The Choice

[JWNEWMAN]

I remember this old black and white movie (don't recall the name) but, this man received a curse on a slip of parchment. The end result was a demon from hell would come and claim his soul.

Once he discovered the curse he slyly returned it to the giver and that man was taken by the demon.

My question: Given no other option if you had said parchment would and you could not return it to the one who cursed you...

a) would you give it to someone else
b) suffer the consequences

P.S. I realize Christ could deliver you but, what if the curse couldn't be broken any other way but to give it to someone? I ask this question because I know a man who claims he'd serve God even if it meant being damned. Though this isn't the same thing it was what gave rise to the hypothetical.

 

[BlackSabb]

I'd find someone unworthy and give it to him/her. There's plenty of those around.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

I'd find someone unworthy and give it to him/her. There's plenty of those around.

As much as I hate to admit it, pretty sure I'd give it away too. Which, makes me dig a little deeper, what if your only choice was to give it to a loved one?

Ouch, the thought makes me feel nausea.

 

[BlackSabb]

Then I'd take it myself.

 

[JusSumguy]

I ask this question because I know a man who claims he'd serve God even if it meant being damned. Though this isn't the same thing it was what gave rise to the hypothetical.

I would think that Job was pretty much convinced he was damned. Yet he never gave up his faith.

Seems to me that if you were damned for the right reason, you're not.

In other words.... while we might perceive ourselves to surly be damned, we may be on the path to redemption without knowing it. This is why we keep going in one direction. No matter the setback, we praise God.


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[JWNEWMAN]

I would think that Job was pretty much convinced he was damned. Yet he never gave up his faith.

Seems to me that if you were damned for the right reason, you're not.

In other words.... while we might perceive ourselves to surly be damned, we may be on the path to redemption without knowing it. This is why we keep going in one direction. No matter the setback, we praise God.


-

This is a hypothetical were the outcome is assured and you only get two choices.

 

[Ave Maria]

Considering that I don't believe in literal demons and I don't believe that people will go to Hell for eternity, I'd probably just keep it and suffer the consequences myself. Plus, I don't believe God will put a person in Hell just because he happened to receive some kind of curse. And I don't believe that a "demon" can condemn you to Hell without you doing something to deserve it.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Considering that I don't believe in literal demons and I don't believe that people will go to Hell for eternity, I'd probably just keep it and suffer the consequences myself. Plus, I don't believe God will put a person in Hell just because he happened to receive some kind of curse. And I don't believe that a "demon" can condemn you to Hell without you doing something to deserve it.

This is a hypothetical question. It's an exercise in choice. a) and b) being the choices.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Then I'd take it myself.

That's heavy duty! Myself, I'm sure I could die for my son (sure as I can be) but, facing an eternity of torment? I'm glad it's only a hypothetical. I can't imagine giving anyone up. Neither can I imagine suffering the consequences.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

delete

 

[ittarter]

I'd go back in time and give it to Paul 'cause he said he was the chief of sinners. Or I'd go back and give it to Judas, because what the heck, he's going there anyway. Or when the demon showed up I'd give it to him, then ANOTHER demon would come and take him away, and I'd be safe. (phew)

 

[Armistead]

I remember this old black and white movie (don't recall the name) but, this man received a curse on a slip of parchment. The end result was a demon from hell would come and claim his soul.

Once he discovered the curse he slyly returned it to the giver and that man was taken by the demon.

My question: Given no other option if you had said parchment would and you could not return it to the one who cursed you...

a) would you give it to someone else
b) suffer the consequences

P.S. I realize Christ could deliver you but, what if the curse couldn't be broken any other way but to give it to someone? I ask this question because I know a man who claims he'd serve God even if it meant being damned. Though this isn't the same thing it was what gave rise to the hypothetical.

That would be equal to a parent willing to trade places for his child in hell.I was once asked. If you were watching your child getting ready to be placedinto eternal hell and God gave you the option to take his place would you be willing? The same test often stated, would you kill 1000 innocent people to save a million innocent people. Of course we do that all the time with war.These lose lose situations never made much sense to me, unless they were the results of a greater test of love. One would hope if they kept the curse, God would reward them even moreso for the act of love.I think in the end, the real question is are people willing to react with unending love regarding any situation, willing to suffer so others don't.There are many hero's through history that have done so.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

I'd go back in time and give it to Paul 'cause he said he was the chief of sinners. Or I'd go back and give it to Judas, because what the heck, he's going there anyway. Or when the demon showed up I'd give it to him, then ANOTHER demon would come and take him away, and I'd be safe. (phew)

That's cheating!

 

[JWNEWMAN]

That would be equal to a parent willing to trade places for his child in hell.I was once asked. If you were watching your child getting ready to be placedinto eternal hell and God gave you the option to take his place would you be willing? The same test often stated, would you kill 1000 innocent people to save a million innocent people. Of course we do that all the time with war.These lose lose situations never made much sense to me, unless they were the results of a greater test of love. One would hope if they kept the curse, God would reward them even moreso for the act of love.I think in the end, the real question is are people willing to react with unending love regarding any situation, willing to suffer so others don't.There are many hero's through history that have done so.

One post said they didn't believe in either demons or hell. I've glimpsed hell and wrestled with demons so, my concern (fear) of the pit is real. This question gives me pause. Almost certain there are people I'd die for, don't fear death... but hell?

 

[ittarter]

That's cheating!

You're right. I guess that means I don't have the balls to play by the rules. And you know what? That's true.

 

[JusSumguy]

This is a hypothetical were the outcome is assured and you only get two choices.

Then I would bear my own burden.


-

 

[JWNEWMAN]

You're right. I guess that means I don't have the balls to play by the rules. And you know what? That's true.

I'm the one who made the OP and I'm also on the fence.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Then I would bear my own burden.


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Appreciate it, and, I commend your choice.

 

[Rebekka]

One post said they didn't believe in either demons or hell. I've glimpsed hell and wrestled with demons so, my concern (fear) of the pit is real. This question gives me pause. Almost certain there are people I'd die for, don't fear death... but hell?

Yes, death is a whole other subject. I fear death, but I fear hell more.

The thing is, I think that there's nothing nobler than to give up your life for your friends or for fellow man, and I believe that someone who does that will end up in heaven because of his sacrifice. And by willingly damning another to hell you may end up there yourself.

Then sacrificing your soul to save another's could even be seen as selfish because you actually save yourself by sacrificing your own soul. Etcetera. Going in circles.