Do we really have faith that Hell exists?

[PiousTemplar]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

I don’t think there’s a hell, the way it’s been constructed by many people.

That said, I would hope people would have a better reason to be a Christian than the existence of hell.

 

[odhiambo]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

If you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then you believe that there is a place of “fire” and damnation. Jesus mentioned such a place a number of times in the Bible.
Below is just one such mention.

" And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire."

Matthew 18:9

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

If you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then you believe that there is a place of “fire” and damnation. Jesus mentioned such a place a number of times in the Bible.
Below is just one such mention.

" And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire."

Matthew 18:9

Well, using that translation is problematic. See this is a tremendous issue we’ve got going here - if you’re going to buy into an eternal pit of torture, surely we need more than a Bible passage (and what’s more, our own interpretation of a translated Bible passage)

Even still, the author is talking about Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom. The language is figurative.

 

[lauraabarlow]

I don’t like the idea of a loving God the father and hell concept yet to be honest, with Jesus warning over and over about hell and knowing that Jesus, being God in flesh isn’t going to make up something like that. I have heard that God created hell for the fallen angels (satan and his demons) yet men who turned against God goes there, too. I wish there wasn’t hell but knowing what Jesus said, I take it seriously and not second-guess. I have heard of those with near death experiences being in hell just to be rescued at the last moment by Jesus (always Jesus they encountered) who brought them back to life. Ultimately, these folks changed their ways and lived their lives for God, warning others of the reality of hell (based upon their own experience). I say err on the side of caution and take Jesus’ warning on hell seriously yet search your heart and make sure you are following God out of love and friendship, not just for some sort of fire insurance to avoid going to hell. I heard it said that God don’t put the wicked in hell, they did. God wants everyone to be with Him in heaven yet He also gave everyone a free will to choose their path, to make their own choices. He doesn’t want robots. Jesus forgave the soldiers who crucified Him-I hope they all somehow made it to heaven (besides the centurien and the soldier who pierced Jesus on the side who later became followers of Jesus). Let’s hope so-don’t wish for anyone to go to hell, all we can do is pray and hope. Hell is real!
:sad_yes:

 

[HickmanJosh]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

Yes hell exists, if we have free will and the option of Choosing Heaven then for it to be a truly free choice there must be an alternative, Hell - where God is not present.

For scripture and early Church Fathers opinions on the subject of hell scripturecatholic.com/hell.html

 

[seagal]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

Are you asking if Christians believe hell exists, or do we individually act as if hell exists? If the first, we can have the same faith in the existance of hell as we can in anything that Jesus taught us. It doesn’t make sense to believe that he told the truth about some things and not about others and left it up to us to figure it out.

On the other hand, there are lots of people who choose not to believe that a) hell exists or b) if it does exist, that God would send anyone there, or c) if God does send a person to hell it is actually for all eternity. Wishful thinking as far as I’m concerned.

 

[Edoson]

Well, using that translation is problematic. See this is a tremendous issue we’ve got going here - if you’re going to buy into an eternal pit of torture, surely we need more than a Bible passage (and what’s more, our own interpretation of a translated Bible passage)

Even still, the author is talking about Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom. The language is figurative.

Seeing as The Bible Is The Word of God. It is perfect. And naturally if that’s not enough then that shows a little lack of faith.

But its not my business.

 

[zie]

You don’t need faith to know that there is hell, rather, have faith that there is a place called heaven. Besides, everyone knows that God was Jesus in flesh, so if he said that there is a hell then there is. God is not a man that he can lie!!

 

[seagal]

You don’t need faith to know that there is hell, rather, have faith that there is a place called heaven. Besides, everyone knows that God was Jesus in flesh, so if he said that there is a hell then there is. God is not a man that he can lie!!

Well said! We have faith in heaven. And we have Jesus’ word that not everyone will get there. Where they end up…well you can figure it out for yourself.

 

[Hecares]

If there is a heaven where we are constantly in God’s presence, what would you call a place where we will never be in God’s presence? I think that knowing I have no chance of ever seeing God would be hell no matter what else I face there. Also knowing that for all eternity I would be with hateful, self-centered souls woulld be “hell” in itself.

Why don’t people behave better if they believe there is a hell? I think we still have a bit of the adolescent “It can’t happen to me!” attitude. Also we are very weak, and don’t like to depend on another being, even if He is God.

 

[JRKH]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists?

Faith is a very personal thing so the answer to your question will depend on the individual as to whether they “truly have faith that Hell exists”.
The Church teaches that hell truly exists and therefore, as Followers of Christ and His Church we accept that belief.

If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

Oh - if only this were so…But
We “know” that auto accidents kill thousands every year yet does everyone, “try there absolute hardest”, to be good drivers?
We “know” that addictive drugs kill thousands, even millions and yet does everyone, “try there absolute hardest”, to be healthy and avoid drugs?
We “know” the horrors of war but does humanity, “try there absolute hardest”, to avoid war?

The list could go on.
Knowing that something exists, and actively and positively working to avoid it, can be two very different things.

Peace
James

 

[PiousTemplar]

Are you asking if Christians believe hell exists, or do we individually act as if hell exists? If the first, we can have the same faith in the existance of hell as we can in anything that Jesus taught us. It doesn’t make sense to believe that he told the truth about some things and not about others and left it up to us to figure it out.

On the other hand, there are lots of people who choose not to believe that a) hell exists or b) if it does exist, that God would send anyone there, or c) if God does send a person to hell it is actually for all eternity. Wishful thinking as far as I’m concerned.

I was asking if Christians individually act as if hell exists. From my experience anyway, I seem to forget about the concept of hell until I come across scripture or a reading which contains the subject. I reckon thinking about it alot more often could be used as a kick in the backside to get back on task?

 

[JRKH]

I was asking if Christians individually act as if hell exists. From my experience anyway, I seem to forget about the concept of hell until I come across scripture or a reading which contains the subject. I reckon thinking about it alot more often could be used as a kick in the backside to get back on task?

I agree that thinking about hell can and should be a “kick on the backside”, or a “jumpstart” to get us back on task. However, I also think that we should not dwell on it. In this I think that your “seem(ing) to forget about the concept of hell”, is a good one - So Long As - it is because you are more focused on God’s Love and seeking to please Him and Living to Love neighbor for the Love of God.

So in this sense it’s a matter of focus…It’s easy to forget what’s below if our eyes oare fixed on what’s above.

Peace
James

 

[duneman]

i know some people that are sitting there right now…
and
my goal is not to go there…the thought of spending eternity without God sickens me…
Hail Mary Full Of Grace…

 

[puzzleannie]

who is “we?”. Yes Catholics have this faith, as should all Christians, because Jesus Christ himself warned that hell indeed exists and is a possible destination for all who reject him.

 

[richard_wang]

Not just faith, I know Hell exists, the same way I know Africa exists.

I’ve never been to Africa. But I’ve read books about Africa. I’ve met people who have been to Africa. I’ve seen movies and videos that show Africa.

I’ve never been to Hell (And I pray to God that I never do.) But I’ve read books about Hell. The Saints have told us about the existence of Hell. The Saints have had visions of Hell. Our Lord told us Hell exists.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

Seeing as The Bible Is The Word of God. It is perfect. And naturally if that’s not enough then that shows a little lack of faith.

.

Now wait just a minute. We’re not talking about the word of God, we’re talking about the interpretation of the word of God to some people. The “original” Greek is something that requires historical examination.

 

[Hecares]

Now wait just a minute. We’re not talking about the word of God, we’re talking about the interpretation of the word of God to some people. The “original” Greek is something that requires historical examination.

And the Catholic Chrch has biblical scholars who have done just that, and with the guidaance off the Holy Spirit as God has promised.

 

[RosaryFan]

I was just wondering, do we truly have faith that Hell exists? If say, we knew it existed for sure, and was proven by science, then everybody would try there absolute hardest to be a Good Christian?

You would think…