(November 27, 2017 at 2:39 pm)Shell B Wrote:
(November 27, 2017 at 1:12 pm)SteveII Wrote: Deciding to reject an enduring God while having an enduring soul has enduring consequences.
Using the word enduring a lot doesn't make your post deep.
So, what you're saying is, "If you don't believe in God, you are punished (consequences)?" That's pretty much what you're refuting.
No, 'enduring' has a very specific meaning in my sentence -- note how enduring consequences follow from both antecedents (see there, I used that word to make it sound deeper).
To clarify what I mean by Hell: It is a complete separation from God. It is immaterial which works--because so is your soul. There is no overlord doing things to your immaterial soul to cause pain. "Weeping and gnashing of teeth" are metaphors to the pain caused by complete separation from God.
'Punishment' and 'consequences' are different words for a reason. They have different meanings and nuances. Punishment carries with it a sense of retribution--a desire to right a wrong by inflicting (an action word) some penalty. Consequence is simply a result of an action or condition. Which better describes Hell? Our sin may make us deserving of hell and if that was the end of the story, then the word punishment would be appropriate. But since it can be avoided by all, what is the real reason one goes to hell? The reason is rejecting God and his offer. That, for me, moves going to hell squarely in the consequence column.
