I believe in a supreme being.
that said.
I think that a large part of the heaven and hell concept and most of the precepts of religion were created by powerful men who desired to exert control over the masses.
I also think that most religions have been perverted by mankind over the course of human existence.
I also think that religion is one of the chief causes for strife and war on earth.
i do believe there is an afterlife. as to what the after life entails - beats the crap outta me.
If you subscribe to the Christian school of though which is basically...
"God loves us and wants us to be happy... he loved us all so much that he sent down his only son to be murdered for our salvation."
that's pretty big... God must really love us if he would put his own son through a grueling, agonizing death right?
well, if God loves us that much it really seems like a waste to damn us to an eternity in hell fire for doing something like stealing, adultery, envy etc.
however i do believe that there are certain unforgivable offenses.
Murder is one of them.
I also believe that there are very specific circles of hell... each one growing more and more severe, relentless and vile than the last.
There is such a thing as spiritual law... and there is such a thing as spiritual justice.
the heaven or hell concept doesnt fly with me because God is infinitely more pure, loving, forgiving, just, and knowing than man....
... man has scales of punishment... so wouldnt God?
for example, if you are caught stealing someones big screen TV you're going to spend a couple of years in jail and probably some community service etc.
its not an instant death sentence.
the judge over the case doesnt decide between
no punishment or life in prison.
he has options and levels of punishment... as would you likley have in the afterlife.
im just sayin
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