time has not yet come but many of the prophetic signs leading up to it have. In addition to the coming of Messiah prophecies, the Old Testament continually prophesies about events that have happened aka fulfilled prophecy. Here are 3 examples of fulfilled prophesy:
...Israel’s future into exile
...Nations that will be destroyed
...Israel’s kingdom being restored, etc. These predictions further demonstrate that we can trust the Bible as truly inspired by God.

"Regardless, we can say that a lot of prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, with some of the clearest ones about the life and ministry of Jesus. [As I mentioned above], the number of fulfilled messianic (Jesus-related) prophecies is over 300. This is truly remarkable, as Josh McDowell demonstrates in this video. Christians, as far back as the Bible authors themselves, have rightfully stressed these fulfilled prophecies to show Jesus to be the Messiah.

 

[Lara]

Take Catholicism, or maybe all Christianity. I went to catholic school. We were taught you can't get into heaven if you're not baptized, original sin and all that. So now let's consider Mother Theresa. What if she were born Muslim but still lived her life in the ghettos helping people her entire life, truly saintly. She wouldn't get into heaven after that life simply because she was brought up in and believed another religion? Makes no sense whatsoever. What kind of God would do that?

Regarding the fact that you were taught that you have to be baptized to go to heaven...that's not in the Bible. Baptism is presented in the Bible as a choice and an act of obedience to God but not necessary for entering Heaven (or the Kingdom of God).

Regarding Mother Theresa..."what if she was Muslim and did good works" is not "what it was" so I don't dwell on the "what if's". But here's the thing...It was because her faith, a RESULT of her faith...that she did good works. It's not about an organized religion. It's about where her heart was with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was obviously filled with the Holy Spirt of God that gave her such a desire to obey Him and such a desire to "love your neighbor" and "give unto others".

Mother Theresa would never have chosen to follow the command of Jihad stated in the Koran. That's all I'll say about that.

 

[Lara]

Well, the Old Testament contains more "truth"than the New Testament. What changed? Surely it is a continuation!

Huh? What is not true in the New Testament?

And, of course the New Testament is a continuation from the Old Testament....but the Old Testament is using the Mosaic Law and sacrifices, whereas the New Testament is is all about accepting the Messiah's gift of forgiveness of sin because He paid the sacrifice....and that changed everything!

 

[Aneeda72]

mellowyellow..Sounds lovely. I am a nonpracticing Catholic and it has been years since I attended a Baptism...

I noticed someone mentioned dunking in conjunction with Catholic Baptisms but I have never heard of that. I know protestants have dunkings but was not aware it occurred in any Catholic Baptism.

Babies are not dunked but sprinkled. Dunking occurred when the church has a large enough spot, ours did/does. You can chose dunk or sprinkled. The priest and you are in the “pool” and you are bent over backwards, face under, and up you come. Just as JC was baptized but not in a river.

 

[Aneeda72]

Regarding the fact that you were taught that you have to be baptized to go to heaven...that's not in the Bible. Baptism is presented in the Bible as a choice and an act of obedience but not necessary for entering Heaven (or the Kingdom of God).

Regarding Mother Theresa..."what if she was Muslim and did good works" is not "what it was" so I don't dwell on the "what if's". But here's the thing...It was because her faith, a RESULT of her faith...that she did good works. It's not about an organized religion. It's about where her heart was with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was obviously filled with the Holy Spirt of God that gave her such a desire to obey Him and such a desire to "love your neighbor" and "give unto others".

Mother Theresa would never have chosen to follow the command of Jihad stated in the Koran. That's all I'll say about that.

I would add obedience to God the Father since JC was baptized.

 

[RadishRose]

 

[Serenity4321]

Take Catholicism, or maybe all Christianity. I went to catholic school. We were taught you can't get into heaven if you're not baptized, original sin and all that. So now let's consider Mother Theresa. What if she were born Muslim but still lived her life in the ghettos helping people her entire life, truly saintly. She wouldn't get into heaven after that life simply because she was brought up in and believed another religion? Makes no sense whatsoever. What kind of God would do that?

I was taught the same ...no baptism, no heaven but it seems that was mostly taught about unbaptized babies ..not sure if it included everyone. Babies went to purgatory first...
It made no sense to be taught that only Catholics & other Christians are saved. Are they still teaching that?? I think it was just part of the whole control thing.

 

[Serenity4321]

Babies are not dunked but sprinkled. Dunking occurred when the church has a large enough spot, ours did/does. You can chose dunk or sprinkled. The priest and you are in the “pool” and you are bent over backwards, face under, and up you come. Just as JC was baptized but not in a river.

TY Aneeda....Maybe because I never went to any but baby baptisms that I didn't know about the dunking...

 

[garyt1957]

Regarding the fact that you were taught that you have to be baptized to go to heaven...that's not in the Bible. Baptism is presented in the Bible as a choice and an act of obedience to God but not necessary for entering Heaven (or the Kingdom of God).

Regarding Mother Theresa..."what if she was Muslim and did good works" is not "what it was" so I don't dwell on the "what if's". But here's the thing...It was because her faith, a RESULT of her faith...that she did good works. It's not about an organized religion. It's about where her heart was with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was obviously filled with the Holy Spirt of God that gave her such a desire to obey Him and such a desire to "love your neighbor" and "give unto others".

Mother Theresa would never have chosen to follow the command of Jihad stated in the Koran. That's all I'll say about that.

I never said it was in the Bible. That's what I don't like about organized religion it's all about control. Not Catholic? Can't get to heaven no matter how good a life you lead. That doesn't sound like something a God would tout but it sure sounds like something man would.
As for Mother Theresa, you kind of evaded my point. I'm sure there are non Christians as a result of their faith they dedicated their lives to the poor just as much as Mother Theresa did, maybe more. But since they're not Christian "No heaven for you!"? Again, doesn't seem like something God would espouse .

 

[garyt1957]

Your question deserves an answer 2 thick volumes long. There are different types of prophecy and for different things. If you are talking about the coming of the Messiah aka Christ, there are over 300 that came true when he was born. They predicted his full lineage (geneology), his life and death while on earth, etc. I refer you to Josh McDowell who has spent his life studying and writing books on this for specifics.

If you are talking about prophesy regarding the End Times, that time has not yet come but many of the prophetic signs leading up to it have. In addition to the coming of Messiah prophecies, the Old Testament continually prophesies about events that have happened aka fulfilled prophecy. Here are 3 examples of fulfilled prophesy:
...Israel’s future into exile
...Nations that will be destroyed
...Israel’s kingdom being restored, etc. These predictions further demonstrate that we can trust the Bible as truly inspired by God.

"Regardless, we can say that a lot of prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, with some of the clearest ones about the life and ministry of Jesus. [As I mentioned above], the number of fulfilled messianic (Jesus-related) prophecies is over 300. This is truly remarkable, as Josh McDowell demonstrates in this video. Christians, as far back as the Bible authors themselves, have rightfully stressed these fulfilled prophecies to show Jesus to be the Messiah.

My understanding is there is no real proof Jesus even existed. There have been people caught depositing fake artifacts into Roman digs to try and prove his existence though. I'll have to look into prophecies of the Bible more.

 

[garyt1957]

What kind of God would do that?
One that humanity made up for their own reasons. We created a God with human characteristics. ‘Enough said.

I totally agree. The saying is "God created man in his image". When realistically, "Man created God in his image".

 

[Lara]

My understanding is there is no real proof Jesus even existed. There have been people caught depositing fake artifacts into Roman digs to try and prove his existence though. I'll have to look into prophecies of the Bible more.

It's no surprise to any of us that there will always be scammers. Beware.

"There is overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ, both in secular and biblical history. We can almost reconstruct the gospel just from early non-Christian sources: Jesus was called the Christ (Josephus), did “magic,” led Israel into new teachings, and was hanged on Passover for them (Babylonian Talmud) in Judea (Tacitus), but claimed to be God and would return (Eliezar), which his followers believed, worshiping Him as God (Pliny the Younger)." There are writings and artifacts a plenty.

But I think what you are really asking is "Is there proof that Jesus is who he said he was...the Messiah and Son of God?" It was easy for me to believe purely by prayerfully reading the New Testament, observing all of Creation, noticing a difference in who I was after being filled with the Holy Spirit. But my late husband wanted proof, like you, and so he studied every side of the coin at great length and became a super strong believer and very knowledgable regarding fulfilled prophecy. I think it was the chances of over 300 fulfilled prophesies occuring regarding the coming of the Messiah and His birth that finally convinced him.

God encourages us to study his Word because "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). He also says, "Blessed are they who have not seen, but believe". Many find our way through life down different paths but there is only one way to truth. Some just choose to "go with the flow and hope for the best". For me, I can just look around me, really open my eyes and see, pray, and read God's Word.