Eternal decision .the meaning of life . is there one?

originally posted by: Lazarus Short


As I'm sure you know, we find "hell" in the KJV. In the 1611 KJV, we find both "hell" and "hel." Further back, in the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, we find "hell," "hel" and "helle." They are all related words, but we hit pay dirt in pagan Norse mythology, where we find the goddess/ogress Hel.

Sheol was first used in Genesis, which pre-dates the Anglo-Saxons. In Beowulf, there is already much Judeo-Christian influence, such as them referring to Grendel as a creature of Cain (they're describing a T-rex, or at least very coincidentally described the attributes of one). I studied Norse mythology and they very quickly adopted Christianity because they were already in a sense oriented towards the Most High God, they just didn't quite have a name for Him yet.

Hell, of Anglo origins I think, became a synonymous term for the Greek/Hebrew terms Hades/Sheol. Due to the word hell's English origin, it became the prominent Biblical word for English-speaking Bibles.

none of which refer to a place of eternal conscious torment.

I think you're right. Any reference to Sheol is deemed "age-during" in the literal translation, and rightfully so because the Greek word 'aion' means "an age, or an interval". Sheol seems to me like a purifying fire of 'wheeping and gnashing of teeth', which means arguing and suffering in which people sort out their confusion until they can be saved by the Grace promised in John 12:32; Romans 5:18,19; 11:32-36; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 1:10,11; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:4; 4:9,10; and 1 John 2:2

At the very least, it is in my prayers that all souls will one day be assimilated into the Kingdom of Peace

originally posted by: coopertonAt the very least, it is in my prayers that all souls will one day be assimilated into the Kingdom of Peace

I am confident that it is true. God is fire and refines men as a smelter refines metal until He can see His reflection in the pure metal (silver and gold). He also compares Himself to soap. In any event, Godfire is the Agency to refine, cleanse and save men (I Corinthians 3:15). All fire in the Bible is either natural fire or Godfire. There is no "hell fire."

a reply to: Randyvine2

So what you say is baseless compared to what I know. And that doesn't mean I'm saying I've seen God. It does say I don't have to. Because of what I have seen.

Its because of what ive seen that makes me not believe in God.

Now what?

a reply to: Metallicus

It was the question the OP posed in their headline. "Eternal decision .the meaning of life . is there one?'

Are you saying that you know what the meaning of life is?

Are you saying, then, you also know what the meaning of eternity is?

a reply to: Lazarus Short

What are your thoughts on Dante's interpretation?

I'm just curious, seems he's rarely mentioned anymore.

originally posted by: EdisonintheFM
a reply to: Lazarus Short

What are your thoughts on Dante's interpretation?

I'm just curious, seems he's rarely mentioned anymore.

Dante's "Inferno" is a work of fiction, just like his other writings. Ditto for Milton and Mary K. Baxter. Every last prop of the "hell" doctrine is fiction, including places in the Bible where it was inserted.

originally posted by: UKWO1Phot
The Meaning Of Life = Procreation.

It's not a hard question.

Then what's the meaning of life for gay people? They don't procreate.

originally posted by: LSU2019

originally posted by: UKWO1Phot
The Meaning Of Life = Procreation.

It's not a hard question.

Then what's the meaning of life for gay people? They don't procreate.

No, but they contribute a lot to general society which is pretty much dedicated to peacefully raising children. In fact, gay people free up a lot of societal resources by not having children, and thereby giving the rest of the children a better chance to survive and thrive. Society depends on these sexual "deviants" (a sociological term and not a moral judgment) to provide an economic buffer so that we aren't overrun by offspring to the point where we can't optimally raise them.

If it was Adam an Steve, Man would be still be in paradise, and not suffer gods punishments. Like working hard all day, giving birth or raising children(it actually say it is a form of punishment).

If it was Lilth an Eve, they probably kill each other.

a reply to: SecretKnowledge

Now what? That is really really ignorant that's what. If you
had to see something to make you not believe? Then myself
and 85% of the people on planet earth can see the same
thing. Why don't you cut the bull sh1t right here and state
your case truthfully. You don't want to believe in God and
you wouldn't if he walked up to you and slapped you in the
face. And like I said from the start you are claiming to know
something you can't possibly know. And by stating a negative
as if you do know makes you look like an ass. And I still haven't
called you any names. So don't be sobbing all over the boards
about that. I'm just stating facts. No offense intended.

BTW if you know God does not exist that means you have all
the knowledge of the universe. Maybe you do I don't know I
can't say, so I'll ask. Do you have all the knowledge of the
universe? If you do? Congratulations you're God come in the
flesh before man to deny your own existence. That's what!

Now what!

a reply to: Sookiechacha

Are you saying that you know what the meaning of life is?

I don't know a lot of philosophy but common sense tells me
not complicate the question. And when I look for the easy
answer it's almost right there in the question. The meaning
of life is to honor the life giver the Creator of life. No matter
who where why when or how he is. I say he because God must
be in the masculine.

a reply to: Randyvine2

The meaning
of life is to honor the life giver the Creator of life.

Why? Is "he" that needy? Typical male! Always needing validation. LOL

So, my whole purpose in life is to make the creator of life feel honored, while "he" makes me eat or be eaten, kill or be killed, and accept the fact that I will die a degrading death regardless? All this suffering, periods and blue balls, death, plagues, war, starvation, earthquakes, storms, draughts, spiders, snakes, alligators and mean dogs, just for "his" feelz?

Sorry/not sorry, if I don't believe that's the easiest or the truest answer.

a reply to: Sookiechacha

Why? Is "he" that needy? Typical male! Always needing validation. LOL

Why do you assume he is?

Sorry/not sorry, if I don't believe that's the easiest or the truest answer.

I never asked you to believe anything. If you got a problem with me
putting an answer out there. At least I have the balls to do so. No
matter how I answer.

originally posted by: Proto88
If it was Adam an Steve, Man would be still be in paradise, and not suffer gods punishments. Like working hard all day, giving birth or raising children(it actually say it is a form of punishment).

If it was Lilth an Eve, they probably kill each other.

And yet the very first murder was brother on brother?
Adam only had to hear a few words to make him fall away
from what God specifically told him. Then when God came
to both of them (not with wrath) and asked Adam why,
what did Adam do?

He coward. He pointed his finger at his own flesh and bone
and blood and blamed Eve. Up to that point God was only
looking to reconcile with them because he knew what the
serpent had done. Apparently God doesn't like cowards.

If Adam would have stepped up and protected Eve like
a man. I bet we would have a far better world today.
Instead we are cursed still pointing our fingers at others.
When we are all guilty. Every society man has ever made
thinks it can point it's finger at man. Because men don't
get it. No man can ever judge another man because none
are honorable.

I've discovered that life is easier contemplative on a discovery walk high in the mountains without all the white noise disrupting my connection to nature.
If discovery walks in the big city is solitude for someone else I've got no complaints.

Why make life trivial? Fun for some not for others?

If society can meet in the middle and fly like geese taking turns taking the lead,
maybe we won't need god anymore?
🙏❤

Eta doesn't hurt being thankful none the less.

a reply to: Randyvine2

I never asked you to believe anything.

I never asked you to explain or answer the question posed to Metalicus.

Why do you assume he is?

Must be, to have a creation whose only purpose is to honor its creator, through hunger, suffering and certain death.

a reply to: Lazarus Short

One honest question.

How do you know for sure hell is fiction? If it can't be proved either way isn't it ignorant to rule it out completely?

I get why people are so adamant there's no hell or God.

People want tangible evidence and that's completely understandable, but even if someone provided proof it'll be called fake. Just look at the UFO naysayers, and they too are justified, because of fakery and deception.

To me, the Bible is a history book. I know it's been manipulated by the Catholic Church and to this day it's still being altered by new publishing companies that are woke.

But divine intervention has kept its essence and power in the Bible. People pick and choose what history to believe, what science to believe... Historians and scientists are men, but the Bible is dismissed because men wrote it, even though the Bible itself says who wrote each book. No deception there.

I guess I'm having a problem understanding the reasoning behind people's excuses for not believing the Bible is not a work of fiction but are quick to believe this book or that book.

I would think a skeptic would be skeptical of any history that happened before they reached the age of awareness, for me it was around 5 years old, even though I have memories as early as 2 years old.

Anyway, you seem civil and I respect your views, I have my beliefs, you have yours, I'm not better than you or anyone else. I was just wondering what the official reason is for your belief. Not trying to beat a dead horse and most definitely not trying to goad or irritate you.

a reply to: Sookiechacha

I never asked you to explain or answer the question posed to Metalicus.

This is ATS where your ignorance is corrected.

Must be, to have a creation whose only purpose is to honor its creator, through hunger, suffering and certain death.

The worst are those that think they can judge God.
Thanks for proving my point.

Really good job.

a reply to: Randyvine2

This is ATS where your ignorance is corrected.

I asked the same question the OP asked, but took it one step further.

"What is the meaning of life?" and then, if you're going to be threatening those who don't see the meaning of life as you do with eternal existence in heaven or hell, "What is the meaning of eternal existence?" What is the purpose of heaven and hell? The same? To honor the one who created life, reward and punishment?

What a circle of fallacy!

The worst are those that think they can judge God.

I don't judge that which I don't believe in.

a reply to: Sookiechacha

I don't judge that which I don't believe in.

And that's your choice. If it doesn't concern you that you
might have made that choice because of some wrong
conclusions. And/or miss under standings.

I can still challenge the things you write on these
boards for the sake of the readers. I do stand corrected
however. What you expressed was your opinion of God
was not a judgement. Poor choice of words on my part. I
find it a bit odd that you would form such a harsh opinion
of anything you don't believe in. I don't believe in the
spaghetti monster but I don't have any harsh feelings
towards him either.