| Stuff like Hell |
|
| |
I wander sometimes about stuff like hell. I don't think of myself as morbid or fixated on eternal punishment. But I do think that topics like the biblical concept of hell deserve thoughtful, intelligent and biblically respectful reflection.
So what are we looking at here; Jonathan Edwards hell, where poor sinners experience eternal torment in literal flames? If so, what do we do with the "fire and darkness" language that we find side by side in scripture (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30 etc.)? How can flames be dark? And what kind of impact do literal flames have on a spiritual being?
Could the language of hell be an example of Rabbinic hyperbole (see William Crockett among others) similar to the language Jesus used when he advised plucking out ones eye when tempted to lust or "hating" mother and father? If so, would that language not adequately communicate the seriousness of entering eternity disconnected from God without the necessity of making hell literal?
I don't claim a lot of answers (and to be honest I tend to distrust those who do) but I do believe that hell is like the drunk uncle that embarrasses everybody at family reunions. Everybody knows he's there but they just try to ignore him. Nobody talks about hell anymore including those that claim to believe in a literal hell. (When was the last time you heard a sermon on hell?)
Perhaps we need to get past our fear and open a dialogue where all kinds of opinions can be expressed without fear of excommunication. Just wandering. |
|
|
|
| May 07, 2008 |
 |
|
|
| Hell. What a thought provoking subject. Can it be that Hell is like the dump outside ancient Jerusalem where human bones and flesh were mixed with the stench of human waste, rotting leftovers and diseased rats? Or is Hell how some people describe their tormented lives in this day and time? Or...is Hell merely the absence of God? I tend to believe that Hell is the absence of God. That, in itself, can bring all kinds of stench and torment. Loneliness can be unbearable when there is no one to turn to. That's my idea of Hell. |
|
|
| June 01, 2008 |
|
|
|
Hey Rob I like your blog about hell. And Ed I agree with you, if I understood you right, hell for me (at least on earth) is the absence of God. I do believe in the place of hell, like heaven for when these earthly vessels are used up. I hope you like the poem.
Polymorphic Perdition
roam and search the past for hope
none do I find as I traverse
the landscape of my history
clinging, cringing, crying
inadequate to the marrow
rainbow canvas gathers magenta mountains
neighbored of taut golden desert
oh barren heart of what do you weep
treasure buried beyond my reach
loneliness pulsates through my veins
solitary sane thought drowned by rushing blood
fear has me tethered to this circle of despair
imprisoned in the mental quagmire
no one to dig me out
no one to dig me out
where is my God
when I cling, cringe, cry
He waits and weeps
buried beyond my reach
fear and darkness my familiar tools
cover the light of His joy
blinding me from the truth
doomed draped over His peace
but my God is always here
in the hollow of my heart
awaiting my return
to His humble abode
and the comfort of His perfect love
jma 07-98
this was written when I was still searching for that relationship with God that I didn't know was available any time I was ready to be involved |
|
|
| June 01, 2008 |
|
|
|
The Traditional Hell as preached in modern times does not exist.
Just like the God that many in this world Hate.....That god does not exist either.
yes they hate, but they do not hate the real one (God) they hate the traditional one. Even with unbelief. They do not believe in the traditional god as taught by flawed mankind dwelling in his self created garbage dump of human concepts.
Truth ain't for sissy's ! It is only for the wise and strong and dedicated of the Lord.
The cross has obliterated all sin, and as for all the Hell's where ever they are, they also have been conquered by the Lord himself, and without the help or faith of any man.
Enjoy your eternity with the real God, if you are so blessed to know him.
Kw |
|
Follow this blog
