Problem of Hell
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| − | Like the [[problem of evil]], the '''Problem of Hell''' points out the incompatibility between a just god and the concept of an eternal [[hell]], punishment in the form of torment or complete extermination. | + | Like the [[problem of evil]], the '''Problem of Hell''' points out the incompatibility between a just [[god]] and the concept of an eternal [[hell]], punishment in the form of torment or complete extermination. |
| − | #The Christian god is a loving, just creator | + | #The [[Christian]] god is a loving, just creator |
| − | #Refusing to accept Jesus' gift of [[salvation]] renders an eternity of unpleasantness | + | #Refusing to accept [[Jesus]]' gift of [[salvation]] renders an eternity of unpleasantness |
| − | This central Christian doctrine leaves the skeptic with a slew of objections. Why does God judge belief? Beliefs are largely irrelevant compared to physical actions. We even realize this in our courts. A just being would punish wrongdoings and let the criminal go after accounting for their actions. Why would God trust finite beings with their infinite future? We would not allow a child to sign a legal document or make investments bound to | + | This central Christian doctrine leaves the skeptic with a slew of objections. Why does God judge belief? Beliefs are largely irrelevant compared to physical actions. We even realize this in our courts. A just being would punish wrongdoings and let the criminal go after accounting for their actions. Why would God trust finite beings with their infinite future? We would not allow a child to sign a legal document or make investments bound to affect the rest of their life, but God allows his creation complete control of their eternal soul. |
==Counterarguments== | ==Counterarguments== | ||
===Infinite God, infinite sins=== | ===Infinite God, infinite sins=== | ||
Some theologians have argued that since crime committed against a finite being leads to a finite punishment, sin against an infinite god has infinite consequences. The problem is that we judge the severity of a crime based on the harm inflicted on the victim, not its lifespan. If God is omnipotent, by definition he can't be harmed. He is therefore punishing his creation based on deeds that had absolutely no effect on himself. | Some theologians have argued that since crime committed against a finite being leads to a finite punishment, sin against an infinite god has infinite consequences. The problem is that we judge the severity of a crime based on the harm inflicted on the victim, not its lifespan. If God is omnipotent, by definition he can't be harmed. He is therefore punishing his creation based on deeds that had absolutely no effect on himself. | ||
Revision as of 08:29, 24 July 2007
Like the problem of evil, the Problem of Hell points out the incompatibility between a just god and the concept of an eternal hell, punishment in the form of torment or complete extermination.
- The Christian god is a loving, just creator
- Refusing to accept Jesus' gift of salvation renders an eternity of unpleasantness
This central Christian doctrine leaves the skeptic with a slew of objections. Why does God judge belief? Beliefs are largely irrelevant compared to physical actions. We even realize this in our courts. A just being would punish wrongdoings and let the criminal go after accounting for their actions. Why would God trust finite beings with their infinite future? We would not allow a child to sign a legal document or make investments bound to affect the rest of their life, but God allows his creation complete control of their eternal soul.
Counterarguments
Infinite God, infinite sins
Some theologians have argued that since crime committed against a finite being leads to a finite punishment, sin against an infinite god has infinite consequences. The problem is that we judge the severity of a crime based on the harm inflicted on the victim, not its lifespan. If God is omnipotent, by definition he can't be harmed. He is therefore punishing his creation based on deeds that had absolutely no effect on himself.
