G
godenver1
Guest
Whilst the topic has been done to death, I didn't want to wade through all old threads. There is currently a thread in one of the subforums asking if hell is fair. I've recently discovered the (O)orthodox view of hell, and this is a sample:
In my opinion (fwiw), this is much more consistent with the merciful God that manifested Himself as humble man to bear the sin of the world on our behalf. I do not presume to understand God, so I could be wrong which leads me to ask:
Are there any theological objections to the above phrasing of hell?
The Orthodox Faith - Volume IV - Spirituality - The Kingdom of Heaven - Heaven and Hell - Orthodox Church in AmericaThus it is the Churchs spiritual teaching that God does not punish man by some material fire or physical torment. God simply reveals Himself in the risen Lord Jesus in such a glorious way that no man can fail to behold His glory. It is the presence of Gods splendid glory and love that is the scourge of those who reject its radiant power and light.
... those who find themselves in hell will be chastised by the scourge of love. How cruel and bitter this torment of love will be! For those who understand that they have sinned against love, undergo no greater suffering than those produced by the most fearful tortures. The sorrow which takes hold of the heart, which has sinned against love, is more piercing than any other pain. It is not right to say that the sinners in hell are deprived of the love of God But love acts in two ways, as suffering of the reproved, and as joy in the blessed! (St. Isaac of Syria, Mystic Treatises)
In my opinion (fwiw), this is much more consistent with the merciful God that manifested Himself as humble man to bear the sin of the world on our behalf. I do not presume to understand God, so I could be wrong which leads me to ask:
Are there any theological objections to the above phrasing of hell?