Is LITERAL Hellfire Torment A Bible Teaching?
 

The teaching of literal hellfire torment is commonplace in Christendom and non-Christian religions. This teaching defames the Creator and portrays him as a sadist who tortures people in flames of fire for all eternity—as punishment for wrongdoings committed during the relatively brief human lifespan.

Hellfire believers insist that the wicked will experience physical pain while burning in literal flames of fire—after they have died. So that brings us to the questions below.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment.

2. According to those who believe in literal hellfire torment, only wicked people will wind up in hell. Is that what you believe?

3. Does the Bible teach that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the person so that the soul can then be burned in eternal flames? If so, please present scriptures to that effect to prove it (no more than 3 scriptures at a time, please). Follow the steps indicated at Question #1.

Alter2Ego


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"That people may know that you, whose name is JEHOVAH, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." ~ Psalms 83:18

Hell came to 'us' via the avenue of 'terrible' translations.

I guess, if somebody wants something bad enough...............

If the Bible is God's word - why couldn't 'he' get the job done properly? It would save blaming other people.

1.
This sounds pretty literal to me:

''In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.[a] 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.''
Luke 16:23-24

''Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels''
Matthew 25:41

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage...5&version=NRSV

2.
I believe there must be nasty realms out there that could be viewed as a 'hellish' place.
I don't believe it has anything to do with believing in a religion or not.

3.
Dunno.

edit...

....................... -_-

[quote=Alter2Ego]The teaching of literal hellfire torment is commonplace in Christendom and non-Christian religions. /QUOTE]

some believe what is said to be Jesus words, are proof, here's one (Matt. 5:22- kjv). if one calls his brother, (Spiritual Brother) "Raca" he will be council. but if he calls one a "fool", he will see hellfire." Jehovah said to show love to our spiritual family, both words are insults. so, it makes no sense to believe one insulting word, would land a righteous man in an "eternal fire."

also, Jesus actual word wouldn't imply a fiery place. since he already knows that once we die, are sins are paid in full, thanks to his blood, (Rom. 6:23 "the wages of sin is death...). Jonah's word was translated to "hell", when he said, "out of the belly of hell I cried", (Jonah 2:1,2). research shows where the word "Hell" came from, and how Christendom incorporated it into their teachings.

immortal soul is a false teaching, ALL living beings are Souls. Adam became one when Jehovah blew his breath of Life into him, (Gen. 2:7). also, the soul that sins, dies. supposedly a "ghost" can't die, if that be the case, they also can't sin. peace

I tend to think the idea of 'hell' is separation from God, and that comes in many forms.

If we look at it in a more spiritual/esoteric way, then hell is another dimension or plane where there is little to no connection to source/God/The Creator and souls there are living in torment from that separation and are living in their own suffering.

Life on Earth for some could also be considered a literal hell for example.

There are many interpretations, but the one from Pope John Paul II is interesting:

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-..._28071999.html

We share the same instincts as our fellow organic creatures here on earth.
The "survival instinct" being primary.

We are here in time and space, in "the world", due to the chief rebel's instigation from the hack in the Garden of Eden.
Resulting in this organic situation.

The greater reality and truth involves the timeless and eternity.
See John 1:29 to read Johns declaration about our "sin", involving this organic world.

Spiritual Light,

IMO the absence of hope=literal hell. One might say that the will to live is synonymous with the survival instinct but ultimately the survival instinct becomes inoperative if there is no hope. Truthfully many can be in a state of separation from God but their hope can be placed in other things and the will to live remains intact……but when hope is gone all is gone. Factors can restore hope but while they are in that state the intensity of that feeling can be perceived as eternal hell. We see it notably in suicidal people…..they are existing in a world of hell.

Yes, I agree.

What I find very interesting is also the number of spiritual experiences people have had during suicide, either as an NDE or a vision/voice that transforms them. Granted, not everyone has this experience, but there are many testimonies of these types of experiences happening - the same also for people with addictions such as with drugs and alcohol - having spiritual experiences that give them hope and help them make a transformative change.

I know in my own life through very different circumstances, that I had a spiritual experience that led to giving me hope and a further transformative change in my life. Looking back, I can see one aspect of that was living a life without any spiritual connection or recognition of God. I was so focused on the present in trying to get through each day, that I had never even thought outside of my experience. This is one reason why I find being present sometimes a flawed philosophy - you can sometimes be too present and caught up in various things. Sometimes it can be more helpful to detach and retreat inward. I did this through prayer and meditation.

Not many people would even think to say that.
I know this because of the depth of a lucid dream I had at
8-10 years old!
Oh my.