Wink, over at Parableman, has put up and interesting series that I have not had made the time to for fully read through on Annihilationism vs Eternal Conscious Suffering.
Here are the posts up so far:
- The Annihilationism Debate
- Infinite Suffering: contra tradition
- Avoiding the plain meaning
- Complete Harmony: contra Annihilationism
- Infinite harm
- Obligatory Grace
- Annihilationism and Eternal Conscious Suffering (preview only, not final version)
While we are hawking the material over at Parableman, I’d like to point you all do a cursory discussion about Open Theism and the Hardening of Pharoh’s heart.
3 Comments
Just a quick comment:
Any system that teaches annihilationism or Universalism is not worth reading because - if there’s no hell - then there’s nothing to worry about.
Of course, now I’m afraid you’ll reply with “well that depends on what version of annihilationism or Universalism you’re talking about” …
By the way, the new skin is looking good though the sidebar is a bit off. I’m sure you’ll guys fix it.
Edgar
Any system that teaches annihilationism or Universalism is not worth reading because - if there’s no hell - then there’s nothing to worry about.
Of course, now I’m afraid you’ll reply with “well that depends on what version of annihilationism or Universalism you’re talking about”
Really? You dismiss others opinions that fast? You’re not even will to entertain the mere notion of their arguments/experiences? God forbid we actually listen to what other people have to say…they’re always wrong.
I also must say I somewhat shutter at the notion that if there’s no hell “then there’s nothing to worry about.” So, for our existence to really matter…hell is a necessity? That sounds rather bleak, and I’m not sure what it says about the character of God. Plus, must our actions in this life be completely motivated on expecting reward/punishment in the next? What then is the validity of such actions?
On a one to one basis, I would totally love to talk to people. get to know them. Listen to their arguments. Build a friendship. However In this case, universalism (everybody goes to heaven), and Annihilism (you stop to exist), are two areas that don’t interest me much to read about. And from a purely logical perspective, there is no reason to worry about them. What’s there to lose? Would it be better if I read the Bible instead?
Hell vs. Heaven is indeed a reward and punishment system. Everybody would be judged according to what he has done. In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about treasures and rewards. Paul adds that some will be saved as if by fire.
Thoughts?