This document discusses objections to the ideas of heaven and hell. It addresses 17 objections to the idea of heaven, rejecting arguments that reincarnation is more reasonable, that there is no scientific evidence for heaven, that heaven is wishful thinking, a myth or legend, escapist, a distraction, a bribe, egotistical, boring, inhumane, would remove free will, eliminate individuality, remove privacy, would not involve sex, and seems alien. It also briefly discusses hell, stating that denying hell implies the Bible and Jesus are liars and allows dropping doctrines solely due to discomfort.
Lição 11 - As Consequências do Pecado de DaviHamilton Souza
Texto Áureo
“Agora, pois, não se apartará a espada jamais da tua casa, porquanto me desprezaste e tomaste a mulher de Urias, o heteu, para que te seja por mulher.” (2 Sm 12.10)
Verdade Prática
O pecado é destruidor. O seu alvo é sempre desviar o homem da comunhão com Deus, levando-o a um estado de depravação espiritual e moral.
Objetivo Geral
Esclarecer que o pecado tem o alvo de desviar o homem da comunhão com Deus e levá-lo a um estado de depravação espiritual e moral.
Objetivos Específicos
I - Conceituar o pecado no Antigo e no Novo Testamento;
II - Mostrar a repreensão do profeta Natã ao rei Davi;
III - Elencar as consequências do pecado de Davi.
2 Samuel 12:1-15
1 - E o SENHOR enviou Natã a Davi; e, entrando ele a Davi, disse-lhe: Havia numa cidade dois homens, um rico e outro pobre.
2 - O rico tinha muitíssimas ovelhas e vacas;
3 - mas o pobre não tinha coisa nenhuma, senão uma pequena cordeira que
comprara e criara; e ela havia crescido com ele e com seus filhos igualmente; do seu bocado comia, e do seu copo bebia, e dormia em seu regaço, e a tinha como filha.
4 - E, vindo um viajante ao homem rico, deixou este de tomar das suas ovelhas e das suas vacas para guisar para o viajante que viera a ele; e tomou a cordeira do homem pobre e a preparou para o homem que viera a ele.
5 - Então, o furor de Davi se acendeu em grande maneira contra aquele homem, e disse a Natã: Vive o SENHOR, que digno de morte é o homem que fez isso.
6 - E pela cordeira tornará a dar o quadruplicado, porque fez tal coisa e porque não se compadeceu.
7 - Então, disse Natã a Davi: Tu és este homem. Assim diz o SENHOR, Deus de Israel: Eu te ungi rei sobre Israel e eu te livrei das mãos de Saul;
8 - e te dei a casa de teu senhor e as mulheres de teu senhor em teu seio e também te dei a casa de Israel e de Judá; e, se isto é pouco, mais te acrescentaria tais e tais coisas.
9 - Por que, pois, desprezaste a palavra do SENHOR, fazendo o mal diante de seus olhos? A Urias, o heteu, feriste à espada, e a sua mulher tomaste por tua mulher; e a ele mataste com a espada dos filhos de Amom.
10 - Agora, pois, não se apartará a espada jamais da tua casa, porquanto me desprezaste e tomaste a mulher de Urias, o heteu, para que te seja por mulher.
11 - Assim diz o SENHOR: Eis que suscitarei da tua mesma casa o mal sobre ti, e tomarei tuas mulheres perante os teus olhos, e as darei a teu próximo, o qual se deitará com tuas mulheres perante este sol.
12 - Porque tu o fizeste em oculto, mas eu farei este negócio perante todo o Israel e perante o sol.
13 - Então, disse Davi a Natã: Pequei contra o SENHOR. E disse Natã a Davi: Também o SENHOR traspassou o teu pecado; não morrerás.
14 - Todavia, porquanto com este feito deste lugar sobremaneira a que os inimigos do SENHOR blasfemem, também o filho que te nasceu certamente morrerá.
15 - Então, Natã foi para sua casa. E o SENHOR feriu a criança que a mulher de Urias dera a Davi; e a criança adoeceu gravemente.
palestra feita pelo Irmão Pedro Magalhães, C.Ss.R. para a Liga Católica, no dia 11 / 09, por ocasião dos 103 anos de sua fundação na Paróquia Santo Afonso.
Lição 11 - As Consequências do Pecado de DaviHamilton Souza
Texto Áureo
“Agora, pois, não se apartará a espada jamais da tua casa, porquanto me desprezaste e tomaste a mulher de Urias, o heteu, para que te seja por mulher.” (2 Sm 12.10)
Verdade Prática
O pecado é destruidor. O seu alvo é sempre desviar o homem da comunhão com Deus, levando-o a um estado de depravação espiritual e moral.
Objetivo Geral
Esclarecer que o pecado tem o alvo de desviar o homem da comunhão com Deus e levá-lo a um estado de depravação espiritual e moral.
Objetivos Específicos
I - Conceituar o pecado no Antigo e no Novo Testamento;
II - Mostrar a repreensão do profeta Natã ao rei Davi;
III - Elencar as consequências do pecado de Davi.
2 Samuel 12:1-15
1 - E o SENHOR enviou Natã a Davi; e, entrando ele a Davi, disse-lhe: Havia numa cidade dois homens, um rico e outro pobre.
2 - O rico tinha muitíssimas ovelhas e vacas;
3 - mas o pobre não tinha coisa nenhuma, senão uma pequena cordeira que
comprara e criara; e ela havia crescido com ele e com seus filhos igualmente; do seu bocado comia, e do seu copo bebia, e dormia em seu regaço, e a tinha como filha.
4 - E, vindo um viajante ao homem rico, deixou este de tomar das suas ovelhas e das suas vacas para guisar para o viajante que viera a ele; e tomou a cordeira do homem pobre e a preparou para o homem que viera a ele.
5 - Então, o furor de Davi se acendeu em grande maneira contra aquele homem, e disse a Natã: Vive o SENHOR, que digno de morte é o homem que fez isso.
6 - E pela cordeira tornará a dar o quadruplicado, porque fez tal coisa e porque não se compadeceu.
7 - Então, disse Natã a Davi: Tu és este homem. Assim diz o SENHOR, Deus de Israel: Eu te ungi rei sobre Israel e eu te livrei das mãos de Saul;
8 - e te dei a casa de teu senhor e as mulheres de teu senhor em teu seio e também te dei a casa de Israel e de Judá; e, se isto é pouco, mais te acrescentaria tais e tais coisas.
9 - Por que, pois, desprezaste a palavra do SENHOR, fazendo o mal diante de seus olhos? A Urias, o heteu, feriste à espada, e a sua mulher tomaste por tua mulher; e a ele mataste com a espada dos filhos de Amom.
10 - Agora, pois, não se apartará a espada jamais da tua casa, porquanto me desprezaste e tomaste a mulher de Urias, o heteu, para que te seja por mulher.
11 - Assim diz o SENHOR: Eis que suscitarei da tua mesma casa o mal sobre ti, e tomarei tuas mulheres perante os teus olhos, e as darei a teu próximo, o qual se deitará com tuas mulheres perante este sol.
12 - Porque tu o fizeste em oculto, mas eu farei este negócio perante todo o Israel e perante o sol.
13 - Então, disse Davi a Natã: Pequei contra o SENHOR. E disse Natã a Davi: Também o SENHOR traspassou o teu pecado; não morrerás.
14 - Todavia, porquanto com este feito deste lugar sobremaneira a que os inimigos do SENHOR blasfemem, também o filho que te nasceu certamente morrerá.
15 - Então, Natã foi para sua casa. E o SENHOR feriu a criança que a mulher de Urias dera a Davi; e a criança adoeceu gravemente.
palestra feita pelo Irmão Pedro Magalhães, C.Ss.R. para a Liga Católica, no dia 11 / 09, por ocasião dos 103 anos de sua fundação na Paróquia Santo Afonso.
Palestra direcionada aos jovens da Igreja Batista de Poxim, ministrada pelo Pr. Luan Almeida.
Confira também em vídeo: http://www.retalhosteologicos.com/2018/03/sexualidade-segundo-biblia-video.html
Terceira e última mensagem da Série Família realizada na IBC - Igreja Batista Central de São João do Jaguaribe - CE, mostrando a importância de manter os valores instituídos por Deus para a família. Mensagem ministrada pelo Pr. Eid Marques.
FAMÍLIA, NÃO APAGUE ESSA IDEIA!
Prepare uma palestra para casais utilizando os slides do professor Rogério de Sousa.
Tomando Adão e Eva como arquétipos, assim como Lameque e sua família, é possível identificar muita similaridades com as famílias atuais
“Aproximamo-nos do fim da história terrestre, e Satanás está trabalhando como nunca antes. Ele está procurando atuar como dirigente do mundo cristão... Deseja envolver o mundo inteiro em sua confederação. Ocultando sua perversidade sob o disfarce do cristianismo, Ele assume os atributos de um cristão e alega ser o próprio Cristo”. Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, pág. 346. EF 155.
Deus tem princípios que devem reger a postura da esposa e do marido dentro do relacionamento conjugal. Não existe maior responsabilidade e para um do que para o outro. Os dois são totalmente responsáveis pelo sucesso no relacionamento.
This is a study of Jesus being seen face to face. It is the hope of all believers to see Jesus face to face and become like Him. Seeing will be the great joy of heaven for we will see the very glory of our Lord and Savior.
Palestra direcionada aos jovens da Igreja Batista de Poxim, ministrada pelo Pr. Luan Almeida.
Confira também em vídeo: http://www.retalhosteologicos.com/2018/03/sexualidade-segundo-biblia-video.html
Terceira e última mensagem da Série Família realizada na IBC - Igreja Batista Central de São João do Jaguaribe - CE, mostrando a importância de manter os valores instituídos por Deus para a família. Mensagem ministrada pelo Pr. Eid Marques.
FAMÍLIA, NÃO APAGUE ESSA IDEIA!
Prepare uma palestra para casais utilizando os slides do professor Rogério de Sousa.
Tomando Adão e Eva como arquétipos, assim como Lameque e sua família, é possível identificar muita similaridades com as famílias atuais
“Aproximamo-nos do fim da história terrestre, e Satanás está trabalhando como nunca antes. Ele está procurando atuar como dirigente do mundo cristão... Deseja envolver o mundo inteiro em sua confederação. Ocultando sua perversidade sob o disfarce do cristianismo, Ele assume os atributos de um cristão e alega ser o próprio Cristo”. Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, pág. 346. EF 155.
Deus tem princípios que devem reger a postura da esposa e do marido dentro do relacionamento conjugal. Não existe maior responsabilidade e para um do que para o outro. Os dois são totalmente responsáveis pelo sucesso no relacionamento.
This is a study of Jesus being seen face to face. It is the hope of all believers to see Jesus face to face and become like Him. Seeing will be the great joy of heaven for we will see the very glory of our Lord and Savior.
Part 27. the will of man the will of god. (.pdf)Ralph W Knowles
This is showing the Third Realm understanding of the clean & unclean. An exposition on the City of God & answering the question; What body does Jesus have today?
The Ten Commandments, a book about the biblical text by Peter Zelinskipete10C
The first chapter of
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: What Do Two Tablets Reveal About the Life of the Spirit and the Way Toward God?
A book by Peter Zelinski.
Learn more at www.PeterZelinski.com.
Pay attention throughout all the slides, and the hidden keys within.
Put all the jigsaw puzzle pieces of gold together. You might miss the hidden messages at first so keep going over the slides very carefully, you will be surprised by what may suddenly jump out at you. Be your eyes opened. From Kenneth Andre of Spirit. And remember this, everything I do is for a reason!
World Literature from a Christian Perspective By Edwin.docxdunnramage
World Literature from a
Christian Perspective
By Edwin McAllister
2
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Introduction to the Old Testament 8
Introduction to The Iliad 17
Introduction to The Odyssey 29
Introduction to Agamemnon 39
Introduction to Oedipus 50
Introduction to The Aeneid 59
Introduction to the New Testament 73
Introduction to The Confessions 79
Introduction to Beowulf 84
Introduction to The Inferno 90
Introduction to The Canterbury Tales 96
Introduction to Luther’s Commentary on Galatians 104
Introduction to The Prince 110
Introduction to “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” 115
Introduction to Hamlet 121
Introduction to Paradise Lost 130
3
World Literature From A Christian Perspective Introduction
When I was in grade school, I had an argument with a friend over the
ethics of telling lies. We were having a schoolyard fight over a lie I’d been telling
recently. I claimed to have broken my leg in order to avoid playing tackle
football at recess, and my friend told me that I could not lie because “the Bible
says lying is wrong.” I challenged him to “find the place” where the Bible says
lying is wrong.
Finding “the place” turned out to be more difficult than my friend
thought it would be. It took us half an hour to find the Ten Commandments in
the dusty old King James we dug up, but when we did locate them, “Thou shalt
not tell lies” was not among them. Instead, what we found was “Thou shalt not
bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16). That didn’t help
much, since it didn’t really cover what I was doing. At worst, I was bearing
false witness against myself. In our further attempt to find “the rule,” what we
discovered was a lot of stories and poems and precious few straightforward
“thou shalt not kill”-type rules.
Although we didn’t realize it at the time, my friend and I were learning a
valuable lesson about the Bible: often, rather than directly stating truth or
ethical ideals, the Bible uses literary techniques to embody or incarnate ideas.
In other words, rather than saying “do not lie,” the Bible shows God’s hatred for
lying in stories like that of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 or in figurative
language like that Jesus uses in John 8 when he identifies Satan as “the father
of lies.” Acts 5 never literally says “Do not lie,” but when Ananias and Sapphira
are struck dead by God after lying to the Holy Spirit, the story shows that God
hates lying. When Jesus identifies Satan as the father of lies he does not
literally mean that Satan is a father who has lies as his children; instead, by
identifying Satan as “the father” of lies, he implies that Satan is the ultimate
source of all falsehood. Stories and figures like these embody God’s love of the
truth and his hatred for falsehood.
Literature not only embod.
World Literature from a Christian Perspective By Edwin.docxhelzerpatrina
World Literature from a
Christian Perspective
By Edwin McAllister
2
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Introduction to the Old Testament 8
Introduction to The Iliad 17
Introduction to The Odyssey 29
Introduction to Agamemnon 39
Introduction to Oedipus 50
Introduction to The Aeneid 59
Introduction to the New Testament 73
Introduction to The Confessions 79
Introduction to Beowulf 84
Introduction to The Inferno 90
Introduction to The Canterbury Tales 96
Introduction to Luther’s Commentary on Galatians 104
Introduction to The Prince 110
Introduction to “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” 115
Introduction to Hamlet 121
Introduction to Paradise Lost 130
3
World Literature From A Christian Perspective Introduction
When I was in grade school, I had an argument with a friend over the
ethics of telling lies. We were having a schoolyard fight over a lie I’d been telling
recently. I claimed to have broken my leg in order to avoid playing tackle
football at recess, and my friend told me that I could not lie because “the Bible
says lying is wrong.” I challenged him to “find the place” where the Bible says
lying is wrong.
Finding “the place” turned out to be more difficult than my friend
thought it would be. It took us half an hour to find the Ten Commandments in
the dusty old King James we dug up, but when we did locate them, “Thou shalt
not tell lies” was not among them. Instead, what we found was “Thou shalt not
bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16). That didn’t help
much, since it didn’t really cover what I was doing. At worst, I was bearing
false witness against myself. In our further attempt to find “the rule,” what we
discovered was a lot of stories and poems and precious few straightforward
“thou shalt not kill”-type rules.
Although we didn’t realize it at the time, my friend and I were learning a
valuable lesson about the Bible: often, rather than directly stating truth or
ethical ideals, the Bible uses literary techniques to embody or incarnate ideas.
In other words, rather than saying “do not lie,” the Bible shows God’s hatred for
lying in stories like that of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 or in figurative
language like that Jesus uses in John 8 when he identifies Satan as “the father
of lies.” Acts 5 never literally says “Do not lie,” but when Ananias and Sapphira
are struck dead by God after lying to the Holy Spirit, the story shows that God
hates lying. When Jesus identifies Satan as the father of lies he does not
literally mean that Satan is a father who has lies as his children; instead, by
identifying Satan as “the father” of lies, he implies that Satan is the ultimate
source of all falsehood. Stories and figures like these embody God’s love of the
truth and his hatred for falsehood.
Literature not only embod ...
Making converts, gaining decisions, does not equal making disciples. It is essential we look at the right ideas, in the right way to make real disciples of King Jesus.
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
Jesus expected a process of change, growth and development in the life of his followers. Many writers suggest a three or four stage process. A four stage process is outlined here, along with personal challenge / application.
Disciple-Making, according to Greg Ogden requires at least tow major factors: Internalisation and Multiplication. This presentation adds to his ideas with some scripture and illustrative ideas challenging followers of Christ to become, and make, disciples in his image.
Name someone...who has impacted your life.
Disiple-making is a deliberate act requiring discipline and dedication
“Discipleship is all about living the life together rather than just one structured meeting each week” Chan
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
2. Belief in heaven and hell are
controversial and often argued
against in modern society - in fact
hell is often one of the first beliefs
to be abandoned as defending in
it can be a burden to the believer.
This section tries to deal with
unbelievers objections to heaven
and hell.
17 objections to the idea of
heaven will be given - though this
is not giving a theology of heaven
or providing a picture of it.
3. HEAVEN #1:REINCARNATION
IS MORE REASONABLE
Reincarnation is
rejected by
Christians:
1. The Bible
contradicts it - Heb
9:27
2. All orthodox
church tradition
contradicts it
4. 3. It implies God made a
mistake in giving us bodies
for our souls - in fact we are
pure spirits in prison
4. Psychology and common
sense suggest it is wrong - it
denies a psychosomatic unity
5. It makes us think in a low
way about our bodies - in
effect they are a punishment
5. 6. The idea is that we are
reincarnated in order to learn lessons
we failed to learn in a previous life -
this contradicts common sense, how
can I learn something if there is no
continuity of memory? Mistakes are
learned from only if remembered.
7. Evidence for past lives being
reincarnations could be explained as
mental telepathy from other beings, or
from demons or other souls in hell.
6. #2: THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC
EVIDENCE FOR HEAVEN
There are many other ideas which
even science has no valid evidence for
- when a scientist kisses his wife he
believes there is more than hormones,
neurons and molecules.
There is no scientific evidence for only
things that science has proved
(evidenced) existing. Do we say if
there is no scientific evidence it does
not exist? This is an assumption
based on no scientific evidence.
7. #3: HEAVEN IS OBVIOUSLY
WISHFUL THINKING
If heaven did not exist we
would have to invent it as a
“necessary dream”.
- the Bible in the heaven is not
about our dreams or wishful
thinking, in fact it is about
selfless, self-forgetful love and
saintliness, not the gratification
of sinful desires.
8. #3: HEAVEN IS OBVIOUSLY
WISHFUL THINKING
If heaven did not exist we
would have to invent it as a
“necessary dream”.
- the Bible in the heaven is not
about our dreams or wishful
thinking, in fact it is about
selfless, self-forgetful love and
saintliness, not the gratification
of sinful desires.
9. - and if there is a
correlation between
our innate wish and
desire for heaven, why
can’t that be a response
to something planned
by God and placed
within us? It does not
have to be a man-made
thing, but could well be
God designing it.
10. #4: THE IDEA OF HEAVEN IS
THAT OF MYTH OR LEGEND
All ideas of heaven are a version
of “the happy hunting grounds” or
the Elysian fields.
- we must distinguish between
image and reality (substance). We
cannot mistake one for the other
just as we do not look for a literal
“man in the moon”
- the fact that all religions have
some idea of heaven is evidence in
favour of it (weight of numbers)
11. #4: THE IDEA OF HEAVEN IS
THAT OF MYTH OR LEGEND
All ideas of heaven are a version
of “the happy hunting grounds” or
the Elysian fields.
- we must distinguish between
image and reality (substance). We
cannot mistake one for the other
just as we do not look for a literal
“man in the moon”
- the fact that all religions have
some idea of heaven is evidence in
favour of it (weight of numbers)
12. #4: THE IDEA OF HEAVEN IS
THAT OF MYTH OR LEGEND
All ideas of heaven are(Greek mythology) the abode
Elysian Fields - a version
of “the happy hunting grounds” or death
of the blessed after
the Elysian fields.
Ancient Greek paradise reserved for heroes to
- we must distinguish between
whom the gods had granted immortality. Homer
image and reality (substance). We
cannot mistake one for the other happiness at the
described it as a land of perfect
just as weof the earth, on the banks of the Oceanus
end do not look for a literal
“man in the moon” time of Pindar (c. 500 BC) on,
River. From the
- the fact that all religions have
Elysium was imagined as a dwelling place for
some idea of heaven is evidence in
favour of it (weight of numbers)righteous life.
those who had lived a
13. #5:BELIEVING IN HEAVEN IS
ESCAPIST
- CS Lewis asks the question,
“who speaks most against
escapism?” - answer: jailers
- is it escapism for the unborn
to think of life after birth, for a
person cast adrift to dream of
land? Heaven is simply a
fulfillment of good desires.
14. #5:BELIEVING IN HEAVEN IS
ESCAPIST
- heaven is not escapist because
it is Lewis asks it is not real
- CSreal - to say the question,is
a lie based on atheism.
“who speaks most against
Thinking about heaven is
escapism?” - answer: jailers
realistic. In fact the first
- is it escapism for the unborn
question about any birth, for a
to think of life after idea should
not be cast adrift to dream of
personasking if it is escapist,
but if Heaven is simply a
land? it is true. People who say
it is escapist good desires.
fulfillment ofneed to prove the
idea false.
15. #5:BELIEVING IN HEAVEN IS
ESCAPIST
- heaven is not escapist because
it is real - to say it is not real is
a lie based on atheism.
Thinking about heaven is
realistic. In fact the first
question about any idea should
not be asking if it is escapist,
but if it is true. People who say
it is escapist need to prove the
idea false.
16. #6: HEAVEN IS A DIVERSION - TRUE
OR FALSE IT IS A DISTRACTION
FROM PRESENT TASKS
- if heaven is real and our final
destination then our tasks here
distract us from it.
- concern for heaven does not
devalue concern for earthly things:
concern for the future of an unborn
baby does not devalue or detract
from its present need.
- historically people who have cared
most about heaven have made the
biggest impact on earth
17. #7: HEAVEN IS A BRIBE - IT
MAKES RELIGION SELFISH
Heaven makes us work for our
reward not out of pure love.
Some rewards are not
mercenary but natural - for a
team who have worked hard to
be rewarded with success.
Heaven is not an external
reward added on to life but is
in fact the perfection of the
love of God and love for our
neighbour.
18. #8: HEAVEN IS EGOTISTICAL
What right do you have to
think you will be spiritually
married to God?
In fact God said this (in the
Bible) we did not say it, or
devise it.
19. #9: HEAVEN WILL BE
BORING - ENDLESS WORSHIP
- Boredom is a fallen emotion - old
languages have no word for it - in
heaven we will be good and wise,
and never bored
- heaven is about joy not being
contented (which gets boring)
- heaven is perfect love and work,
the two things needed to make life
worth living - the love-work is of
knowing and loving God, others and
yourself.
20. #10: HOW CAN WE BE HAPPY IF
PEOPLE WE LOVE ARE IN HELL?
- there will be no sadness in heaven,
Rev.21:4 God manages not to be sad
even though people he created to
know and love him are not with
him, he will teach us how to do this.
- heaven and hell are not parallel
worlds which can be travelled from.
Hell is a place of eternal death not
life (which heaven is) and so what
exists there are what CS Lewis
describes as “remains”
21. #11: HEAVEN IS ETERNAL - IT IS
INHUMAN WITH NO POTENTIAL
FOR CHANGE OR WORK
Heaven is about passive, changeless
adoration of God.
- the whole premise stated above is
faulty: there is work in heaven, that
work is to love (as work was a love
before the fall), only after the fall
did work become an onerous thing.
Heaven will restore and surpass all
that was good in Eden
22. #12: ARE WE FREE TO SIN IN
HEAVEN - IF NOT WE ARE ROBOTS
Free to sin is like saying “a healthy
disease” - it is a freedom of slavery.
Free will is the means to a higher
liberty, this is the freedom from evil
and its effects.
No one will sin because no one will
want to - we will see the beauty and
joy of God and realise the ugliness
and joylessness of sin - so all motive
to sin will be removed.
23. #13: IF WE ARE ALL PERFECT IN
HEAVEN WHERE IS THE
INDIVIDUALITY?
Won’t we all be boring copies?
- we will be like God - copies of him cannot ever be
dull
- allowing God to rule your life is like adding salt to
food it brings out all of the flavours of the differing
foods - you will become more like you than ever was
experienced before.
24. #14: THERE WILL BE NO
PRIVACY IN HEAVEN
God’s light and truth will
permeate everything - so
nothing private.
- privacy is needed only because
of sin: we hide from others
because of shame or fear of
misunderstanding. In heaven
there will be no shame etc. In
fact in heaven we will have the
intimacy which we fear here
25. #15: IS THERE SEX IN
HEAVEN?
- modern people would not want to go
without there being sex - but this says
more about the person than about
heaven
- there is sexuality in heaven but we will
be like the angels with no giving in
marriage Matt 22:30
- assuming our bodies remain in the
same state as they are then surely sex
would be possible - would we want to do
it when there is greater pleasure in God?
26. #16: LOVING HEAVEN IS
BEING DISLOYAL TO EARTH
The Bible says
heaven is our
home, not the
earth - we should
be loyal to heaven.
27. #17: HEAVEN SOUNDS SO
ALIEN TO ME
It sounds weird, just not for me.
- heaven will feel like home, after all it is what
you have been made and designed for. God is a
good tailor he has made it a right fit for you.
28. HELL
Heaven is more important
than hell - we know more
about heaven than hell. But it
is an area of doctrine that is
under great attack today -
from within and without.
Kreeft suggests hell is like a
vital organ in a body - if
removed then all other organs
are affected and eventually the
body dies.
29. 1. Believing there is no hell says
that both the church and the
Bible (both of which teach it) are
liars.
2. Jesus was more explicit and
adamant about hell than most
[any] others - therefore he is also
a liar.
3. If we drop hell because we are
uncomfortable with this idea
then we can drop other doctrines
which we do not like.
Christianity is then about
ideology not about divine
revelation.
30. 1. Believing there is no hell says
that both the church and the
Bible (both of which teach it) are
liars.
2. Jesus was more explicit and
adamant about hell than most
[any] others - therefore he is also
a liar.
3. If we drop hell because we are
uncomfortable with this idea
then we can drop other doctrines
which we do not like.
Christianity is then about
ideology not about divine
revelation.
31. “A Christian who does not believe in HELL is a
contradiction of terms, because a Christian is one
who believes Christ, and Christ is one who believes in
HELL. The only way to believe in Christ without
believing in HELL is to reconstruct Christ according
to your own desires. If there is no HELL, Christ is
not only a deceptive teacher but a wicked one, for he
terrifies us needlessly, falsely and harmfully. In fact,
the greatest, kindest, gentlest, most loving and
compassionate man who ever opened his mouth has
warned us with the greatest seriousness,
strenuousness and sternness about HELL. That is the
irrefutable argument for it.”
32. 4. If there is no hell then life’s
choices no longer make an infinite
difference - “If a game is to be
taken seriously, it must be possible
to lose” CS Lewis in The Problem of
Pain
5. If there is no hell then salvation
is universal and automatic - this
means ultimately there is no
freewill. Freewill and hell go
together.
6. If there is no hell to be saved
from Jesus is not our saviour - or
any of the other things he claims.
33. 7. If there is no hell then religious
indifference follows - why should we
care about it? There should be no
evangelism or missions - recall all
missionaries and apologise.
8. If salvation is automatic then
Christ’s death was a tragic and stupid
mistake.
9. If we don’t need to believe I hell
then surely we also don’t need to
believe in the love of God - in fact the
love of god is the most often quoted
reason for not believing in hell, yet
they have the same foundation.
34. Why do we believe that God is
love? Not by philosophical
reasoning or logic?
How do we know God is love?
Not by science - for no
experiment has ever measured or
weighed that God is love. Not by
conscience - which tells us what
is right and wrong and what
should be done, but does not tell
us that we are forgiven. Not by
history for this reveals human
selfishness.
35. There is only one reason that
anyone ever came to the
conclusion that god is love,
mercy and forgiveness - that is
the character of God revealed in
the Bible and culminating in
Jesus. This gives us the authority
to believe God is love - and also
to believe in a hell. These two
beliefs stand and fall on the same
ground.
36. 10. Some state that if there is a hell
then God is a god of wrath,
vengeance and hate - does this
follow?
In fact Kreeft argues that the love of
God constitutes the torture of hell.
That love of God threatens and
tortures the very egotism that a
sinner clings to.
Consider a child who has a fit of
rage and in sulking feels the love
and hugs of his parents as torture.
Thus the fires of hell are made of
the love of God, or at least of the
damned persons hatred of that love.
37. God hates sin and loves sinners -
10. Some state that if there is a hell
then as a surgeonof wrath, cancer
just God is a god hates the
vengeance and hate a does persons
he removes from - sick this
follow? People going to hell do so
body.
In fact Kreeft argues that the love of
Godonly because they refuse hell.
constitutes the torture of to
repent of their sin.
That love of God threatens and
tortures the very egotism that a
sinner clings to. in love, mercy and
God is perfect
Consider a child who has appeal to
forgiveness - but these a fit of
rage and in sulking feels the love
our freedom - any such appeal
and hugs of his parents as torture.
Thus the fires of hell arechosen: we
must be accepted and made of
the love receive simply because we
do not of God, or at least of the
damned persons hatredaccept love.
do not choose to of that
38. 11. Hell is not forced on
anyone - and is not enjoyed - it
is chosen by a love of self
rather than a love of God.
Happiness on your own selfish
terms does not exist!
12. If hell is chosen how does
that reconcile with human
sanity? Who prefers hell
unless they are insane?
The answer is that all of us do
at one time or another -
simply through the sin we
commit we reveal our insanity.
39. 13. Kreeft suggests the worst idea of
hell is a Calvinistic form of double
predestination. In this God decrees
and designs some souls for death
even before they are born - God
wills their damnation.
Kreeft says that Matt 18:14 and
moral sanity reject such claims.
Just because there is a hell does not
make God a capricious being - we
need a full understanding of God
and his ways to ensure the right
approach to the idea of hell.
40. THE PROPER USE AND MISUSE
OF THE DOCTRINE OF HELL
Many objections to hell are based
more on people who have misused
the idea - people rejecting hell
suggests that it is based on fear, hate,
a desire to dominate and control - as
these are the fruit produced by it.
We might argue the same about
heaven - if misused it produces a
careless life, a lack of concern for this
world and manipulates people.
41. In fact any idea can be used
properly or misused. Such action
does not reveal its validity or
truthfulness.
We believe in hell because it is true
- and because it is like a warning
sign for those wise enough to pay
attention.
Preaching hell does not make you
popular - just look at Jesus, he did
not go to the cross for the popular
things he said. But preaching hell is
necessary and loving even if we
might suffer unpopularity for it.