Hell

[denuseri]

As interesting as a side bar on religion vs other methodologies for going to war can be.....perhaps its time we shifted the focus back to the topic. Personally, I don't believe its all that nessesary for every single thread on theological topics to be turned into a bully pulpit / soap box for religion bashing.

Especially when it continues to be derogatory in nature despite professed efforts to the contrary.

That topic being if I recall answering the following paraphrased questions:

Who presented the idea of hell and why?

Does hell exist?

Does there have to be a hell to make us behave?

What is good behaviour?

What role does the concept of hell or no hell play in our being capeable of living with injustice in this life?

[Thorne]

Who presented the idea of hell and why?

I can't say who first presented it, but I would wager that the reason was to frighten people into behaving themselves.

Does hell exist?

There's certainly no evidence for it. But you can never prove a negative, so the best we can say is, probably not.

Does there have to be a hell to make us behave?

I certainly don't need it, but if that's all that keeps someone from going out and raping or killing people, then by all means let them keep believing.

What is good behaviour?

Good behavior is treating others with the same courtesy and respect with which you would like to be treated.

What role does the concept of hell or no hell play in our being capeable of living with injustice in this life?

Again, I don't think hell has anything to do with it. We should fight injustice regardless. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

[Thorne]

As per denuseri's request, I've started a new thread. I welcome any points of view. Just keep it civil, please.