Should the Church reconsider its position on hell?

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nucatholic:
My priest always tells us that Hell is locked from the inside. If you are there, it is your own fault. There is surely a Hell for the Bible and the Church tell us so.
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That is somewhat the way I see it. It is what you have chosen and it is your fault that you remain there. Those who are in hell are so obstinate and lacking in love and repentance that they will not repent no matter what.
 
when you die…you either go to Heaven or hell…

no need to sugarcoat it…purgatory,no such thing…If any one who has read the bible at least 1 time…they understand …purgatory…satans way of saying you can be kinda good…then go to purgatory…(no such thing)
READ THE BIBLE…unless the catholic “priest” say not too…

That’s what my priest told me…"it’s not important’ just follow the catechism…
Just like the cross…not as important as what the “priest, pope, whoever” says at the time…Jesus must have died in vain…so sad for most Catholics…Just trust in Mary…she will lead you out of hell…

No offense but…Jesus is sinless…Mary, born into sin…just like us all…Mary died and went to Heaven (I’m assuming)…she gave birth to Jesus…YAY…we all no that…She was a sinner like all of us…unless of course you all put her on a pedistal…what is that line…hmmmmmmmm not worshipping any other gods …idols…etc
What is mary then…another god…ok…so she is the mother of Jesus…she also came short…she cannot pray for us sinners…(she is dead)you go directly to Jesus…unless you rather go to mary…the DEAD cannot hear us…

Nowhere in the bible it says Mary was assumed…if it was sooo important it would have been written…she is not being “protected”…come on…I believe she is in Heaven but cannot contact us…she was a sinner just like all of us…the bible does NOT say she was assumed into heaven…if it was soo important it would have said it…MARY died and cannot pray for any sinners…sheesh…READ the bible unless your priest told you it’s not necisary…(like mine)He is coming again soon…are you worthy?..You will see…Mary died…
 
God is the one that would reconsider anything…Us humans…who gave any one of us the authority?
 
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foofydo:
when you die…you either go to Heaven or hell…

no need to sugarcoat it…purgatory,no such thing…If any one who has read the bible at least 1 time…they understand …purgatory…satans way of saying you can be kinda good…then go to purgatory…(no such thing)
READ THE BIBLE…unless the catholic “priest” say not too…

That’s what my priest told me…"it’s not important’ just follow the catechism…
Just like the cross…not as important as what the “priest, pope, whoever” says at the time…Jesus must have died in vain…so sad for most Catholics…Just trust in Mary…she will lead you out of hell…

No offense but…Jesus is sinless…Mary, born into sin…just like us all…Mary died and went to Heaven (I’m assuming)…she gave birth to Jesus…YAY…we all no that…She was a sinner like all of us…unless of course you all put her on a pedistal…what is that line…hmmmmmmmm not worshipping any other gods …idols…etc
What is mary then…another god…ok…so she is the mother of Jesus…she also came short…she cannot pray for us sinners…(she is )you go directly to Jesus…unless you rather go to mary…the cannot hear us…

Nowhere in the bible it says Mary was assumed…if it was sooo important it would have been written…she is not being “protected”…come on…I believe she is in Heaven but cannot contact us…she was a sinner just like all of us…the bible does NOT say she was assumed into heaven…if it was soo important it would have said it…MARY died and cannot pray for any sinners…sheesh…READ the bible unless your priest told you it’s not necisary…(like mine)He is coming again soon…are you worthy?..You will see…Mary died…
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Hmmmm, care to explain 1 John 5:
16 If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not ly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not ly. There is such a thing as ly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not ly.
Or 1 Cor. 3:

12 If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire (itself) will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. 15 But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire.

Purgatory has nothing to do with with Satan. In fact, I am sure Satan detests the place and God’s Mercy to the individuals there. As far as the intercession of the saints you should read this:
catholic.com/library/Intercession_of_the_Saints.asp

And not everything Jesus did or said is in the Bible (Gospel of John 21):

24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

And as for Mary being born into sin, how do you account for the Gospel of Luke 1:

28 And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.http://www.scriptours.com/images/spacer.gif
29 Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.30 And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.

If someone was born into sin, how would Mary be “full of Grace”??? Hope this helps. Thanks and God Bless.
 
As long as God allows free will, Hell must exist.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In order for us to have Heaven, we must have Hell.

Hell is a fascinating topic - ranging from a garbage dump to fire and brimstone to mere separation from God (which is the most tortous mart if you ask me). Ranging from a place to a state of being… What exactly Heaven and Hell are could always use more investigation and more information.
 
JOHN PAUL II GENERAL AUDIENCE

Wednesday 28 July 1999
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*Dear Brothers and Sisters,*

1. God is the infinitely good and merciful Father. But man, called to respond to him freely, can unfortunately choose to reject his love and forgiveness once and for all, thus separating himself for ever from joyful communion with him. It is precisely this tragic situation that Christian doctrine explains when it speaks of eternal damnation or hell. It is not a punishment imposed externally by God but a development of premises already set by people in this life. The very dimension of unhappiness which this obscure condition brings can in a certain way be sensed in the light of some of the terrible experiences we have suffered which, as is commonly said, make life “hell”.
In a theological sense however, hell is something else: it is the ultimate consequence of sin itself, which turns against the person who committed it. It is the state of those who definitively reject the Father’s mercy, even at the last moment of their life.
  1. To describe this reality Sacred Scripture uses a symbolical language which will gradually be explained. In the Old Testament the condition of the dead had not yet been fully disclosed by Revelation. Moreover it was thought that the dead were amassed in Sheol, a land of darkness (cf. Ez 28:8; 31:14; Jb 10:21f.; 38:17; Ps 30:10; 88:7, 13), a pit from which one cannot reascend (cf. Jb 7:9), a place in which it is impossible to praise God (cf. Is 38:18; Ps 6:6).
The New Testament sheds new light on the condition of the dead, proclaiming above all that Christ by his Resurrection conquered death and extended his liberating power to the kingdom of the dead.

Redemption nevertheless remains an offer of salvation which it is up to people to accept freely. This is why they will all be judged “by what they [have done]” (Rv 20:13). By using images, the New Testament presents the place destined for evildoers as a fiery furnace, where people will “weep and gnash their teeth” (Mt 13:42; cf. 25:30, 41), or like Gehenna with its “unquenchable fire” (Mk 9:43). All this is narrated in the parable of the rich man, which explains that hell is a place of eternal suffering, with no possibility of return, nor of the alleviation of pain (cf. Lk 16:19-31).

The Book of Revelation also figuratively portrays in a “pool of fire” those who exclude themselves from the book of life, thus meeting with a “second death” (Rv 20:13f.). Whoever continues to be closed to the Gospel is therefore preparing for “eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thes 1:9).

Cont…
 
  1. The images of hell that Sacred Scripture presents to us must be correctly interpreted. They show the complete frustration and emptiness of life without God. Rather than a place, hell indicates the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy. This is how the *Catechism of the Catholic Church *summarizes the truths of faith on this subject: “To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell’” (n. 1033).
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    “Eternal damnation”, therefore, is not attributed to God's initiative because in his merciful love he can only desire the salvation of the beings he created. In reality, it is the creature who closes himself to his love. Damnation consists precisely in definitive separation from God, freely chosen by the human person and confirmed with death that seals his choice for ever. God’s judgement ratifies this state.

4. Christian faith teaches that in taking the risk of saying “yes” or “no”, which marks the human creature’s freedom, some have already said no. They are the spiritual creatures that rebelled against God’s love and are called demons (cf. *Fourth Lateran Council, *DS 800-801). What happened to them is a warning to us: it is a continuous call to avoid the tragedy which leads to sin and to conform our life to that of Jesus who lived his life with a “yes” to God.

Eternal damnation remains a real possibility, but we are not granted, without special divine revelation, the knowledge of whether or which human beings are effectively involved in it. The thought of hell — and even less the improper use of biblical images — must not create anxiety or despair, but is a necessary and healthy reminder of freedom within the proclamation that the risen Jesus has conquered Satan, giving us the Spirit of God who makes us cry “Abba, Father!” (*Rm* 8:15; *Gal* 4:6).
    This prospect, rich in hope, prevails in Christian proclamation. It is effectively reflected in the liturgical tradition of the Church, as the words of the Roman Canon attest: “Father, accept this offering from your whole family … save us from final damnation, and count us among those you have chosen”.
 
How on earth can anyone even think that the Church could “reconsider” a dogma? Hell’s reality was given us by Jesus himself! We may not be about to understand it. We may not want there to be a hell. But, our understanding and wants cannot change reality.

HELL IS REAL!
I remember hearing a story about a man who told Padre Pio that he does not go to Confession/Reconciliation because he does not believe in hell. Padre Pio told him that he’ll believe when he gets there!
 
The only way to erase the existence of hell from people living is by you preventing everyone from entering there while they still have time, teaching the way to live, and avoiding sins.
Maybe hell will be emptied soon. So why don’t you go do that…
 
Steven Merten:
Hello Romano,

Do you agree that It is Jesus who teaches us about eternal damnation.
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Yes.
How could the Church disregard Jesus teachings on eternal punishment no matter who said differently.
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It can’t and won’t. But there are mysteries involved which are far above our unaided minds to comprehend.
Please visit WARNING! Jesus Does Not Forgive All

NAB MAT 25:41Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
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**…**Peace in Christ,
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Steven Merten
www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com
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Ecc 12:7 And the dust return into its earth, from whence it was, and the spirit return to God, who gave it.

Does this verse not mean that all of us have a spirit given by God and that this spirit will return to God who gave it when we die?

What does “return to God” mean to a soul that dies in a state of mortal sin?

Now when a child has done something wrong, he runs from his parents to avoid punishment. But he must return to his parents and when he does, punishment ensues. Is that what will happen to the wayward soul when it returns to God?

Does the same fire burn in Hell, Purgatory and in Heaven? The Seraphim are said to be creatures of fire. God, Himself is a consuming fire. Hell is a consuming fire.

Hell is said to be eternal? Yet God is the only one that can be eternal. Eternal means no beginning and no end, doesn’t it?

**1035 **The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

Sincerely,

De Maria
 
Steven Merten:
Hello Romano,

Do you agree that It is Jesus who teaches us about eternal damnation. How could the Church disregard Jesus teachings on eternal punishment no matter who said differently.

Please visit WARNING! Jesus Does Not Forgive All
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Hi Steven:

Thanks for the link and the collection of quotes. I have read the NT. So, however, has St Isaac the Syrian and he has a rather different take on things to yours, as does Julian of Norwich.

I wonder if you know Alexander Kalomiros’ ‘The River of Fire’:

philthompson.net/pages/library/riveroffire.html
 
I never liked the teaching that if one misses Mass; one goes to hell.
 
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Sirach14:
I never liked the teaching that if one misses Mass; one goes to hell.
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Me neither, especially if it’s a Novus Ordo Mass that one misses.
 
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Sirach14:
I never liked the teaching that if one misses Mass; one goes to hell.
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Teachings are not there to be liked or loved or disliked or loathed. They are there to be followed.

Your not liking them makes no difference on the outcome of missing Mass through ones own laziness.
 
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Zooey:
Good grief!!! No, no, a thousand times no!!!
I said this some time ago, in a thread on universalism, & I will repeat it here:
Adolf Hitler & St, Teresa of Avila having teaparties in Heaven ?? I think :nope: NOT!!!
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I absolutely believe that there is a place known as “hell” and that people go there when they refuse to become a part of God’s love. But…and this is a big BUT…how do we know what was in Hitler’s heart when he died? How do we know what took place between him and God? We don’t know and God is the only one who can make that final judgement.
 
I voted yes.

The Church needs to start preaching its reality again.
 
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huskerfan:
I absolutely believe that there is a place known as “hell” and that people go there when they refuse to become a part of God’s love. But…and this is a big BUT…how do we know what was in Hitler’s heart when he died? How do we know what took place between him and God? We don’t know and God is the only one who can make that final judgement.
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Since I’ve had 2 similar reactions, I want to explain myself. I am not in charge (thank God!!) of who goes where. I do not pretend to know who is saved & who is lost. I was indulging in a figure of speech. We see the lives of the saints. We see the lives of those who hate God & all that goes with a belief in God. There is clearly a great difference here.
I am* not* claiming to know who is in Heaven. I am not claiming to knoiw who is in Hell.** What I am pointing out, however, is that if simple (&sinful) human justice clearly calls for rewards for the just, & punishment for evil,**how much more, the justice of the One God, the perfectly Holy God of the universe??
 
If one is to believe ‘The Revelation of Paul’ (which of course I guess you are free to accept or reject, as it is not one of the ‘canonical’ books); Hell is a very real and extremely frightening place to be, and those who refuse to repent of their sins, will find themselves there; Purgatory (not called as such, in so many words) is a place one goes to if they are not fully righteous, yet not completely unrepentent. Over time (under the guidance of Michael, it appears), those souls in purgatory work at improving themselves, and when the day of judgement arrives, they will be allowed into heaven. (Provided they are deemed worthy) Heaven is where the righteous are to be found.

If the above, is the case, then I see no reason for the church to relax its opinion on hell.

Peace be with you all, and those whom you love.🙂
 
Hell is a rejection of God’s love. That falls under the free will category. It is a choice we make, not one based on God’s infinite love (He gave us the power to reject Him). It is much like a parent loves his/her child regardless of what the child feels. Hell makes perfect sense to me it that sense. Don’t see why the church would want to change its opinion.

Eamon
 
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