Quick question to the christians. I may be misunderstanding something here, but from what i understand, chirstianity teaches love for all humans, even evil people. If God loves everyone, why does he put the people he loves in hellfire?
I'm not sure if its the same as Islam, but if you completely don't believe in God or the Christain beliefs, then you are placed in hell even if you are nice or whatever and you are placed in Paradise as long as you are christain. Just as in Islam (except we're more justified, everyone gets a taste of hellfire) if you believe in anyone other than Allah, you are placed in hell-fire, but as long as you claim yourself Muslim and believe in the shahada, you will end up in Paradise.
As Christians we do believe that God loves all of his creation, and as Christians we aspire to love all people, even enemies. Obviously mankind will fall short of this aspiration. As for Hell and God's love, yes, God can love and punish at the same time.
If God loves everyone, why does he put the people he loves in hellfire?
Good question, and one that has always puzzled me, although I must confess to sharing Joe's view at the end of the day.
I may be wrong, but I think the whole "hellfire and ****ation" thing is probably medieval in origin? An interpretation of the scriptures basically intended just to scare people into keeping in line?
i dont think hellfire is medieval origin...at least i thinkso =D If you mean scare as in letting them be aware, so they may chose their actions carefully...then yes lol
*Without Allah, without Islam, life would be meaningless. If I've ever learned patience, it's because of this. Alhamdulillah...*
But don't christians believe Jesus died for the sins of all of mankind?
Doesn't that mean mankind is saved from the hellfire because everyone is sinless?
I may be wrong, but I think the whole "hellfire and ****ation" thing is probably medieval in origin? An interpretation of the scriptures basically intended just to scare people into keeping in line?
I'm not sure what you mean here but obviously Muslims believe that the hellfire is real, and Allah is the Most Wise, He knows that if His creations are 'threatened' with punishment for their evil actions then they will avoid evil.
Of course its intended to scare people! There would hardly be much point is God saying 'and we will punish the evil doers by giving them yummy icecream'
At the same time, theres no doubt that it will be filled:
One Day We will ask Hell, "Art thou filled to the full?" It will say, "Are there any more (to come)?"
[50:30]
He knows that if His creations are 'threatened' with punishment for their evil actions then they will avoid evil.
Doesn't the thought doesn't occur to you that for an omniscient God that method is rather, well..., crude? Surely there is another way of discouraging evil (maybe like actively encouraging the good a little more visibly) while still allowing free will?
Actively encouraging the good? Mate, have you read what the Quran says about paradise?? If thats not encouragement then what is??
God himself created us in such a way so that we can respond to 'crude' threats.
And so what if it is crude? We humans cant even comprehend Gods greatness. What good would it be God had a different method discouraging evil if it was so non-crude that we humans wouldnt even realise it was meant to discourage us.. (i have a feeling what i just said makes no sense.. )
With His wisdom, he told us what would happen if we are good, and what will happen if we are evil- the sum effect is that we have reason to avoid bad so as to avoid hell, and to do good so as to gain paradise.
"God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us."116 To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."117 Source
Are sins which can be forgiven and sins which can't.
I may be wrong, but I think the whole "hellfire and ****ation" thing is probably medieval in origin?
unfortunatly you can find hell in scripture. So it's not medieval concept. Maybe our way of thinking of hell have medieval orgins but I'm not sure.
As i see it (and it's only my pov, not an orthodox one ) to hell goes only those who freely reject God. I hope that even the biggest sinners when they will face Him, they will be given chance to accept Him, ask for marcy and they will be given it.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
I believe to some extent the Christian mental image of Hell has been formed somewhat due to medieval church descriptions. The same as many mental images of Satan as a red-skinned horned devil with goat hooves, which obviously isn't in the Bible. As many medieval Christians were illiterate it doesn't surprise me that fanciful or frightening images replaced actual text.
Quick question to the christians. I may be misunderstanding something here, but from what i understand, chirstianity teaches love for all humans, even evil people. If God loves everyone, why does he put the people he loves in hellfire?
Actually, Christians would say, as would Muslims I would think, that God has given people a choice. God does not send people to Hell who want to go to Heaven. People, given the choice between Heaven and Hell, seem to prefer Hell when the choice also involves a decision to follow God in obedience.
why would anyone prefer hell when they are obedient?
The answer is of course that they wouldn't if they were obedient, but they choose to be disobedient, and therefore they are also choosing Hell because they enjoy disobedience and don't wish to entertain the thought of the reality of Hell.
Actually, Christians would say, as would Muslims I would think, that God has given people a choice. God does not send people to Hell who want to go to Heaven. People, given the choice between Heaven and Hell, seem to prefer Hell when the choice also involves a decision to follow God in obedience.
My point wasnt why hell exists, rather it was why would God love someone and yet cause that person to burn in hell forever?
A friend asked me to post this analogy:
"wouldnt it be weird if someone claimed they loved you and then chased you with a dagger, or tried to burn you alive for infinity? Would you call that person who claims to love you a lover or a liar?"
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
lol
) to hell goes only those who freely reject God. I hope that even the biggest sinners when they will face Him, they will be given chance to accept Him, ask for marcy and they will be given it.
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks