by Mike Edwards
If a child brings up the topic Hell, I would first ask a child what they have heard Hell is. It is hard to believe a loving God would create a place to torture those who didn’t believe while a short time here on earth. I personally don’t think God lights you on fire and doesn’t let the fire go out. The only reason one may believe in a literal Hell is because it is believed to be claimed to be real in a Book (Bible) that supposedly God inspired (controlled the writers having correct views of God written down). But it turns out the Bible can be interpreted to believe Hell is not a literal place. See here.
What do I tell adults about the afterlife?
First one must decide what they believe happens after one dies. One of the main topics in churches is about aiming for eternal life. There is an alternative view what Jesus said about eternal life that is not often taught. Jesus defined eternal life as beginning in the here and now (Jn 17:3), not what awaited in the afterlife. Jesus was asked by a religious leader how to have eternal life. (Lk.10:25-37). Jesus simply said to love God and your neighbor. Jesus answered as if “Eternal” appears to be on the quality not quantity in life. Jesus often spoke of a life worth living being a loving life empowered by God. Jesus’ salvation was about living a meaningful life here on earth with God’s help. The Bible/Jesus/God’s message isn’t dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death, but start loving now – a path toward great relationships.
Few acknowledge the Bible might even declare all go to heaven
It is suggested by many religious leaders that according to the Bible some go to hell and some go to heaven, though doubtful a literal Hell exist. The problem is the Bible, being literature, requires interpretation. It is possible to interpret the Bible as claiming all eventually go to be with God after death. See here.
We can’t know definitely about the afterlife. So, let your imagination wonder about a loving God/Creator. I am convinced Heaven is a place everyone goes after death here on earth to be with God if so desired. It’s what God wants. In case you don’t believe that, you tell your kid Santa Claus is real and surely you don’t believe that is true – overweight guy visits every house in the world in one night on a sled pulled by reindeers and goes down every chimney. You tell them they will always be safe flying, but you don’t know for sure their plane won’t crash. Tell kids what you think a loving Creator would plan for their creations. Or what would you do as a loving parent? See What Religion Goes To Heaven
So, why not live like Hell!
We are free to speculate what a loving God might do. Go ahead and live like Hell while here on earth! Careful the regrets you, your family, and friends will feel at the end of your life. God only seeks to influence you to avoid a life full of regrets. We are told the message of the Bible is Jesus coming to give you salvation to save you from Hell so you could enter Heaven. I believe Jesus spoke of loving God not to get into heaven but to receive help in loving others as you love yourself now. I seek influence from God in pursuing a life not full of regrets. Try it! It’s on God to come through for you if you choose to follow. Jesus when leaving this earth spoke of having God’s spirit within us. If you refuse to love, you may end up a lonely, regretful soul. There is a heavenly or hellish way to live life!
Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like
Done with Religion 