Christians throughout the world profess to serve a merciful and loving God. And indeed, many Christians have experience this love and mercy first-hand throughout their lives. Those outside the religion, however, have leveled several criticisms against it, one of which is the idea of eternal punishment and how Christians could possibly promote the idea of a loving God on the same level as a deity who would eternally and painfully punish those who committed a crime no greater than not believing in him in a very specific way. My personal view is, however, of a God who is indeed merciful and just. Those who would see souls cast into eternal punishment, in my experience, have all been human who claimed to understand the mind of God. On the other hand, critics who would criticize God for such a harsh punishment are equally in ignorance of a mind of the divine. Eternal punishment is the most traditional view held by most Christians. It dictates that all who die not believing in God (or Christ as Savior) will be cast, with the Antichrist, into an eternal lake of fire. This is the main point of contention usually raised by non-Christians such as Pinnock against the religion. The Universalist view is, however, is that all people who died, even those who died not believing, will ultimately be brought back to eternal life. A third group are the an nihilists, who believe that those who die without Christ will be completely annihilated in soul and body, which refers to the eternal
In Christian Theology, Christians believe that there is an afterlife. After they die, their body is either buried or cremated and their unique soul enters Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. Their belief that Jesus rose from the dead three days after crucifixion, gives them hope that if they follow Jesus’ teachings and make him their Lord and Savior than they too will experience a resurrection in the afterlife . Jesus’ incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection gave all Christians hope that life after death is possible.
Other Christians I previously spoke to believe that, “the killer's actions are irreversible and that such a crime deserves an equal punishment”. These same people would cite the biblical passage that exhorts "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". However, if a crime deserves equal punishment, then why do we not rape the rapist or burn the arsonist? A civilized society must be based on values and principles that are higher than those it condemns. Biblically, we are called to live by higher values. In the New Testament, Jesus said that we may have heard it said "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" but He instructed us to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:38-41) to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45), to obey the Ten Commandments which tell us not to kill (Exodus 20:13) and not to put ourselves into the position of God by judging whether others live or die (John 8:7). Vengeance and retribution are to be left to God, who is the only One with the perfect capabilities of judgment. If the argument is that serious crimes
The first level in Hell is called Limbo. Limbo is considered a place of sorrow without torment. All the individuals who die before being baptized and the ones who live as pagans are sentenced to spend the rest of eternity at this level. The people who die before accepting Christianity are the people being talked about. All individuals who die non-Christians, including philosophers who do
At death, the body ceases to function and decays, but the soul of everyone is immortal and will be judged immediately. The souls of those who are faithful to God will be purified and go to live with God in heaven. However, the soul of anyone who has denied God will spend eternity separated from God in hell. At the end of time, all of the dead will be bodily resurrected and each individual will be judged and either rewarded or punished according to the life that they led.
Christians believe if you except Jesus Christ as you savior you will go to heaven. Like Christians, Jews believe that there is a life after death. Unlike Christians, Jews believe there are seven Heavens, the highest one being occupied by God and his angels. Christians believe that Heaven and Hell are separate and that the people that didn’t except God will perish and go to hell and those who did will not perish and have everlasting life (library.) Jews believe that people who are punished in the afterlife are sent to a place called Gehenna, and that this place is not separate from heaven, but that it is just a farther distance away from God. They believe that this punishment is not eternal because God is full of mercy and love (mosiaclaw.)
Christianity believes in the rewards of heaven for all who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, and son of the Most High God. Jesus shares with His disciples that He was going away to prepare a place for them, but would return one day to take them back (Jn 14:2-3). He makes a distinct separation that those who believe it Him would have a dwelling place in heaven. Contrarily, those who denounce Him would be judged and punished to hell.
Kimberli thank you so much for actually using sources! I really appreciate the thought and content that you put into your post. I agree with all the information that you compiled I believe that you fully used the information at our disposal. My question to you is if someone asked you since all sin is sin do murders and rapists get the same punishment as good people that just didn’t believe in God? This is a question that I get asked a lot and sometimes struggle to answer depending on the situation. I normally turn it back to James 4.12 “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?” (NIV). I have also been faced with the same question is if God loves me then how could
Christians believe that there is a destination of either heaven or hell. Both sacrifice important goods and valuables.
What happens to a person at death is a belief we acquire from our religion and culture. In Christianity we believe heaven is our reward for living a meaningful life. On the other hand as Christians we were taught to preserve life and avoid intentional death to selves or others.
Various religions also have varied responses to capital punishment. Even a particular denomination or religious group may not have a unified stand regarding capital punishment. Religious sentiments do play a significant part in the views of people regarding capital punishment. The Bible is replete with various passages that may seem to support or condemn capital punishment. The Old Testament, particularly, is based upon a morality of “teeth against teeth” and “life for life.” The books of laws of the Old Testament actually prescribe stoning to death the persons who commit serious crimes against God and against the community. A number of biblical scholars have considered the part of the Ten Commandments that say “You shall not kill” as a prohibition against individual cases of murder (The Ryrie Study Bible, Exodus 20:13). In the first place, the Christian faith believes that humans are created in the image of God. As such, a serious crime against another person is also a crime against God. In the Old Testament, premeditated murder was sufficient reason for the death penalty (Numbers 35:31, 33). Moreover, in Genesis 9:6, it can be read that “whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”. St. Thomas Aquinas also published his thoughts regarding capital
In the Quran it says “surely, those who disbelieve and did wrong, God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to any way except the way of Jahannam, to dwell therein forever.” (Quran, 4:168-169). Being granted salvation in the Christian tradition is not much different. Followers of the Christian tradition believe that one must believe in God, have faith in Jesus Christ and live good holy lives to be granted the entrance to Heaven. In the bible it states that “by grace through faith in Jesus Christ”. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Much like the followers of the Islamic tradition, Christians also believe that those who are unrighteous and reject God and Jesus Christ will be placed in Hell after death. In the Bible it states that Hell is “a place of everlasting punishment for the unrighteous. There is no crossover between Heaven and Hell. (Matthew 25:46). In the Jewish tradition, those who submit their lives to god, follow his teachings, and not commit sins are the ones who will be granted entrance into
I was raised as a Christian and believe in the tenets of the faith. I also know that many other religions also share the same tenets, while differing in there views of the afterlife. So I try to personally refrain from judging others ( and it is not easy). I do believe that what goes around comes around and if I want to be forgiven I must forgive. And when it comes to the afterlife that will hold true there too. So in conclusion the afterlife is a place of forgiveness and acceptance. A place of peace and love and glory. I read a statement from Joseph Cambell that I agree
At the time of death, one’s spirit will separate from their body and either ascend to heaven or be bound to Hell according to their deeds performed on Earth. That’s because it is believed that humans have the ability (free will) to choose between good and evil. Muslims and Christians believe that angels exist as well as Satan and his evil spirits who follow him: the enemies of humanity. Also, it is said by Muslims, that on the day Jesus returns, the Last Day, the dead will be resurrected and both the dead and alive will be judged. They will either be rewarded by going to heaven, or punished by going to hell. Likewise, Christians believe that on the last day, referred to as judgment day, God will bring forth his judgement upon all those: dead or alive. He will reward or punish them by sending them to either heaven or Hell.
Christianity has several different variations on the theme of immortality. These variations are related to the many different denominations under the umbrella of Christianity. In general, liberal Christians accept the idea that the authors of the bible held different beliefs involving heaven and hell. Some of the oldest biblical writings described an underground cavern in which all people regardless of their deeds spent eternity in after death. The books within the New Testament more commonly described hell as a place of
Many Christians believe that one day Jesus will return to earth. This second coming of Jesus is called the Parousia. At the Parousia God will judge everyone and decide whether they will be given eternal life with God or whether they are to be punished in hell. Many Christians have different ideas about heaven and hell.