It seems odd that the percentage who do not believe in hell is up among Catholics, since the Catholic Church certainly, at least officially, teaches hell exists.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1035 The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death, the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.
I found some of the statistics mind-bending as well, and yes you are right especially in Catholicism which I must hand it to them, they don't have Starbucks or bookstores in their cathedrals (at least not that I have experienced).
Read the work of the late Edward Fudge. Google him. He believes in he’ll, but a he’ll that consumes the wicked, not one that tortures them forever. Two scriptures that first peaked my curiosity are John 3:16, clearly says unbelievers will perish. And then we know that eternal life is a gift from God to believers. Also 1Timothy 6:16, God alone is immortal. Eternal life is his to grant. I cannot find any place in scripture where the wicked receive eternal life. If you read scripture with this concept in mind, then verses immediately start to pop out that reiterate that the wicked will perish.
I’ve had similar thoughts and go back and forth! I will be honest, though, I don’t overly worry about beliefs like this, I think there is a considerable case to be made for both sides of is hell eternal separation or is it the compete destructuon of the soul because I dont think it matters for salvation. The church is so divided I really only focus on salvation related issues and I believe the overall belief that hell, or the second death, however you frame it is very important for salvation bc if you dont believe in hell then the cross is unnecessary, there’s nothing to be saved one.
Thank you for your input, i love to hear other perspectives!
Yes. To the focus on salvation! However, I’m just enough of a Bible nerd to dig into these things. I actually think some unbelievers do not come to Christ because of preaching on an eternal fire that tortures forever. I’ve heard them argue that a living God would not cause that kind of torture. God’s best to you, new friend.
Good question. By using scriptures as a (written dogmatic) source, would I be relinquishing my free will and religious expression because both are LIVING experiences? However, (possibly contradictory here) I do prefer a written source for inspiration. Suggest reading Part IV (The Life and Teaching of Jesus) of the Urantia Book.
I am open to hearing whatever you have. I have no fear but when I typically say Scripture I mean at the very least the canon of Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, and more specifically the 66 books of the protestant Holy Bible.
It seems odd that the percentage who do not believe in hell is up among Catholics, since the Catholic Church certainly, at least officially, teaches hell exists.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1035 The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death, the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.
I found some of the statistics mind-bending as well, and yes you are right especially in Catholicism which I must hand it to them, they don't have Starbucks or bookstores in their cathedrals (at least not that I have experienced).
And they usually don't try to entertain you with a worship band at Mass.
Read the work of the late Edward Fudge. Google him. He believes in he’ll, but a he’ll that consumes the wicked, not one that tortures them forever. Two scriptures that first peaked my curiosity are John 3:16, clearly says unbelievers will perish. And then we know that eternal life is a gift from God to believers. Also 1Timothy 6:16, God alone is immortal. Eternal life is his to grant. I cannot find any place in scripture where the wicked receive eternal life. If you read scripture with this concept in mind, then verses immediately start to pop out that reiterate that the wicked will perish.
I’ve had similar thoughts and go back and forth! I will be honest, though, I don’t overly worry about beliefs like this, I think there is a considerable case to be made for both sides of is hell eternal separation or is it the compete destructuon of the soul because I dont think it matters for salvation. The church is so divided I really only focus on salvation related issues and I believe the overall belief that hell, or the second death, however you frame it is very important for salvation bc if you dont believe in hell then the cross is unnecessary, there’s nothing to be saved one.
Thank you for your input, i love to hear other perspectives!
Yes. To the focus on salvation! However, I’m just enough of a Bible nerd to dig into these things. I actually think some unbelievers do not come to Christ because of preaching on an eternal fire that tortures forever. I’ve heard them argue that a living God would not cause that kind of torture. God’s best to you, new friend.
Great job Sean
It’s not! And the concept alone is a assault on the personality of an all-loving and merciful God.
Can you provide Scripture to back up this claim?
Good question. By using scriptures as a (written dogmatic) source, would I be relinquishing my free will and religious expression because both are LIVING experiences? However, (possibly contradictory here) I do prefer a written source for inspiration. Suggest reading Part IV (The Life and Teaching of Jesus) of the Urantia Book.
I am open to hearing whatever you have. I have no fear but when I typically say Scripture I mean at the very least the canon of Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, and more specifically the 66 books of the protestant Holy Bible.