What is the Purpose of Hell????

@bird123 (10632)
United States
May 4, 2012 10:03pm CST
Everything has a purpose. I'm trying to figure out just what purpose Hell serves. Can't be punishment. What good is punishment without the possibility of redemption? To punish for eternity could never be justice for any crime. Further, no lesson would be learned because the punishment never stops. Could it be just for threats? You kids better be good or you will fry. I would like to think that God with the ability to create universes doesn't have to resort to threats and intimidation to get the job done. There are better ways. Could it be to destroy evil and bad kids? Couldn't that be done without the cruelty of eternal suffering? Unless God is a monster, this won't happen. I can see only one purpose for Hell. The purpose is to scare people into believing what religion teaches. For those who won't believe, they create a terrible problem, Hell. Suddenly, you need them for help you solve that problem. Fear is a powerful tool that can be used to control a person's thinking. God might be above petty things such as threats and intimidation, however mankind is not. Hell is a creation of mankind. It doesn't really exist except as an idea meant to frighten. It doesn't come from God. God is Unconditional Love.
5 people like this
20 responses
@iuliuxd (4453)
• Romania
6 May 12
Hell is the place many of us choose as a place for living after we die. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. If God is love and we are created in his image and likeness then we won`t go to hell.Unless we are monsters who deserve to go there.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
7 May 12
Home made God??? I deal in reality and truth,not in the creation of beliefs or stories. As for people choosing where they want to live,wouldn't God be a monster if He even created a place where He knew people would fry for eternity?? Wish as some might for others to go to Hell, it's not going to happen. God is Unconditional Love not a monster.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
Can you really say that anyone deserves to go to Hell?? Can you really say anyone is not fixable, not teachable, or a total lost cause?? I'm sure mankind has a few candidates they would like to send to Hell, however God's capabilities span much further than the narrow thinking of mankind. Let's don't give up on those kiddies just yet.
@iuliuxd (4453)
• Romania
6 May 12
I`m sure your home made God can do a lot of things. My God doesn`t send people in hell, they are picking themselves the place they want to live in.
@samar54 (2454)
• Egypt
6 May 12
If human beings despite the faith of millions of them in hell, still disobey God and there are many who do not believe God exists, why deny that punish God for their infidelityby the human eye created them and create them with the earth, including the date and nature is beautiful and gave them the mind to think and get to know their Creator (swt) " Perish the human! How unthankful he is! From what did He create him? From a (sperm) drop He created him and then determined him, then eased his path for him, then causes him to die and buries him then, He will raise him when He wills. Indeed, he has not fulfilled that which He has ordered him. " ?Abasa - 17: 23
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
Hell would be no punishment. It would be hate and torture. God does not hate. Further, God doesn't have all those petty ego issues mankind carries around, like anger, hate, the need to control, the desire for power, the hurt of not being obeyed. One must remember. God is HIGH INTELLIGENCE. The wayward children are part of the scenario. It is part of learning. In time, everyone will learn regardless of how stubborn one might choose to be. There are better ways than destroying children and problems. All problems are meant to be solved not destroyed. That is where one attains great wisdom. The challenges are our blessings. God Is Unconditional Love. Why?? Because that is HIGH INTELLIGENCE!! Think about it.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
7 May 12
Can you really say there is justice in Hell?? As for comparing those who make good choices over those who make bad, goodness is it's own reward while bad choices bring hard lessons to learn. When our bad choices return to teach us, they don't feel good. We see the side we were blind to when we chose to begin with. In time, after acquiring great wisdom, we will realize that there is only one real choice, Unconditional Love. After all, that is what we all want.
@samar54 (2454)
• Egypt
6 May 12
But God is just , above all : Is equal to disbelieve Him and have spoken out altogether with their sins , and those who believe in Him and walked in His way ?
@marguicha (214281)
• Chile
5 May 12
I´m an agnostic, but I agree with you that hell serves no purpose. In fact, the only purpose I can see is when you want to swear. Even though I don´t think I have the capacity of understanding the meaning of God, I am sure about some attributions God cannot have. God does not punish. And we, human beings, are just a very small part of God´s work. Religions are quite outdated in many senses.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
I guess if Hell didn't exist in at least idea form, swearing might be a bit harder. That's a point I didn't consider. I once asked a priest what happens when he hits his finger with a hammer when he misses the nail while hammering. He replied he blesses it. Everyone laughed at his answer. Yes, religions will continue to get more and more outdated. Unlike science, they do not correct their errors. This will leave them vulnerable to anyone who thinks.
@marguicha (214281)
• Chile
6 May 12
I liked your priest´s story. Priests aren´t supposed to lie, I´d say. It´s ok if they believe their lies, but blessing the hammer is pushing it too far
@mythociate (21438)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
9 May 12
Well, that and -to satisfy do-gooders with the fate that they are avoiding. (That they'll 'see vengeance done upon their enemies' etc.) But on the first count--that Hell is a place to scare 'children' (and part of the mind is forever a child) out of selfish pleasure and greedy robbery--is true. It's kind of like 'corporal punishment' (spanking); rather than learn the rewards of good behavior, children simply behave to avoid what they fear (and then misbehave with even-worse consequences when they think they no longer need to fear the punishment). That is often seen in Christians, who--learning that they are always offered a way out of Hell--think it means they won't have to go through the Hell they build with their actions!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
10 May 12
Yes, you are saying a lot here. Your quote:It's kind of like 'corporal punishment' (spanking); rather than learn the rewards of good behavior, children simply behave to avoid what they fear (and then misbehave with even-worse consequences when they think they no longer need to fear the punishment). My answer;What are we teaching our children??? You have insight here. Corporal punishment is the easy way out to control children. Yes, it uses fear as mankind loves to use fear to control. I know it's much more work, however teaching our children is the better way. Reach their thinking minds rather than create fearful emotions. Your quote:That is often seen in Christians, who--learning that they are always offered a way out of Hell--think it means they won't have to go through the Hell they build with their actions! My answer: Very very good!!! Beliefs change nothing. Our actions return to teach us what they really mean. Even if one's actions are used in the name of God, it makes no difference. God loves us all enough that He will show us what our actions really mean. God will teach His children just as we should teach ours. Frying those kids is not the answer. Kids can be very smart. Parents should always strive to out think their children rather than merely hit them. With a little more work and effort, one can make a big difference in their children.
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
5 May 12
I agree with you completely. What you are saying makes a lot of sense. It is definitely used for fear. So many people are afraid that they will suffer eternally in hellfire.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Yes,I have a friend who stays with a religion he doesn't really believe in just in case there is a Hell. He says he doesn't want to take the chance. I think this is sad. It also shows that religion isn't all goodness. It's just like you said. One must see truth for what it is rather than let fear control our thinking. The real truth about God always adds up unlike those stories mankind tells.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 May 12
Yeah thoughts and beliefs about God have to make sense and add up like you mentioned. They can't be a contradiction. The Bible says God is love and so why would he cause people to burn forever. That just doesn't make sense. If a loving parent wouldn't place a child's hand on a stove for acting up, why would a loving God burn a person forever when he knows we are imperfect?
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
19 May 12
EXACTLY!! and when one finds something about God that doesn't add up, it's usually mankind who has their hand in it, creating a story to shape people's thinking to their will. God will always add up.
1 person likes this
• India
9 May 12
I think that hell is just here to make you just scared about the things, which makes you to do the things correctly and regularly .
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
9 May 12
Better be good or we'll fry ya!! Yes, I'd say that would scare most everyone. That is mankind's way to use fear. Isn't God supposed to be at a much higher level?? Does God really need to use fear?? There are better ways.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
5 May 12
Everything does have a purpose, and the purpose of hell is clearly to scare the devil out of christians. However it has another purpose which most christians will not admit to. The real purpose of hell is to collect money for the church. Christianity is a huge Scam that has been collecting money for the Roman Catholic Church for almost 2000 years. This Scam has made the aforesaid church the richest business in the world. Obviously The church is not interested in what religion teaches, as can be seen by the Church Hierarchy's abuse of children, and their attempt to buy it off with money, rather than to make it right by the imprisonment of those evil perpetrators!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Yes. no matter how mankind dances, God gets the truth out in the open. Case in point with the cover up of the abused children by the Catholic Church. Still, it's sad to know that so many are blind or brainwashed from seeing the truth. See how many still follow blindly. One must be brave enough to see truth and value it over any beliefs. God wants us all to have and value the truth. When the abused children cover up came out, every Catholic in the world should have marched on the Vatican. It is all of our duty to teach God to everyone including those we choose for leaders. One should never blindly stand by and ignore the truth. Barehugs, you are right. So many times it all comes down to Money. What are they teaching the world through their actions??? Indeed, it is sad.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
6 May 12
Hi bird, It is very obvious that the only reason for hell is to scare people and it has served the church well for two thousand years. Sadly it has done more harm than anything else invented by the church. It's hard to believe that parents allow this to be taught to their children today. In my upbringing, it wasn't talked about much because my parents didn't believe in frightening children, but I heard enough from others that it had a detrimental effect on much of my early life. I can only imagine what the children of fundamentalist children much go through. As you say God is unconditional love. Blessings.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
7 May 12
Perhaps, religious people should take a doctor's oath in that they will do no harm first. I guess many do not realize the evil and harm in it. Still all people have the choice of what they give the world. If everyone stuck with love and kindness, helpfulness and encouragement, what a wonderful world would come from that. We all will learn in time.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
5 May 12
To me, in this modern age, the purpose of hell is to scare little children into doing what they're told.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Yes, you are right. Is this the Intelligent, Honorable and Kind way to do it?? It does seem like an all too petty a way to attempt the control of children. In addition, what are the kiddies learning through all this?? Honesty and Integrity is not it.
• Mexico
6 May 12
Hi bird: I believe in the concept of hell but not as a place of punishment but the consequence of your actions. People who come to hell suffers because they don't have the love from God but it's not because God wants to punish them. It's just the result of their actions. If all of your life you don't have the love of God in your heart, God won't make you be near to him. ALVARO
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
When one's actions return to show them what their choices really mean,this can seem like Hell to some. It is merely a learning experience. It isn't for eternity. God's love for us all is Unconditional. If one has no love in their heart for God, God will love them anyway and teach them the truth. God has no ego to bruise or pride to get in the way simply because His children might choose a bad choice. God never abandons His children. In time, we will not only know God's Unconditional Love for us, we will learn to love others unconditionally as well.
• Philippines
7 May 12
Hell is somewhat or more borrowed from the Greeks IMO. You know the underworld sort of thing. Hades or Pluto is the god of the underworld and the story spread on until it ended up in the bible. It is just my opinion. It may be a word that shouldn't be found in the dictionary but its importance is apparent once you are stuck in a difficult situation and the only way for others to help you is to say you are caught in hell..
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
8 May 12
Religion and religious beliefs are tied together much more than people realize. A good story is just hard to forget. The idea of an underworld has been around for a very long time.
@nihalar (29)
• Qatar
8 May 12
God have given you two paths. The good path and the wrong path. It's you who select the write path. Also you have holy books like quran, bible to select ur path. Just think if there would be no hell, it wouldbe like a world with no courts and no jail. That means anyone can do anything. So hell is must!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
9 May 12
Don't all actions bring consequences?? You love then love returns. You hate then hate returns. In time, we all learn the right path from what returns to us. There is no need to hate,to threaten,to torture or fry anyone for any reason. That is not nor ever will be justice regardless of who wants Hell to exist. It doesn't. There are better ways than mankind's ways. If one discovers God without the influence of people who want to shape your thinking, It is easy to see the difference between mankind's holy books and the Real God. We are all going to like the Real God so much better. God loves us all Unconditionally. That's a far cry from what mankind claims God to be. They do not really know God.
• India
6 May 12
I believe that hell is not a real. It is just to scare you.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
You are right. It is sad that so many live in fear of Hell and God. It is an evil generated by religion.
• United States
6 May 12
I kinda agree with you. I think that hell is a concept to scare people. I don't believe in hell, I do believe in God, but hell just dosen't seem feasible. However the concept of hell can scare a lot of people. If there was nothing to fear, then why would people follow a religion? They most likley wouldn't. Heaven is more like a reward for people who are good on earth. I think hell is really just a concept and not a place that exists. It's simply there for fear.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 May 12
Yes, Hell is a problem created by religion so you will follow them for the cure. I wonder why religion can not see the evil in this. Of course, they benefit with followers. That is probably the most important thing to them.
@ferritic (82)
• Philippines
5 May 12
bird123, Greetings! In the beginning, when Lucifer sinned because of pride by not wanting to take care of the humans, a simple being, whereas Lucifer is a seraphim, the highest among the angels, a third of the angels sided with Lucifer and the great battle in heaven commenced. Lucifer and his angels were banished from heaven to hell. No one can enter heaven without being purified therefore they have to be cleansed and purified in purgatory. Purgatory and Hell is similar, they have the same h eat intensity but they are different for purgatory is only temporary while hell is forever. The second coming of Christ will separate those souls in purgatory that will go to heaven or eternally goes to hell. The main purpose of hell is to contain all the bad beings who rebel against God. Ferritic
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Can you really believe all those stories that you tell? God isn't running things like mankind would. Your stories are not viable. No one rebels against God in the first place. Does one rebel against Unconditional Love? There are many ways to teach lessons on pride without abandoning or throwing out the kids. Of course, if you think like mankind, this is a viable option when in reality it is not.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
5 May 12
It's the creation of Satan so all his followers and worshippers can have an everlasting dwelling place in their netherworld without the need to wonder around during the beginning phase of afterlife. It is neither created by mankind nor God. But it does mentioned often by high priest,iman, preacher, monk and rabbis while performing services to their adherents. For some it is just an opposite to paradise where the love of their divine shower upon them in their afterlife.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
I guess with all good stories one must have opposing sides. So now you say Satan created Hell. Like with all good stories, everyone has their version. Still, one must question why, in your story, God is not capable of doing something about Hell? Why does God choose to live without certain children?? Children making bad choices is no excuse. There is always a way to reach children.
@vandana7 (98517)
• India
5 May 12
Yeah ..god is unconditional love alright. You know my opinion on this bird. :) At the risk of repeating myself, when we are young, we dont fully understand all emotions. So our society leaders came up with methods to control wrong on our part. That is how heaven and hell came into picture.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Yes, many of these religious concepts become very powerful when implemented at an early age. Many are taught to believe blindly rather than Think for themselves. I know it is hard for some, however we are meant to become more than the sum of our teachings. For many, it will take a lifetime to really see daylight. We must shine the light of reason, logic, and knowledge for those around us might have the opportunity to see truth. I believe there comes a time in every life when truth becomes important and the stories just won't do. It's important that truth is in the world regardless of the drama so when the time is right, it can be discovered. Mankind works hard to shape the learning process, however God has a hand in it too. Truth will be drawn to the eager student who hungers to discover the real truth. As with everything, the choices are ours to make. It is too important to allow others to make our choices for us. So we must ask ourselves. What do we really want? Truth or just stories and beliefs.
@heartbit (237)
• Philippines
5 May 12
the purpose of hell is for us people to do good here on earth while we are still alive so that when we die, our souls wont go there. but personally, i dont think God will allow us to be there. im sure God will give us several chances to learn our lessons here on earth and redeem ourselves.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Is fear really an intelligent choice to get people to do good??? I think not. It can only be used by those who lack the intelligence to have a better way. I agree. God could never be a monster who would really fry His kids.
@AidaLily (1450)
• United States
5 May 12
The purpose of hell in my opinion has several purposes. As a firm believer, that the bible was created by mankind and not inspired by God because honestly there are too many things seem off about it. I believe that hell has two purposes for people who aren't able to fully think on their own. 1. Hell is to cast fear into people so that they will do good. Unfortunately, you run into people who don't believe in Hell, God, or religion and still do good things without the need to be scared into it. I have meant religious people who don't understand how anyone can do good if they don't follow religion like they were taught. Some pastors, including one at the church down the street from my house when I used to go, will tell you and I quote "Those people doing good aren't doing any 'good' at all but following the devil's path and giving their souls to him. It only seems like its good but it can not be good for they do not follow the true word God as written in the bible." 2. I also believe Hell serves another purpose using fear rather than just to make people be "good". I believe the fear of not existing is a fear a lot of people have and few will admit. They are scared to no longer exist and even if it is eternal damnation in a horrible place filled with eternal punishment then they still exist. You could have also asked "What is the purpose of heaven?" The answer based on 1&2 above: If you "rule" with too much fear then you will have people who will eventually rise against you and try to tear apart the organization (governments, religion, etc.). However, if offer a chance at an everlasting good life in a wonderful place then there you have it. If you follow you get rewarded, if you don't believe then you are sentence to hell. Both places are used as a sort of scare tactic. Hell - to get people in there by using fear. Heaven - to keep people when they start to become disillusioned by "threatening" that they will never be able to go to such a place if they don't follow.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
You are right. To paint the true picture of religion, Heaven must be included as part of the tactics. If it was fear alone, I can see the revolt in time. Good point! We are all spiritual beings in our true natures. Deep down, we are all eternal. Deep down, we all know it. Perhaps that is why the concept of not being is frightening. The threat of eternal suffering compare to eternal bliss is a powerful tool to shape other's thinking. One must strive for truth and realty for a good story told convincingly can lead one most anywhere. Does one want truth or just a good story? I demand truth, however many choose which simply feels the best. A lesson for some to learn in time.
@factorial (977)
• Philippines
5 May 12
What is the purpose of hell? Simple! A place where people who did not love God are placed.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
5 May 12
Everyone loves God regardless of any action they might take. How many people walk away from unconditional love?? Deep down, we all know God. We all love God even those who do not now realize this.