geb@cadre.UUCP (12/02/84)
Well, my flame provoked a lot of controversy and perhaps I was a little strong. Many people have written to say that the Christian churches no longer teach that you go to hell if you aren't a Christian. I certainly agree that most of them don't teach it from the pulpit every Sunday, but remain somewhat skeptical that they have fully renounced the doctrine. I would be interested in seeing any authoritative quotes to that effect from anyone who wishes to render them. I would be glad to summarize them and post them to the net. It appears to me that the doctrine of non-Christians going to hell arises inevitably from four beliefs: 1. Man has "original sin". 2. Hell exists. 3. Those who are not redeemed from sin go to hell. 4. You must be Christian (or accept Christ) to be redeemed. Wouldn't this include babies? Wouldn't a church have to renounce one of these beliefs to renounce the belief that non-Christians are doomed? I really want to know, because it bothers me that God would create a world and then send almost everyone into eternal torment. I just can't see why people would want to worship a god like that, even if he existed. Incidentally, whenever I flame at some belief or position, I am never making a personal attack on persons who hold such a belief. I would appreciate it if responders would not make a personal attack on my character, unless they actually know me, and have some basis for such. I didn't intend to attack Christians as people, just the belief itself, and perhaps the churches that promulgate it. I certainly was not attacking Jesus Christ, as I doubt that he believed in original sin at all. It isn't part of Jewish theology, and in my view, was almost certainly added later. The teachings of Paul probably serve as the base of the doctrine though I doubt that he, and even less Jesus would approve of such a thing. I got some "hate" mail, imputing vile attributes to my character, and that from those who said they were Christians. I thought Christ said not to judge, but maybe once you're "saved" you can go ahead and do what you please.
steiny@scc.UUCP (Don Steiny) (12/03/84)
*** Heaven for the climate, hell for the company. Mark Twain -- scc!steiny Don Steiny - Personetics @ (408) 425-0382 109 Torrey Pine Terr. Santa Cruz, Calif. 95060 ihnp4!pesnta -\ fortune!idsvax -> scc!steiny ucbvax!twg -/