"Does death really exist?" -- new story

[meltzerboy]

Well, I think that’s a good thing. It is really important for every man to think about what his final end might be…

I, too, find the thought of being in Hell utterly terrifying. There, all five of our senses will be bombarded with the most horrible agonizing suffering, pain which is unimaginable to us even now. The thought of suffering that kind of agony for all eternity, and knowing that it will never end, sends a shiver down my spine.

That’s why I’m Catholic. It has been said that life is the hardest for Catholics, but death is the easiest for them, because we know from our faith that death is just a passing from this life to the next, and if we have lived in accordance with God’s Divine Law, we do not need to fear Hell.

Most Jews, at least those I know, are not in the least afraid of hell. This is not because they trust they are going to heaven. Rather, hell is not a feature of Judaism; they were not raised, as it appears Catholics and other Christians were, to fear hell. What Jews are probably most afraid of is not hell, but oblivion, that is, nothingness, no consciousness after death. This is probably similar to what nonbelievers are most afraid of.

 

[dshix]

Most Jews, at least those I know, are not in the least afraid of hell. This is not because they trust they are going to heaven. Rather, hell is not a feature of Judaism; they were not raised, as it appears Catholics and other Christians were, to fear hell. What Jews are probably most afraid of is not hell, but oblivion, that is, nothingness, no consciousness after death. This is probably similar to what nonbelievers are most afraid of.

That’s interesting. I don’t find the idea of oblivion remotely scary because it just means that I would cease to experience anything, which means no suffering or joy.

Obviously, that isn’t a desirable way to end, but it’s a lot better than eternal suffering.

 

[rinnie]

I am afraid of death. I actually sometimes feel afraid of the idea of Hell.

Just wondering, please do not take this the wrong way, Now it could be said you do not actually deny Christ, but cannot actually claim you accept him, Correct?

Okay here is my question, if this is true, why would you fear hell, when hell is separation from God, when you cannot say you are united to him now and here. Again hope you do not take insult nor judgement with this question, or take it the wrong way.

 

[dshix]

Okay here is my question, if this is true, why would you fear hell, when hell is separation from God, when you cannot say you are united to him now and here.

It is my impression that he would fear Hell less out of the separation from God, and more because of the idea of suffering pain for eternity.

 

[rinnie]

I am afraid of death. I actually sometimes feel afraid of the idea of Hell.

Most Jews, at least those I know, are not in the least afraid of hell. This is not because they trust they are going to heaven. Rather, hell is not a feature of Judaism; they were not raised, as it appears Catholics and other Christians were, to fear hell. What Jews are probably most afraid of is not hell, but oblivion, that is, nothingness, no consciousness after death. This is probably similar to what nonbelievers are most afraid of.

If Jews don’t believe in hell, then why in the O.T. did they repent sins?

 

[rinnie]

It is my impression that he would fear Hell less out of the separation from God, and more because of the idea of suffering pain for eternity.

But that is what hell is, suffering from seeing God but not being able to live with him in heaven.:

 

[rinnie]

That’s interesting. I don’t find the idea of oblivion remotely scary because it just means that I would cease to experience anything, which means no suffering or joy.

Obviously, that isn’t a desirable way to end, but it’s a lot better than eternal suffering.

I agree with this, like you say how could you be afraid of nothing.

 

[dshix]

But that is what hell is, suffering from seeing God but not being able to live with him in heaven.:

Yes, but that isn’t all that it is. For explanation to a person who doesn’t believe in God at all, it’s simpler just to explain the “eternal pain” part.

 

[meltzerboy]

If Jews don’t believe in hell, then why in the O.T. did they repent sins?

Repentance is because one believes one has done wrong toward G-d or toward one’s fellow human (or an animal). It is not, or should not, be because of fear of punishment. Not doing G-d’s will is reason enough for repentance.

Some Jews did and do believe in hell. But even those who do believe do not repent for fear of hell, nor do they repent to go to heaven. The latter would be nice but obeying G-d, which means not only not offending G-d Himself but behaving in the right manner toward others, is the most important thing according to Judaism, whether or not one is rewarded for doing so.

 

[rinnie]

Repentance is because one believes one has done wrong toward G-d or toward one’s fellow human (or an animal). It is not, or should not, be because of fear of punishment. Not doing G-d’s will is reason enough for repentance.

Some Jews did and do believe in hell. But even those who do believe do not repent for fear of hell, nor do they repent to go to heaven. The latter would be nice but obeying G-d, which means not only not offending G-d Himself but behaving in the right manner toward others, is the most important thing according to Judaism, whether or not one is rewarded for doing so.

We repent not because of our fear of hell, although I do believe everyone should fear hell, but because when you are in a state of sin you separate yourself from God.

Thanks for your answer. I knew they did believe in the O.T. But I do agree with you we should not offend God by hurting others. And it is our teaching also, it is the right thing to do.

Jesus taught what you do to others you do to me, rather good or bad