eternal hell this, eternal hell that (translation, punished, Christian, believe)

[june 7th]

To be perfectly honest, June has just never quite grasped this whole concept.

June is just too darn busy loving life. Let's face it: I'm not done yet, and there's too much I still have and hope to do, too much I wish to accomplish, and time is still on my side. If god is love, then I'm all for it, and love life is what I shall continue to do! I am too concerned with my life right now, and those who are in my life right now and those whom I love and who love me to be too overly concerned with burning in hell. I'll take my chances, and in the meantime, I'll continue to love the snow outside my window, continue to love the deer in my backyard, the warmth of my home, love my family, love my friends, enjoy the beauty that I am able to find, be creative, continue to create, and dance on, smiling, into the glorious sunset, all the while asking myself: "What is it I want to do with my one wild and precious life?" --Oh yes!

Because the potential for "heaven" is now.

Take gentle care.

[nicolepsy]

ooooh, i LIKE that! THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVEN IS NOW!
wow, that is such a nice quote by june!

Originally Posted by june 7th

To be perfectly honest, June has just never quite grasped this whole concept.

June is just too darn busy loving life. Let's face it: I'm not done yet, and there's too much I still have and hope to do, too much I wish to accomplish, and time is still on my side. If god is love, then I'm all for it, and love life is what I shall continue to do! I am too concerned with my life right now, and those who are in my life right now and those whom I love and who love me to be too overly concerned with burning in hell. I'll take my chances, and in the meantime, I'll continue to love the snow outside my window, continue to love the deer in my backyard, the warmth of my home, love my family, love my friends, enjoy the beauty that I am able to find, be creative, continue to create, and dance on, smiling, into the glorious sunset, all the while asking myself: "What is it I want to do with my one wild and precious life?" --Oh yes!

Because the potential for "heaven" is now.

Take gentle care.

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by CelticLady1

There seem to be quite a few people, who attend the church, (or watch on t.v.), that Joel Osteen is pastor of, because he doesn't hammer people with hellfire and brimstone. I actually watched him yesterday, for a good portion of his sermon, which says something, because I never watch t.v. preachers, national or local. I can't stand most of them. But, this Osteen was was kind of refreshing. It's kind of nice to hear encouraging words, instead of the constant barrage of what horrible sinners we all are, and how most of the world's population is headed to hell in a handbasket! I think most people have a pretty fair idea of their shortcomings, without having a "spiritual leader" standing up in the pulpit, pounding on them in every sermon.

Of course, there are quite a few fundamentalists who don't like Osteen, because he doesn't preach that hellfire and brimstone. Which amuses me, just as anyone does, in the Christian community who tweaks the noses of the fundamentalists. I had my fill of fundamentalism long ago, so I really have no patience with it, anymore.

I went to see him life in Madison Square Garden couple of years ago. I actually do like him as well. I think there is a place for preachers like him. He brings a positive message. However, if I'm looking for educational sermons, he is not the one.
I agree with you though that a lot of Christians think that he "sugar-coates" everything, kind of "tickles" people's ears and tell them what they want to hear, that's why he has such a huge audience. I happen to disagree with that, because he always talks about mercy and hope and he does quote scriptures. I think that he is a different type of preacher and he is a Christian...I don't know... I like him (shrug)

[ShanaBrown]

can someone PLEASE tell me why there is so much talk of this? what IS the deal? im beginning to think that christianity is based on fear! fear of eternal hell. what kind of way to live is that? fear is one of the WORST things in the world (imo). it gets in the way of soooo many things. it can paralyze you and not let you reach your full potential

Hi, many Christians do not believe that eternal hell is taught in the scriptures. God bless.

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

Originally Posted by ShanaBrown

Hi, many Christians do not believe that eternal hell is taught in the scriptures. God bless.

I do, I believe it is eternal.

[ShanaBrown]

Hi, I Love North Carolina, I understand. I was just sharing that not all Christians do believe that eternal hell is taught in the scriptures. Many do and many do not. Thanks and God bless.

[Oakback]

There again some even believe it's limited.
Like waiting in the motor vehicle administration line.

[Tricky D]

At least Christians agree that there is a hell.

[Bohemian Enigma]

Originally Posted by nicolepsy

can someone PLEASE tell me why there is so much talk of this? what IS the deal? im beginning to think that christianity is based on fear! fear of eternal hell ...

Christianity is not based on fear. Christianity is based on the transaction that will keep one out of Hell.

[Tricky D]

Christianity is based on the transaction that will keep one out of Hell.

Why do this transaction if you do not fear hell?