Ever noticed how christians tend to say things like that to other people who doesn't share the same belief? I wish I could get a nickel every time I heard that phrase. It's always about eternal suffering, sinning, armageddon, fiery hell, etc.
Hell is supposed to be a place of never-ending torment - never-ending in the sense of lasting presumably until the day of judgment. Then what happens to the damned on that day? Do they continue to stay in hell or are they finally put out of their misery? Either way, it makes no difference; there is no way out of hell.
So in that case, what exactly is the purpose of hell?
The purpose of hell is to REJECTIN' Jesus Christ or have NO love for Him.
1) As a punishment? If so then it is pointless as there is no possibility of escape. Criminals are put in prison partly as a punishment and partly to remove them from law-abiding society. For most criminals there is always the knowledge that they will one day be released, and given another chance. The ones that are not released are confined because they pose a danger to society.
But in the hell scenario, there is no parole, therefore there is no point to the punishment since it will never end. Punishment without end is illogical, and evil in itself. Therefore, if god advocates such a thing then god is evil.
That's right. There's no parole. Know why ? Because of the flesh and soul are 2 different things. People can choose to do evil things by rejectin' Christ or change themselves to do better through acceptin' Christ as their Saviour. God gave them many chances while they are still alive on this earth, but after death... soul can not go back to the dust, only flesh. Soul - the 5 senses are more keener than the flesh's. We, the people can't have another chance to live once again after death. We can't give ourselves birth of our same mothers again if, our mothers died. How could that be, if you think that the criminals from hell should have another chance to get out of the misery? It can't. It's why Jesus died on the cross for all mankind, so they can go to Heaven to be with Him one day...ONLY if, they accept Him as their Saviour. It's not too much to ask, is it ? So, therefore, God is not evil. He is kindly enough to offer Himself to them and they reject Him. He is just simply offer His Love. I know people NEED love to keep them sane and healthy, right ?
2) Or is hell just a means of getting rid of the "unworthy"? A sort of "garbage can" of souls? In that case why not just let them die. Why make them suffer for eternity? Again, a god that allows this must be evil.
Without Christ, a leaf will turn brown and old. It will throw away in the barrel to be burned. Why keep the brown and old leaf, if you get my drift ? Or I would say, a dead fruit that don't grow fruitful and juicy. I am sure some people will throw the brown/old leafs or dead fruits from the trees they will cut them off. Same example. Oh, yes they will feel " dyin' " when there's a worm goin' through their souls.... and, it is verrrrry painful experience. I am not goin' to give heavy details outta here in this thread.
3) Is hell a human invention meant solely to scare people into following a certain religion? Ah - Occam's razor comes into effect here. Hell is merely a powerful meme - an idea with survival potential. It lives on for centuries because of its scare power. Do what we (the church) tell you or you will go to hell and be tormented forever. Very effective.
Well, there's real hell and heaven out there. It was there before this earth was created. You can't expect criminals to go to Heaven without Christ. God will not accept sins to enter Heaven, for God Himself is Holy. Heaven is very sacred place.
So no, there is no hell and there is no afterlife. Live your life to the fullest people, because this is all you get.
Xentar, there IS hell and there IS afterlife.
But if it's any condolences you
do live in eternity....
..
through your children's future.