The idea of hell which is in Christianity and Islam are based on two theological and philosophical ideas:
1. Immortality of the soul.
The idea that the soul is immortal, is found no where in the OT. Genesis 2:7 explains how a Jew believed a soul was; LIVING. It was body + breath of life = soul.
However, during the hellenistic period the idea of the soul being immortal became very popular. Christians soon attempted to make Christianity compatable with great pagan philosophers. If you have ever read any of Plato's work, the soul being immortal is a fact, no questions asked. So Christians had to adapt, some apologists in the 2nd century are seen to accept the notion that immortality of the soul is a fact. If the soul is immortal, nothing can destory it, not even God. So a very much pagan theory of the afterlife became developed; Heaven and hell. Early Christians were not looking forward to heaven, they were looking forward to the second coming and a new Earth. So concepts of heaven and hell became developed; that one's soul either went to heaven or hell, for all eternity.
2. Doctrine of original sin.
I talk to theists who claim they do not believe in the doctrine of original sin, but they still believe everyone needs saving, they just reject the idea that babies sin and that they are going to hell. I personally believe when Jesus died on the cross, salvation came to everyone. You dont accept salvation, its a default (Yes you can lose it though).
Anyway Saint Augustine, who was by far one of the greatest theists, has greatly affected how ALL Christians view salvation; that people need saving. The world did need saving, that is what Jesus died on the cross. Due to docrtine of original sin, and other forms of it, anyone who does not accept Christ is going to hell (Although the Bible NEVER says that). To think that immoral Christians would make heaven before Godly Buddhists and Atheists, I have never really understood.
So that is why Christians and Muslims believe in hell. Why do I include Islam? Islam is just a mix of different Christian groups. Thus, they have many similar beliefs (Second coming, Anti Christ, Halal, one God etc).
Of course the evolution of the doctrine of hell is much more complicated than that, but that is what it pretty much boils down to.
1. Immortality of the soul.
The idea that the soul is immortal, is found no where in the OT. Genesis 2:7 explains how a Jew believed a soul was; LIVING. It was body + breath of life = soul.
However, during the hellenistic period the idea of the soul being immortal became very popular. Christians soon attempted to make Christianity compatable with great pagan philosophers. If you have ever read any of Plato's work, the soul being immortal is a fact, no questions asked. So Christians had to adapt, some apologists in the 2nd century are seen to accept the notion that immortality of the soul is a fact. If the soul is immortal, nothing can destory it, not even God. So a very much pagan theory of the afterlife became developed; Heaven and hell. Early Christians were not looking forward to heaven, they were looking forward to the second coming and a new Earth. So concepts of heaven and hell became developed; that one's soul either went to heaven or hell, for all eternity.
2. Doctrine of original sin.
I talk to theists who claim they do not believe in the doctrine of original sin, but they still believe everyone needs saving, they just reject the idea that babies sin and that they are going to hell. I personally believe when Jesus died on the cross, salvation came to everyone. You dont accept salvation, its a default (Yes you can lose it though).
Anyway Saint Augustine, who was by far one of the greatest theists, has greatly affected how ALL Christians view salvation; that people need saving. The world did need saving, that is what Jesus died on the cross. Due to docrtine of original sin, and other forms of it, anyone who does not accept Christ is going to hell (Although the Bible NEVER says that). To think that immoral Christians would make heaven before Godly Buddhists and Atheists, I have never really understood.
So that is why Christians and Muslims believe in hell. Why do I include Islam? Islam is just a mix of different Christian groups. Thus, they have many similar beliefs (Second coming, Anti Christ, Halal, one God etc).
Of course the evolution of the doctrine of hell is much more complicated than that, but that is what it pretty much boils down to.
Its ok to have doubt, just dont let that doubt become the answers.
You dont hate God, you hate the church game.
"God is not what you imagine or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed." Saint Augustine
Your mind works very simply: you are either trying to find out what are God's laws in order to follow them; or you are trying to outsmart Him. -Martin H. Fischer
You dont hate God, you hate the church game.
"God is not what you imagine or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed." Saint Augustine
Your mind works very simply: you are either trying to find out what are God's laws in order to follow them; or you are trying to outsmart Him. -Martin H. Fischer