- Jul 2, 2018
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I remember understanding the concept of heaven and hell at a very young age. My Dad used to tell a story of a humorous comment I made to one of his work associates that was a cigarette smoker. My parents didn't smoke. Somehow I had the idea that this was a damnable behavior. (or an indicator of such) And cautioned the work associate accordingly. As far as I know, he took it as good humor from a child, though I was probably dead serious. And really, this is built into our culture. It comes up in the arts all the time. Heaven and hell.I would like to understand the mindset better so that I can cut more slack. I've never believed in ECT and I can't imagine doing so but it clearly plays a foundational part in many people's faith. It's as if the very reason for Jesus' existence and death was to keep us from ECT so if you do away with ECT your faith won't work anymore.
Did you used to believe something like that and, if so, how did you keep your faith going when you jettisoned your belief in ECT? Or what was it that changed your mindset? If that's not too personal a question...
And I wasn't raised in a hell fire and brimstone church. But it was considered a biblical truth. And any evangelism or missions efforts were to save the lost and ultimately rescue them from certain hell. But the hell aspect was never out front. And in fact was just an uncomfortable reality that came with all the other blessings associated with the faith. So, our faith survives just fine without ECT. It was never a primary element anyway.
As far as that goes, the difficult aspect for me, and still somewhat of an issue, is what this means in terms of the reliability of the bible. If the damnation texts are wrong, what else is wrong? And if anything is wrong, does the whole book go in the rubbish bin? (to use the British term)
In reality, the ECT texts are not the only areas of questionable translation issues. And there are other questions about authorship, inspiration and inerrancy. Not to mention questions of literal or figurative interpretations, and comparisons with science and archaeology and history. Which all point to questions about what this book is, and what we are supposed to do with it. (see Peter Enns)
It seems that my changed views on the final judgment and UR, are only the tip of the iceberg. (as compared with my religious upbringing which was based on a view of inspiration and inerrancy) And most disturbingly, I find myself more in alignment with atheists than Christians on some biblical issues. Say what? (ouch)
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