How Do You Define Heaven and Hell?

Published on April 21, 2004 By JillUser In Religion

I used to think there was really only one outlook on Heaven and Hell. Heaven was the whole Pearly Gates scenario and Hell is the Fire and Brimstone scenario. I have always thought those deinitions were too simplistic to buy. I also fall short of grasping the concept of eternal bliss or eternal torture. I find it hard to think of anything I would want to do forever or anything that I think is bad enough to warrant eternal torture.

This leads me to wonder what other people regard as Heaven and Hell. Sherye mentioned that she thought that Heaven was being in God's presence and Hell is being deprived of Him. What is your take on the subject?

I tend to think that they are the ultimate in parental reward and punishment claims, i.e. if you behave we will get a toy (promising Heaven) or if you don't behave you are going to get a spank (threatening Hell). Heaven is the carrot some need and Hell is the stick others need. Maybe they are just stories to keep us in line.

Comments (Page 3)

Wahkonta Anathema

on Apr 23, 2004

This is one of the best discussions I've yet seen here. I am awestruck by the depthof thought so many have given this matter. I won't chime in as I am not ready to impart or add to this - yet. I am intrigued by one comment mainly, though not only, as several are quite insightful.

Shulamite: I have heard it said when one follows the 'kaballah' to enlightenment, one will come to a room with steps that appear as moving glass reflected, but if one says, "water, water" one sins and so loses. For it is in fact pure molecularly perfect marble, which would appear this way.

If your insight into the "pearl" line is on this vein, I would like to read more on it. I think someone else - 'Molly' - also said she'd like to read more on this line. I do hope you'll provide reference or guidance on this further.

This thread is so good, I may download it for future use in discussion and meditation on this topic. Thank you all and Blog ON.

gothic impulse

on Apr 23, 2004

I believe that heaven and hell ... good and evil ..... eternal love ..are within us all. It is our choice to make of them what we will.
To blame others ..be they supposed higher powers is merely a cop out. People need to look for rewards and punishments in this life not the hereafter.

dwill00484

on Apr 23, 2004

It is commonly believed today that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the body. Jesus affirmed the Biblical truth that the dead "are conscious of nothing at all," that they are asleep, as it were. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11-13) Life would be restored by means of a resurrection-'a standing up again' from the sleep of death. (John 5:28, 29) An immortal soul, if it existed, would need no resurrection, since immortality precludes death.

Jesus even demonstrated the Biblical teaching of the resurrection by raising people from the dead. Take the example of Lazarus, who was dead for four days. When Jesus resurrected him, Lazarus came out from the tomb a living, breathing human. No immortal soul slipped back from heavenly bliss into his body when Lazarus awoke from the dead. If that were the case, Jesus would hardly have done him a favor by resurrecting him!-John 11:39, 43, 44.

IT CAME about that as [Elijah and Elisha] were walking along, speaking as they walked, why, look! a fiery war chariot and fiery horses, and they proceeded to make a separation between them both; and Elijah went ascending in the windstorm to the heavens."-2 Kings 2:11.The term,heavens, sometimes applies to the spiritual dwelling place of God and his angelic sons. (Matthew 6:9; 18:10) "Heavens" may also denote the physical universe. (Deuteronomy 4:19) And the Bible uses this term to refer to earth's immediate atmosphere, where birds fly and winds blow.-Psalm 78:26; Matthew 6:26. Elijah was still on earth years later, for he wrote a letter to King Jehoram of Judah. (2 Chronicles 21:1, 12-15) Jesus Christ said "No man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man," that is, Jesus himself. (John 3:13) The way to heavenly life was first opened up to imperfect humans after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.-John 14:2, 3; Hebrews 9:24; 10:19, 20.

Changeling1971

on Apr 23, 2004

I'm working on how to put this into words but I think that heaven and hell aren't places or things. Heaven and Hell is a state of mind. I'll post more when I can put it into proper words.

Suspeckted

on Apr 23, 2004

Heaven: Breakfast Buffet
Hell: Flat tires and Broken Chain

pegb2

on Apr 23, 2004

What an interesting discussion. It is nice to read something with insight from obviously educated people. I do not think about heaven or hell any more. I just live my life as it comes. I used to think about it when I was younger, but now it really does not matter. We believe what we have been taught.

pegb2

on Apr 23, 2004

JillUser

on Apr 23, 2004

pegb2, I agree it is so nice that we have an insightful, educated and I believe entertaining discussion going on. You say we believe what we have been taught. My parents taught me to seek my own truths. So where does that leave me? That is why I wrote this. To find out what others believe. To try to see things through someone else's eyes.

Suspeckted, you crack me up!

Suspeckted

on Apr 23, 2004

Well I'm glad you got a chuckle out of it. Forgive me, but Friday is usually my day reserved for sarcastic responses so I wanted to make sure I was making my quota. Well back to work, time to fight over the swings with 4 year olds.

greywar

on Apr 23, 2004

Hell for me would be Wahkonta Anethema with a slide show and unlimited time.

Heaven is actually living somewhere near the same state as my wife.

JillUser

on Apr 24, 2004

I like the way you think greywar. Thanks for the light hearted comments.

dwill00484

on Apr 24, 2004

However my dear friend we are able to teach ourselves. I don't know your age but some parents did not see danger in letting a teething child to chew on painted surfaces. Now we know that there are hazards in this practice. Jesus said in John 17:3 3 This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. So to take in this knowledge we must learn. Even a court official recognized that he needed to learn more about spiritual things.( see Acts 8:26-39)

We may unitentionaly have been taught things that are not true so follow the counsel at 1Thessalonians 5: 21 Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. If someone tells you something from the Bible make them show you the proof and research it until you are satisfied of what the truth is.

JillUser

on Apr 24, 2004

dwill00484, how does anyone prove anything from the Bible? I surely haven't heard and successful proofs or disproofs yet.

dwill00484

on Apr 25, 2004

I will show you how to do research. I do apologize that I am running short on time today as I have a class to attend,however keep watching and I will be back. Hopefully you have a Bible and access to some sort of encyclopedia. It may be tommorrow before I can get back.

JillUser

on Apr 25, 2004

Don't bother. Been there done that. My Bible is so marked up and dog eared you'd be surprised. You are fooling yourself. You can't prove anything. It is a matter of faith. If you have faith, then you see proof. If you don't, you see stories.

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