When I was seven, eight and nine, I was terrified by the concept of Hell. Of course I didn't read the bible myself, it was read to me. I remember asking so many stupid questions like "What's hell like?" Or "Will anybody I know be there?" I actually believed it existed and I did everything I could to prevent going there. Of course, this is a good thing. Saying as I was nicer to people, helped my mum out around the house and so on.
But one thing I remember, was fearing death encase I would burn forever in the bowls of hell. I hadn't did enough good deeds to prevent my inevitable doom. I was always afraid and I feared it more than the boogie man or any ghosts that may come to haunt me.
How the young mind is so easily deceived and tricked into believing anything possible. I believed in the bible, heaven and hell.
Why isn't it a justified threat, or punishment? Now in the bible it states "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - John 1:9
So in modern English, all we must do is pray to the lord and ask for forgiveness. Do the same thing again, pray again, ask for forgiveness. Then we go to heaven forever and ever. Or, if we do something bad and don't ask god for forgiveness. (For example; stealing a loaf of bread or cheating on your wife). You burn in hell forever.
Let me ask you. How is that a reasonable punishment? Stealing a loaf of bread brakes the rule of the seventh commandment. 'Thou shall not steal.' And cheating 'You shall not commit adultery'. But are there true and real reasons to burn forever in the fires of hell? Please, how is this even close.
Now, please don't get offended and I ask to keep an open mind for what I'm about to say next.
I can't think of one single person on this earth that is alive or dead today, that deserves to burn FOREVER. Not one. Nobody? Why? Because it's not justified. Justice is a strange thing to discuss and it varies with everybody. But to me, my personal view? I believe that someone should suffer that pain that they caused to another. At least have a reasonable time in prison so they can regret what they did.
This should be exactly the same thing with hell too. Hitler should serve the time for all the men and woman that died because of his rule. But not forever, NEVER FOREVER. (Yes, I believe he doesn't deserve even that). But why forever? Explain that to me, I cannot see why it has to be forever. If someone can, please explain it to me.
But, to round things up. Hell is a concept to make people behave. Heaven too. It works, but we don't need it now. It scares children half to death and frightens people to submit.
And as much as the bible teaches morals. I will refer you to the first testament. Don't say that doesn't count, it was written by your lord wasn't it?
Not trying to offend, just curious for a wider range of opinions.
Punishments should be discussed, planned and never lasting an eternity.
|