Eternal damnation. Why? (ritual, paradise, soul, followers, choice)

[Shtef]

A question for those who believe in hell and eternal damnation.

If God ever held the view that a soul did not deserve a place in heaven, why would 'he' need to go one step further and subject that soul to everlasting torment?

if you answer 'the need for justice' would not disposing of the soul and denying it communion with God in heaven be a lot simpler and serve the ends of justice? What part of God would require 'him' to subject a soul to perpetual suffering?

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

That is a very good question. Why not just send 'em to a parking lot or something instead of Paradise, (pun intended) as opposed to eternal torture?

[michel]

Originally Posted by Shtef

A question for those who believe in hell and eternal damnation.

If God ever held the view that a soul did not deserve a place in heaven, why would 'he' need to go one step further and subject that soul to everlasting torment?

if you answer 'the need for justice' would not disposing of the soul and denying it communion with God in heaven be a lot simpler and serve the ends of justice? What part of God would require 'him' to subject a soul to perpetual suffering?

I personally don't believe in hell and damnation................

[Archaeopteryx]

Some form of reprehension must be installed into a nascent religion to regulate those who would disregard the religion as anything more than myth; if there is to be unquestionable loyalty to the religion by its followers and their descendants, there must be an ambient fear encapsulating the choice to sway from its influence.

Basically, damnation is a concept that was installed into the original Christian theology for the purpose of gaining greater influence, a greater threshold of adherents.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by michel

I personally don't believe in hell and damnation................

Me neither

[bigvindaloo]

Originally Posted by Archaeopteryx

Some form of reprehension must be installed into a nascent religion to regulate those who would disregard the religion as anything more than myth; if there is to be unquestionable loyalty to the religion by its followers and their descendants, there must be an ambient fear encapsulating the choice to sway from its influence.

Basically, damnation is a concept that was installed into the original Christian theology for the purpose of gaining greater influence, a greater threshold of adherents.

Didn't those religions that require "some form of reprehension" originate in a time and place where someone stepping outside the religious status quo could expect a good flogging?

[BruceDLimber]

Hi!

Not all religions teach eternal damnation.

The Baha'i Faith, in particular, while it believes in Heaven and hell as the spiritual conditions of nearness to / separation from God (these being self-imposed states), also teaches that God, in His Mercy, will eventually assist even the most recalcitrant sinner to draw nearer to Him, thus making hell at worst a temporary condition....

Regards,

Bruce

[Archaeopteryx]

Originally Posted by bigvindaloo

Didn't those religions that require "some form of reprehension" originate in a time and place where someone stepping outside the religious status quo could expect a good flogging?

Quite a good flogging, yeah. I suspect I wouldn't have been quite the outspoken non-adherent I've shown myself to be in Biblical times; hell, the death of one's family or friends for mere blasphemy would pretty much set anyone into quiet obedience.

[retrorich]

Originally Posted by Shtef

A question for those who believe in hell and eternal damnation.

If God ever held the view that a soul did not deserve a place in heaven, why would 'he' need to go one step further and subject that soul to everlasting torment?

if you answer 'the need for justice' would not disposing of the soul and denying it communion with God in heaven be a lot simpler and serve the ends of justice? What part of God would require 'him' to subject a soul to perpetual suffering?

Excellent question! I've asked it many times myself on this board; but so far, I haven't gotten any answers that satisfy me. Apparently, many Christians feel that it's OK for millions of people to burn in hell, as long as their own sanctimonius souls are ticketed for heaven.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by retrorich

Excellent question! I've asked it many times myself on this board; but so far, I haven't gotten any answers that satisfy me. Apparently, many Christians feel that it's OK for millions of people to burn in hell, as long as their own sanctimonius souls are ticketed for heaven.

Just curious, retrorich... Do you see most of the Christians on RF as being sanctimonius? I ask, because I can think of only a very small number who strike me as being the way you seem to paint the majority of us.