Do I believe Atheists are going to hell?

[Catholic_Lady]

I wouldn't say adding new revelation is really accurate. The Pope can confirm and validate new special revelations such as Marian visitations and saintly miracles but he cannot reverse previous doctrine. What he can do is clarify minor points within previously established doctrine, like the way Talmudic scholars argue over how many melons you can pick-up on the Sabbath before it's considered scattered fruit.

Well, how did we get doctrines such as purgatory, immaculate conception, the confessional and absolution of sin, last rites, prayer to saints, etc. if not through adding? These concepts are not in the NT. I am not catholic bashing--I am trying to explain why there is a difference.

There are certain passages in the bible that allude to all those things in one way or another. That, coupled with reasoning and putting pieces together. For example, i think personally that purgatory just makes sense. I assume very few people die in a completely perfect state of grace. But there are passages that do allude to it, if you want to do a quick Google search. Same with the rest.

---

Hell, heaven, purgatory, stop kidding yourselves.

Great addition to the discussion.... 🙄

---

I have a question for Steve and Neo...

Would you guys say it's likely the case that Ghandi, for example, is in Hell because he was not Christian?

What about people who believe in the same God as us but are not Christian... like Muslims and Jews? And non protestant Christians like Mormons, Catholics, etc?

I'm curious if those people are the same, in your mind, as atheists in terms of the going to Hell belief.

Ghandi suffered from the same malady the rest of humanity does. Any sin creates a gulf between us and God. That gulf must be bridged only with the redemption that Christ offers. It is a binary choice--with no gray area: either someone has accepted this free gift or one has not. If Ghandi did not, then he will not be in heaven. 

IMO, God judges people hearts according to the information they have and what they did with it. The Bible says that information about God is written on everyone's heart. I'm pretty sure this is the same basis that supports the Catholic doctrine of Invincible Ignorance.

"The truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God" (Romans 1:19-20, New Living Translation)

Now if they have heard the Gospel and still follow Islam or Joe Smith, then that is a clear indication of their rejection of Christ.

I think sincere Catholics recognize the basics needed for salvation (it's all there).

So to clarify, everyone who does not die as a Christian is going to Hell, unless they have never heard of Jesus/gospels?

Do you think it is possible to do this after you die? Example: Ghandi died a Hindu because he sincerely believed it was the right religion. He dies, sees Jesus, and realizes he was wrong, and wants to be with Jesus. Is it too late? Is he really damned to Hell for an honest mistake?