From: 11439106@eng2.eng.monash.edu.au (SHAWN FOO)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: Re: Damnation
Date: 6 Oct 92 03:47:53 GMT
Organization: Faculty of Engineering, Monash University

In article <Oct.4.22.11.40.1992.6038@geneva.rutgers.edu> julian@sfu.ca (Julian Shillcock) writes:

>julian responds:
>
>Yes, I have not seen enough discussion of these points. But I have an
>idea that might be relevant.
>I think it is well known that eternity does not simply mean "time without end",
>as I understand the term it has more to do with quality of life than the
>quantity. So in heaven it is not that we are there "for ever" but that 
>there is no time by which to mark our stay.
>I can post more about this idea of time being simply a physical construct
>(rather like carteisan coordinate systems ) that has nothing to do with
>life in heaven (or death in hell), if anyone is interested. So, given
>that people in heaven do not experience time, I make the assumption that
>(the hyperthetical) people in hell do not. Now, what kind of existence
>is possible in a lake of fire? I feel that this is both a warning and
>a blessing. It is a warning that our lives here have eternal consequences
>but that refusing to accept God's way does not necessarily result in
>never-ending punishment but in non-existence. The lake of fire presumable
>burns up all that is cast into it. It is not possible for ex-human beings
>to exist there. This I take to be a blessing. I find it very, very difficult
>to take christians seriously who believe that a loving God will send
>little children who were born in the wrong country or at the wrong time,
>so that they did not hear the Gospel, or that people born into abusive
>homes, who live a violent life because they were treated badly, into hell
>for the simple reason that they refused his invitation.
>If someone responds that we all have a free choice *in this life* to 
>follow God then I will disagree: we do not. Tell this to a kid born in
>a black family in a porr area of New York and say that they have as free
>a choice as I did born into a christian home in London, UK. 
>So, hell exists, but does not contain people. Further comments?
>      
>      
	Its an interesting idea......... (not saying that I believe it... it'
s just interesting :) )
	However, I would have to say that we do have a free choice to follow 
God.... I don't have any real proof for what I'm about to say, but I have 
this theory....
	- It is very easy for poeple born in predominantly Christian 
countries to actually not be `real' Christians at all. The way I see it, 
Christianity means giving you life to Jesus and accepting him as Lord and 
Saviour. For those who have a comfortable life without many worries, it's 
very easy to become complacent and begin to depend on the self for out needs 
rather than on God. i.e. the `I don't really NEED God' or `I'll only talk 
to God when I need him' type attitude sets in....... However, those born 
oppressed or in adverse conditions (who have become Christians) would have 
their faith constantly tested and subsequently their reliance, trust, faith 
and consequently relationship with God would grow.....

	- If I recall correctly, there is something in Revelations about 
Judgement not coming until all have heard the good news, I'm not sure but I 
think its there. For those already past, I guess what Paul wrote about you 
being `judged upon what you have heard and the law inside' applies... (
maybe this will encourage more of you to become missionaries?? :)....) ..
...this is one question which I still find a bit tricky but these are my 
thoughts so far......

	- Just as an  example, think of the work which David Wilkerson has 
done with the street gangs in the Us or Jackie Puulinger with the triad gang 
members and opium addicts in the walled city in Hong Kong..... I mean, it's 
true that for people to hear the Gospel, someone needs to share it.... 
sobering thought, eh??? ..... It reminds of the verse somewhere which says 
we are accountable for the people God has entrusted to us..... 

	Bro in Christ,
			S.P. Foo