Strong Motivator: Heaven or Hell

Kilgore Trout · Jul 1, 2011

Regarding people who subscribe to the idea that there is an afterlife where you will either spend an eternity in paradise/heaven, or an eternity in misery/hell, what do you think the stronger motivating factor is: to avoid eternal punishment, or to receive eternal reward?

The Sum of Awe · Jul 1, 2011

I thought about this before... It's similar to the question would you like to get scared into doing something or excited for doing it.

Personally, I would like to get excited for doing it... But I think most of the time it is fear.

michel · Jul 1, 2011

As I don't subscribe to that idea, I can't answer your question.........

Kilgore Trout · Jul 1, 2011

What do you think the stronger motivating factor is for people who do subscribe to that idea?

michel · Jul 1, 2011

Unfortunately, being a bit of a cynic myself, I think I have to say "to avoid eternal punishment"

Atheist94 · Jul 1, 2011

Since the notion of God was only created to control the massess, Hell is the motivator. The idea of burning in hell for all eternity strikes fear into the "massess", this fear will make people do what they have to do in order to not burn in hell, aka morally wrong to steal now it is ethically.

Oneatatime · Jul 1, 2011

I imagine its like the law. An individuals wilingness to break the law depends partly on how likely they are to be caught and their own predisposition towards breaking a law. For example I think stealing is wrong so the laws against it are irrelevent to me. On the other hand I think some speed limts are wrong but concern of being cause speeding means I stick to the limit.

No doubt a similar thing goes on in the heads of those who subcscribe to heaven/hell. It would explain those who have no personal issue with homosexuality but are staunchly against it because their religion teaches them that its wrong and therefore likely to send them or others to hell.

Orias · Jul 1, 2011

Thats just utter nonesense.

But to stay on topic, any experienced magician knows that there is always a third side to a coin. Even if it is not visible to the typical human "eye".

Heaven and Hell stand on Opposite ends of the spectrum, you can't have one without the other. If there was no Heaven, what is supposed to make One stop and consider their actions if there is only a Hell to dread?

Nothing, they were designed to coexist, and are extremely fabricated nonetheless.

Its much like association, any dog can associate a treat with positive reiforcement of an act, and can differentiate punishment from discipline. In this regard, any domesticated dog acts to please, and not to anger.

But my input doesn't help Kilgore, since I don't subscribe to the idea

Riverwolf · Jul 1, 2011

Depends on the person. Some people are more motivated by fear of hell, some by the promise of heaven. I don't think a broad generalization can be accurately made in this instance.

Cordoba · Jul 2, 2011

Quite right

But both are important

Like a bird with two wings, in order to be balanced both wings need to be at the same level of strength

As for the "head of the bird" which guides a believer to God's path, that's the love of God

Twig pentagram · Jul 2, 2011

I truly think most people that believe in the abrahamic god believe in it because of the fear of eternal damnation.

Evolutionary Model · Jul 2, 2011

At least for me, hell ended up playing the greater roll; it was one of the last beliefs to go, as I relinquished the Christian religion.

Thief · Jul 2, 2011

I don't think of heaven as a reward.

If you are allowed to enter...it's because you belong there.

The position (proximity) that will be yours is determined by.....
Do unto others as you would have it done unto you.

You get to stand along side whatever you allow.

BruceDLimber · Jul 2, 2011

Ignoring for the nonce the fact that scripture states that such punishment isn't forever, the Baha'i scriptures state this:

"So worship God that if the recompense of thy worship of Him were to be the Fire, no alteration in thy worship of Him would be produced. If you worship from fear, that is unworthy of the threshold of the holiness of God. So also, if your gaze is on Paradise and if you worship in hope of that; for then you have made Gods creation a Partner with Him."
The Bayan

Peace,

Bruce

averageJOE · Jul 2, 2011

I think it can sometimes depend on the particular church one attends. Some churches have those hell fire preachers, preachers who constantly remind its people that they are going to die and they better not make the wrong choice.

ellenjanuary · Jul 3, 2011

I shall Bear Witness!
in the Name!
of Damnation!

But I understand it. What is beyond understanding is how I seem to go forward with the thought that each day is another chance to see my Gwynnies smile...

Strong Motivator: Heaven or Hell

Kilgore Trout

Misanthropic Humanist

The Sum of Awe

Brought to you by the moment that spacetime began.

michel

Administrator Emeritus

Kilgore Trout

Misanthropic Humanist

michel

Administrator Emeritus

Atheist94

Kyle

Oneatatime

Huh?

Orias

Left Hand Path

Riverwolf

Amateur Rambler / Proud Ergi

Cordoba

Well-Known Member

Twig pentagram

High Priest

Evolutionary Model

Member

Thief

Rogue Theologian

BruceDLimber

Well-Known Member

averageJOE

zombie

ellenjanuary

Well-Known Member