http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna
Gehenna was likely the inspiration for the Christian concept of Hell. The OT (Jeremiah 7:31-35) details how it was the site of the worship of Moloch.
The ancient Hebrews felt the valley was tainted by the alleged cruelties performed at that site and used the valley as a garbage dump where refuse was burned.
Later, the Hebrews adopted a ritual of tossing dead bodies of condemned criminals into the valley. It was the final insult, to have your remains thrown into the valley with the burning refuse instead of being buried.
Did I mention that Gehenna, the Greek word for Gehinnom, is a synonym for "Hell"?
So let's run it down. Gehenna was:
1. A place of an evil, sadistic god who was a rival of Yahweh
2. A burning pit
3. A place forsaken by Yahweh
4. A place where the wicked dead were tossed after they died
Gehenna was likely the inspiration for the Christian concept of Hell. The OT (Jeremiah 7:31-35) details how it was the site of the worship of Moloch.
Quote:Jeremiah
7:30 For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.
7:31 And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.
7:32 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.
7:33 And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.
7:34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.
The ancient Hebrews felt the valley was tainted by the alleged cruelties performed at that site and used the valley as a garbage dump where refuse was burned.
Later, the Hebrews adopted a ritual of tossing dead bodies of condemned criminals into the valley. It was the final insult, to have your remains thrown into the valley with the burning refuse instead of being buried.
Did I mention that Gehenna, the Greek word for Gehinnom, is a synonym for "Hell"?
So let's run it down. Gehenna was:
1. A place of an evil, sadistic god who was a rival of Yahweh
2. A burning pit
3. A place forsaken by Yahweh
4. A place where the wicked dead were tossed after they died
Atheist Forums Hall of Shame:
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
