"I have never received an actual explanation for the doctrine of eternal damnation from anyone I 've asked . It is something I struggled with before turning to Atheism , something I tried desperately to rationalize , and was one of the main points that LED to me becoming Atheist Many Christians claim that their God is omnipotent/omniscient . They claim that their God is a god of compassion , love , and mercy . Yet , with all of this , they claim that God punishes all people who do not accept Jesus as their savior with eternal torment in Hell , i.e . the vast majority of mankind numbering into the billions . What possible compassionate purpose can infinite torture have ? The punishment does n't even serve a remedial purpose because the tormented one is not allowed to repent . It 's only conceivable purpose ( to me at least ) is sadism . How is this not evil ? This thread is especially so I can her the thoughts of Christians on this and how they rationalize it , but anyone can feel free to chime in with observations , etc ."
"Well , here is my take on it . I really believe that only the truly evil end up in Hell . Those like Hitler . I think that anyone else goes to heaven - Wiccans , Atheists , Buddhists , etc . - anyone who follows Christ 's message of love , tolerance , and acceptance , whether knowingly or not . Those who preach hate , and those who act on that hate , like Hitler , the KKK , and any other person/persons filled with hate ( sad to say , this seems to apply to our own friend Archie here ) are the ones who will end up in hell ."
"I have never received an actual explanation for the doctrine of eternal damnation from anyone I 've asked ."
"Well , here is my take on it"