Hell and heaven

[SteveII]

Is it legit to say that religion is held together by the fear in hell? Its not like people wish to be servants or voluntary slaves in heaven praising God for eternity.

And is there a point in eternity if its a position only for those who ready to become voluntary slaves?

Not Christianity. While we believe hell is real, there are significant benefits for life now. You characterize heaven as being servants or slaves. Why would you think that God needs us to do anything for him? We can praise God forever without praising him every minute. I believe we will have an infinite amount of time to enjoy an infinite amount of experiences choosing each time what to do next. So, is it a desire to go to Heaven or avoidance of Hell--why can't it be both? It is two sides of the same coin.

[Cyberman]

There is little method that has greater efficiency in training children and animals than the carrot and stick. Hone that method such that the carrot and stick are merely promised/threatened, and you have a child or animal that trains itself.

[purplepurpose]

Is it legit to say that religion is held together by the fear in hell? Its not like people wish to be servants or voluntary slaves in heaven praising God for eternity.

And is there a point in eternity if its a position only for those who ready to become voluntary slaves?

Not Christianity. While we believe hell is real, there are significant benefits for life now. You characterize heaven as being servants or slaves. Why would you think that God needs us to do anything for him? We can praise God forever without praising him every minute. I believe we will have an infinite amount of time to enjoy an infinite amount of experiences choosing each time what to do next. So, is it a desire to go to Heaven or avoidance of Hell--why can't it be both? It is two sides of the same coin.

Is there sex in heaven?

[Ben Davis]

Is it legit to say that religion is held together by the fear in hell? Its not like people wish to be servants or voluntary slaves in heaven praising God for eternity.

And is there a point in eternity if its a position only for those who ready to become voluntary slaves?

No, it's just one of the ways. The Abrahamic religions, Christianity & Islam in particular, have had a lot of time to get good at manipulating people into serving their purposes.

We promise you all the things, if you just do what we say! Not buying it? Then we'll threaten you with eternal torture. Not afraid of hell? Then we'll target your family. Not got close family bonds? Then we'll attack your insecurities. Self-confident? Then we'll publically ostracise you. Not scared of isolation? Then we'll kill you and be done with it.

[purplepurpose]

Is it legit to say that religion is held together by the fear in hell? Its not like people wish to be servants or voluntary slaves in heaven praising God for eternity.

And is there a point in eternity if its a position only for those who ready to become voluntary slaves?

No, it's just one of the ways. The Abrahamic religions, Christianity & Islam in particular, have had a lot of time to get good at manipulating people into serving their purposes.

We promise you all the things, if you just do what we say! Not buying it? Then we'll threaten you with eternal torture. Not afraid of hell? Then we'll target your family. Not got close family bonds? Then we'll attack your insecurities. Self-confident? Then we'll publically ostracise you. Not scared of isolation? Then we'll kill you and be done with it.

Was it Christian or Islamic priest?