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Struggling with my Christian belief

(307 Posts)
hapgran Sun 19-Mar-17 17:06:44

I am a practicing Christian, but becoming increasingly upset with the thought that, if I am to believe in hell, then that is where my non-believing children and grandchildren are going. I think this could turn me away from my faith as I can't bear it. Any thoughts out there..?!

Alexa Tue 15-Oct-19 00:09:05

The Doctrine of the Atonement makes sense in a non-supernatural way if Christ is not taken to be the unique son of God, but one of many other good men who sacrifice their own safety for the sake of humanity, or some other great good such as the natural environment.

Alexa Tue 15-Oct-19 00:10:33

PS We can all think of several lights in the darkness, perhaps some of them obscure persons known to few others.

Alexa Tue 15-Oct-19 00:14:14

Don't worry about Hell, hapgran. This terrible world is hell enough for any deity who may wish to arrange for a hell. God is the personification of order and goodness. St Augustine said evil is absence of God.

absthame Wed 16-Oct-19 19:02:47

Far too many of the accepted teachings of Christian teachers/pastors/priests are not based upon the lessons of Christ, but are based upon ideas that developed in the early church based upon the views of Paul. Christ taught tolerance and love, Paul at times spoke of love, rarely of tolerance but often of hell and brimstone. So I do not believe that those good people who are not Christians are consumed to hell.

What did Christ say of the “heathan Samaritan? ". That he was close to God.

Greenfinch Wed 16-Oct-19 19:58:41

And then there was the penitent thief on the cross.

Kathy1959 Mon 28-Oct-19 16:08:35

I’ve been a Christian for about 25 years. As Christians, we know we’re safe with God, Jesus gave us that assurance. However, I don’t think think the Bible is crystal clear on what happens to non Christians. Don’t forget, only God knows what is truly in another’s head/ heart, and He is a fair God. Your children/ grandchildren know you’re a Christian, and that is good witness in itself. I remember my granny had faith, and I may have scoffed at the time, but I did become a Christian eventually, and so might they. We pray every day for the non Christians in our family, ( two son in laws ). Our daughters faiths remain intact. Remember, you won’t be able to go....God won’t let you! God bless?