Heaven, Hell, And/Or Whatever

[Genesius]

Since this is a diverse Forum (Non-Catholic Religions), I’m curious to know what other religions teach about Heaven, Hell, and/or whatever else (i.e. purgatory, limbo, etc.). Please provide documentation if you please. I’m not looking for opinions, but actually religious doctrine on this topic. Thank you. If you come from some Protestant denomination I would like to know the teaching of that particular denomination, not the individual assembly…unless it would fall under a category all it’s own (i.e. a new non-denominational type assembly unique to itself, etc.).

I would also like to hear from Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, etc.

Thank you. Please remember to keep it as objective and not personal as possible. Thank you.

 

[Spencerian]

Since this is a diverse Forum (Non-Catholic Religions), I’m curious to know what other religions teach about Heaven, Hell, and/or whatever else (i.e. purgatory, limbo, etc.). Please provide documentation if you please. I’m not looking for opinions, but actually religious doctrine on this topic. Thank you. If you come from some Protestant denomination I would like to know the teaching of that particular denomination, not the individual assembly…unless it would fall under a category all it’s own (i.e. a new non-denominational type assembly unique to itself, etc.).

I would also like to hear from Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, etc.

Thank you. Please remember to keep it as objective and not personal as possible. Thank you.

Hi.

You might want to give a specific question(s) to our non-Christian friends so they can give a more specific answer, such as: “Do you believe in an eternal soul?” or, “Where does one go (and come back from) after death?”

 

[Publisher]

“Traditional” Friends don’t really give too much concern for the “afterlife”…it will take care of itself. What should be our concern is here and now. Eternity is in Good Hands…and so are we.

Our focus should be on this live and live the gospel and Teachings of the Kingdom in the here and now. Eternity begins Now…not later.

The Evangelical Friends place more emphasis on “heaven” and preparing for it…Non-Programmed Friends focus is on now and making this world a better place by living within the Kingdom of God now…we are now engaged in the Lamb’s War…we are now living in the Peaceable Kingdom…we are now participating in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb…the Bridegroom is Present with us now.

 

[Genesius]

“Traditional” Friends don’t really give too much concern for the “afterlife”…it will take care of itself. What should be our concern is here and now. Eternity is in Good Hands…and so are we.

Our focus should be on this live and live the gospel and Teachings of the Kingdom in the here and now. Eternity begins Now…not later.

The Evangelical Friends place more emphasis on “heaven” and preparing for it…Non-Programmed Friends focus is on now and making this world a better place by living within the Kingdom of God now…we are now engaged in the Lamb’s War…we are now living in the Peaceable Kingdom…we are now participating in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb…the Bridegroom is Present with us now.

Thank you, Publisher for your response. However, is it possible for you to provide some sort of documentation from your denomination? I believe most mainstream and/or major denominations have a statement of faith somewhere and some actually elaborate a bit more with publications from regional or national committees, offices, etc.

While a good answer, I’m not looking for what groups believe we should do here on earth…unless it affects the afterlife. I’m more interested in actual theology about the afterlife. For instance, Baptists have a specific view on Communion, that it is only symbolic, and on Baptism…that it doesn’t save, but is a public profession of faith, and should be done by immersion only. That’s just an example of what I mean by a groups actual theology or statement of faith on this issue. Thank you.

However, having said all that…I’m kind of with you. I’m sure there are some groups who seem more concerned about getting to heaven than about growing in Christ. I personally believe that if for some reason God decided there just wouldn’t be heaven, I would be fine with that as long as I could coninue an eternal relationship with Him.

 

[Genesius]

Hi.

You might want to give a specific question(s) to our non-Christian friends so they can give a more specific answer, such as: “Do you believe in an eternal soul?” or, “Where does one go (and come back from) after death?”

Thank you, Spencerian. Okay, everybody…what Spencerian said…yeah, that!

Or, if you want to respond to my original post you can as well. It’s all good.

 

[Publisher]

Thank you, Publisher for your response. However, is it possible for you to provide some sort of documentation from your denomination? I believe most mainstream and/or major denominations have a statement of faith somewhere and some actually elaborate a bit more with publications from regional or national committees, offices, etc.

While a good answer, I’m not looking for what groups believe we should do here on earth…unless it affects the afterlife. I’m more interested in actual theology about the afterlife. For instance, Baptists have a specific view on Communion, that it is only symbolic, and on Baptism…that it doesn’t save, but is a public profession of faith, and should be done by immersion only. That’s just an example of what I mean by a groups actual theology or statement of faith on this issue. Thank you.

However, having said all that…I’m kind of with you. I’m sure there are some groups who seem more concerned about getting to heaven than about growing in Christ. I personally believe that if for some reason God decided there just wouldn’t be heaven, I would be fine with that as long as I could coninue an eternal relationship with Him.

I could send you to books on Quaker theology…but maybe the easiest way to understand what Friends believe is look through the “Faith & Practice” of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting…I believe it’s on line…not a lot…if anything about the afterlife…we are not in this for the “rewards” other than finding peace in our lives and hopefully one day a peaceful world through our efforts…Jesus is recoreded as saying “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”…he came to give us a better life…now…abundant life…now…if we find this “Life” now…the life that touches others in mercy and compassion…death is but a transition to basically to…more of the same…service to the Eternal.

This belief in the afterlife isn’t discussed in terms of what we believe about the afterlife…but what we believe about this life…our focus on this life and sharing the Life of God with our world…doesn’t have too much preoccupation with heaven or hell…so much so…we rarely address it at all.

 

[Genesius]

I guess I could look stuff up myself about different belief systems and what they teach about heaven and hell, but then there would be no reason for this thread. I intended for this thread to be a discussion, but so far it seems to be a ‘dead thread’. Maybe Publisher is right. Maybe most groups could care less about heaven and hell.

The question is, as Publisher so eloquently hinted at, should our motivation to serve God be a selfish one (for the reward of going to heaven), or perhaps out of fear of going to hell…or should it be simply out of love for God and His children?

Also, if anyone has any (name removed by moderator)ut as far as what they *personally *believe about heaven or hell or whatever (Purgatory, Limbo, etc.), I guess I would welcome that as well.

Hello…anyone…

 

[seeker57]

We are a non-creedal denomination. There is no single statement or doctrine, outside of our seven principles.

Here is a link with some other information:

uua.org/visitors/theologicalperspectives/index.shtml

As UUs, we generally don’t believe in damnation or hell. Since we are Universalists, we also believe all will go home to God, regardless of how good, bad or indifferent they were during their lives.

For this reason, we often say Unitarian Universalists are “Good for Nothing,” meaning we don’t perform good acts or live good lives out of fear of condemnation, but because it is the right thing to do.

Seeker.

 

[Genesius]

We are a non-creedal denomination. There is no single statement or doctrine, outside of our seven principles.

Here is a link with some other information:

uua.org/visitors/theologicalperspectives/index.shtml

As UUs, we generally don’t believe in damnation or hell. Since we are Universalists, we also believe all will go home to God, regardless of how good, bad or indifferent they were during their lives.

For this reason, we often say Unitarian Universalists are “Good for Nothing,” meaning we don’t perform good acts or live good lives out of fear of condemnation, but because it is the right thing to do.

Seeker.

Interesting outlook. That’s a cute play on words…Good for Nothing.

Here’s a question for you. Does the Unitarian Universalist believe the Sacred Scriptures? It seems they must have a very loose interpretation of much of what Christ said if they do. Just curious…not trying to start a debate or anything.

 

[hamba2han]

For anyone who is truly interested in finding out what we can expect in Paradise according to the teachings of Islam, then I would suggest that they listen to a 1-hour lecture by Tawfique Choudury of which this link is the 1st of 7 segments.

I also opened a thread some time ago describing the things that disbelievers can expect to discover in the Afterlife in the event that Islam does turn out to be the Truth.

 

[Genesius]

For anyone who is truly interested in finding out what we can expect in Paradise according to the teachings of Islam, then I would suggest that they listen to a 1-hour lecture by Tawfique Choudury of which this link is the 1st of 7 segments.

I also opened a thread some time ago describing the things that disbelievers can expect to discover in the Afterlife in the event that Islam does turn out to be the Truth.

Thank you, hamba2han. I will definitely check those out when I get time.

 

[Sufjon]

Hindus believe that the state between lives is heaven-like or hellish depending on a couple of things. Firstly, it’s dependent on your general disposition during your most recent life. which is also a result of other past lives. It is somewhat linked to karma, which is considered to be a law of nature or prakriti. If you’re a bad person, your badness is a result of your bad thoughts, and your bad thoughts will follow you to the astral wold, which this the world between lives. if you are a good person, then it’s a good experience. A lot like heaven and hell, only temporary. Your next life after the astral life between lives is also dependent on karma. The objective over time is to become less associated with the little self or ego, and become more identified with the one great soul. Once you have fully realized your oneness with the one great soul or Atman or Purushotama, you are no longer bound by karma and are free to become one with the infinite or you can chose to come back to the benefit of others.

Secondly, the astral life is dependent on your state of mind at the time of death. If it is disturbed, this can follow you into the astral world. For this reason, it is though to be beneficial to think of the Lord at the time of death. In Hinduism, the Lord claims He will be as you saw him in life. So if you see Jesus, you will see him as Jesus If you see Him as Krishna, you will see Him as Krishna. Same with Rama and so on. According to Hindus. the Lord has no preference as to which, because Jesus, Krishna, Rama and all the other Avatars were God in human form among us. According to Hinduism, they are all incarnations of Vishnu, which is the sustaining aspect of God. Whichever one reaches your heart best is the one you should think of when you die, so this is how you will see Him.

'One of the biggest differences between Hinduism and Christianity is that they believe that everyone makes it eventually. They believe that God isn’t capable of losing anything, including you. He lets you live your lives, have your experiences, go on your own way, but eventually you come home to your father who loves you. He sends no one to hell forever, not even a hell of one’s own making. Since there is no beginning and no end, you have all the time in the world to get it right.

 

[seeker57]

Interesting outlook. That’s a cute play on words…Good for Nothing.

Here’s a question for you. Does the Unitarian Universalist believe the Sacred Scriptures? It seems they must have a very loose interpretation of much of what Christ said if they do. Just curious…not trying to start a debate or anything.

The answer to your question is maybe. One of the hallmarks of our church is each person is free to find the spiritual path that best suits them.

So, yes, some people may believe what is written in the Bible. Others follow other texts or belief structures.

In our congregation, we have Deists, Sikhs, Buddhists, Pagans and others who have not discussed their personal beliefs. Some are devout humanists (I know, rather an oxymoron, but they are as adherent to their beliefs as anyone else I know.)

It is also perfectly acceptable for people to change perspectives or adopt other beliefs.

For us, faith isn’t a destination, it is a journey that may have many twists and turns.

 

[benidict]

For anyone who is truly interested in finding out what we can expect in Paradise according to the teachings of Islam, then I would suggest that they listen to a 1-hour lecture by Tawfique Choudury of which this link is the 1st of 7 segments.

I also opened a thread some time ago describing the things that disbelievers can expect to discover in the Afterlife in the event that Islam does turn out to be the Truth.

for some reason, im not too worried that islam will turn out to be true. probably because of what i see and live with every day. im not impressed.

 

[Genesius]

Well, I must say. I have certainly learned some things in this thread about other religions (of course, they would say my religion falls in that category…LOL).

I suppose I could display a knee-jerk reaction against the views presented by those other religions, but I really just wanted to learn something about them. I am pretty solid in what I now know to be truth and don’t plan on converting anytime soon. I think we all choose our paths. I suspect that if someone is Muslim or Unitarian or anything else they are because they firmly believe in those things. One could debate with them all day, and if they want to remain Muslim or Unitarian or whatever I doubt that I could convince them otherwise. I figure there is enough information on this website and in these forums for them to discover Catholicism. So there you have it.

Having said that, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread. Godbless.

 

[BTTG]

Since this is a diverse Forum (Non-Catholic Religions), I’m curious to know what other religions teach about Heaven, Hell, and/or whatever else (i.e. purgatory, limbo, etc.). Please provide documentation if you please. I’m not looking for opinions, but actually religious doctrine on this topic. Thank you. If you come from some Protestant denomination I would like to know the teaching of that particular denomination, not the individual assembly…unless it would fall under a category all it’s own (i.e. a new non-denominational type assembly unique to itself, etc.).

I would also like to hear from Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, etc.

Thank you. Please remember to keep it as objective and not personal as possible. Thank you.

When we are born … **dust **+ breathe(spirit from God)= **became **LIVING Soul … Gen 2:7

When we die… **dust **returns to ground, breathe(spirit) returns to God, Living soul becomes a **dead **soul.

 

[Genesius]

When we are born … **dust **+ breathe(spirit from God)= **became **LIVING Soul … Gen 2:7

When we die… **dust **returns to ground, breathe(spirit) returns to God, Living soul becomes a **dead **soul.

Thank you for your contribution, BTTG. However, since you have no religion associated with your name I’m assuming that is your own personal opinion based on one verse you quoted from the Christian Bible and/or Jewish Torah?

My question had more to do with what particular groups teach about heaven, hell, the afterlife, etc., assuming people would provide some documentation from their particular religion. I suppose Genesis 2:7 could qualify, but that doesn’t tell me anything about the group that teaches such a thing. For instance, there are several Protestant Christian denominations, Judaism, Muslims, Catholic, etc. many groups use Genesis as part of their belief system might have several different interpretations of that one verse you quoted.

 

[Genesius]

When we are born … **dust **+ breathe(spirit from God)= **became **LIVING Soul … Gen 2:7

When we die… **dust **returns to ground, breathe(spirit) returns to God, Living soul becomes a **dead **soul.

Btw, not to pick on you…but as a communications major I have some pet peeves. One is proper grammar, spelling, etc. “breathe” [pronounced “breeth”] is a verb; what you do (i.e. “everybody, breathe”). “breath” [pronounced “breth”] is a noun; (i.e. “I can’t catch my breath!”).

Hope that helps you in the future. Godbless.

 

[BTTG]

Btw, not to pick on you…but as a communications major I have some pet peeves. One is proper grammar, spelling, etc. “breathe” [pronounced “breeth”] is a verb; what you do (i.e. “everybody, breathe”). “breath” [pronounced “breth”] is a noun; (i.e. “I can’t catch my breath!”).

Hope that helps you in the future. Godbless.

Hey, thanks for the lesson. My wife is always correcting my grammer.

I tell her she takes my breath away.

Craig

 

[Genesius]

Hey, thanks for the lesson. My wife is always correcting my grammer.

I tell her she takes my breath away.

Craig

No Problem…LOL.