Is this world literally a giant prison? How many religious texts say it is?
By EvanHunter
@EvanHunter (4026)
United States
January 5, 2010 10:42am CST
For the fallen angels earth is surely a prison. Luke 10:18-20 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
I have seen a lot of theories lately that say this world might be a prison planet. The Buddhist belief of of the wheel of life of death and rebirth until we reach some higher existence really can only be described as a prison of souls although some may see it as a school.
Than we have things like the Van Allen belts, angels or beings that watch over us and are keeping track of our deeds. It can kind of make you wonder if there might be a bit of truth to the idea.
I myself think that if this is true than maybe it isn't a prison but a mental institution for the criminally insane. Take a look around! hehe
So what do you have to add to the discussion to either support or deny that we might be in one big prison waiting for our day to be paroled?
3 people like this
8 responses
@PastorP (1170)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Greetings EvanHunter.
From what I see in the Holy Bible our world is not a prison for the fallen angels. Luke 10:18-20 only indicates they are here and the true believer in the will of God has authority over those buggers.
Based on Colossians 1 (one of these days I will be allowed to copy and paste) those who are not committed to Christ are in the kingdom of darkness. There's other verses like that. In Revelation we learn that Babylon will be the cage of every unclean bird (representative of an unsaved individual).
I see there's a quote from the Koran above which I would agree with.
1 person likes this
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Thank you for the reply PatorP, I agree there is a lot more freedom that comes from being born again in the spirit. It lifts a lot of life's burdens from our shoulders and regrets.
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Thank you for the reply Classy. It could be that we were meant to be the wardens but somehow as I look around I think the inmates have taken over! Just kidding.
@ClassyCat (1214)
• United States
6 Jan 10
This world is not a prison to me. The Bible says that when God finished with His creation, that He say that it was very good. So, why would I look at something He created and gave me authority over as being bad or a prison?
There is absolute fulfillment in my relationship with Christ, and His peace is unexplainable.
We should all be more concentrated on our blessings, and the good things in life.
Our world only 'becomes' a prison when 'we' are the most important one in it. Doing things for others just because it's a good thing to do, and being a blessing to whomever will allow you to be to them - - that is what makes a day a little brighter - for them and for the one who is being the blesser.
nuff said.
C. C.
@Gordano (795)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Hello EvanHunter,
Once I read your post, I remembered a Hadith about the prophet Muhammad PBUH :
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
The world is a prison-house for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer.
from translation of Sahih Muslim Book 42, Number 7058:
which means, this life is very difficult for a true believer, they have to pray, fast, do good things, pass tests and struggles. For one who has no faith they do whatever they wish and have no limits so this is essence their Hereafter.
Best Regards!
1 person likes this
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Thank you for the reply. Yes I guess if this is all that you want than it is your heaven, what a dismal heaven it would be considered to what we have been promised.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
5 Jan 10
i wonder sometimes if earth isn't hell.
after all,how would we know? it certainly would explain a thing or two about the world.
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
5 Jan 10
Thank you for your reply. As you said how would we know. The insane asylum still gets my vote...lol, just kidding.
1 person likes this
@venkatachary (1165)
• India
5 Jan 10
I agree we are in a big prison only. Prison means within four walls with no escape because of tight security. Similarly, we can not leave as and when we desire. When one get good name in the Prison, one is likely to get released/freed soon. Similarly, we do good deed as long as we are in the big Prison to get us relieved to Heaven.
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
5 Jan 10
Thank you for your reply. I was wondering what faith you are of, if you don't mind answering.
@venkatachary (1165)
• India
6 Jan 10
I believe in Hinduism. But all religion teaches the same. The religion gives the rules and regulations to lead a happy life. But those who follow have safe heavens.
@pascal187 (93)
• China
6 Jan 10
even if there wasn't scripture to back up that theory, i mean you can just look at life and see the prison conditions. i mean u need registration to go anywhere. you have curfews,(may not seem like it but you get charged for loitering). Prison it self is just a harsher form of everyday life
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Thank you for the reply. I don't see anyone getting off of earth alive yet so I guess we are confined.
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
5 Jan 10
I think the prison is that we are imprisoned in the imperfect fallen human nature with its tendency toward flaws and foolishness.. and this can make life on earth a nightmare, and, or prison.. But Jesus opened up the grave site doors and we have been set free, which we also experience. Now it's an overlapping of light and shadow so to speak, good and bad.. but I think the bible and spirit of the Lord teaches us some keys to life to make the shadows less powerful and the light stronger.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
8 Jan 10
Hi Evanhunter,Many people believe that this earth is hell, but life is what we make it. I don't believe in hell and think it's wrong for anyone to teach through fear.We are not a prison planet of course, but we choose to come here and will keep returning until we have learned all the lessons that we have need of learning here. Blessings.
