Fear of hell to the point of anxiety or paralysis?

[DarkLight]

I find myself constantly fearing hell. Not necessarily that I fear my sins so much as I fear being wrong. I grew up in a tradition where salvation was strictly predicated on the proper beliefs. There might have been some leeway for someone who had truly never heard. There certainly was no leeway for anyone who had heard the truth.

Yet as I interact with more people, I find sincere, intelligent people who believe in different faiths. I find no reason to believe these individuals are deliberately rejecting God, or that they are ignorant. Rather it seems to me that they came to different conclusions.

People say to trust God, but I see individuals who trust God who come to all sorts of different conclusions. Same with trusting the Church - I see individuals who trust this tradition or that, all in sincerity and intelligent consideration. At the end of the day, there is a nakedness of what you personally find the most plausible, for that is the God you will trust and the Tradition you will find authoritative.

And I know that very many of these disparate traditions proclaim hell for those who do not believe. And that terrifies me.

 

[po18guy]

I think that you have it backwards: Untreated or poorly controlled anxiety leads you to fear of hell. These are not rational or reasonable thoughts. Since these recurring thoughts have become intrusive, it would be prudent for you to seek medical advice. Even if you are in treatment, another treatment plan, different medication or different dosing of the same medication is worth looking into.

 

[DarkLight]

I think that you have it backwards: Untreated or poorly controlled anxiety leads you to fear of hell. These are not rational or reasonable thoughts. Since these recurring thoughts have become intrusive, it would be prudent for you to seek medical advice. Even if you are in treatment, another treatment plan, different medication or different dosing of the same medication is worth looking into.

No thanks. I’ve been down that road too many times. I don’t want to go down it again. I’ll stick to the minimum necessary to function, but beyond that…the infinite “try this, try that, and hope it doesn’t lead to another death spiral” is a ride I’m done with.

 

[oyaji]

I find myself constantly fearing hell. Not necessarily that I fear my sins so much as I fear being wrong. I grew up in a tradition where salvation was strictly predicated on the proper beliefs. There might have been some leeway for someone who had truly never heard. There certainly was no leeway for anyone who had heard the truth.

Yet as I interact with more people, I find sincere, intelligent people who believe in different faiths. I find no reason to believe these individuals are deliberately rejecting God, or that they are ignorant. Rather it seems to me that they came to different conclusions.

People say to trust God, but I see individuals who trust God who come to all sorts of different conclusions. Same with trusting the Church - I see individuals who trust this tradition or that, all in sincerity and intelligent consideration. At the end of the day, there is a nakedness of what you personally find the most plausible, for that is the God you will trust and the Tradition you will find authoritative.

And I know that very many of these disparate traditions proclaim hell for those who do not believe. And that terrifies me.

Let me suggest that you investigate the Good News that really is Good News; and that would be the ultimate reconciliation of all souls, or more popularly know by as, Universalism.

For a list of some great books written by Christians of all faith traditions using scripture, the teachings of some of the Church fathers, theology and philosophy, go here .

Good luck in your journey to free yourself of fear and learn to believe that God really IS love.

 

[MaryT777]

No thanks. I’ve been down that road too many times. I don’t want to go down it again. I’ll stick to the minimum necessary to function, but beyond that…the infinite “try this, try that, and hope it doesn’t lead to another death spiral” is a ride I’m done with.

Have you also spoken with a Pastor or Minister that may help with these fears of hell?

 

[DarkLight]

Have you also spoken with a Pastor or Minister that may help with these fears of hell?

I tried, but…I just felt like he kind of didn’t get it?

 

[mikekle]

I have a problem with this to some degree as well, it seems my mind is constantly thinking about hell, death, etc. I hate to think about it, but my mind keeps coming up with hellish scenarios which I may end up experiencing upon my death, example, I die and ‘wake up’ in hell, and I am ripped apart over and over again, another one has me being sealed in a box fully conscious and having to suffer for eternity there. I cannot stop myself from thinking of these things, its like Im rushing towards something terrible with no brakes!

I have talked to a priest about it, but it really didnt help, I justify these scenarios as being possible since no one knows what hell is like exactly, and anything could be possible, so it just ends up worrying me that much more.

 

[puzzledtoo]

For both DarkLIght and mikekle I would like to make a couple of suggestions. Be not afraid-mentioned many many times in the bible.
Also Silence and stillness help us to see things with more clarity. When the mind begins to run away with all these different thoughts maybe try to close the eyes, breathe, relax, let the mind chatter settle down a bit. Prayer and mindfulness meditation work wonders for many.
May you both be filled with loving kindness. May you both be well. May you both be peaceful and at ease. May you both be happy.