Harry Potter fans warn against dangerous effects of Bible

[jacobitedreamer]

I guess the problem is that the biblical descriptions are taken word-by-word by some people rather than being seen as a parable.

The catholic lore says that "everyone will be brought to justice" and for centuries priests all around the world have used this phrase to frighten people with the idea of torture and pain. Now, at least the Jesuite teachers have come to say that bringing someone to justice actually would mean that even the worst sinner will be brought to see the evil of his deeds and learn what justice means. This has nothing in common with the punishment theory brought forth by many priests and religious fanatics.

It's the same about hell. One has not wait for death to come in order to experience hell. Hell is what you make of your life if you do not live in accordance with the laws of God. If there is hate in your heart instead of love, hate will fall upon yourself. If you cannot forgive yourself, if you cannot forgive others, how will you experience forgivenness and a peaceful mind?

The bible is a marvellous book. It depends on what you make of it in your life, in your heart. It can be abused like anything else. You can use a knife to let someone else have a share of your food. Or you can use it to kill someone. It all depends on YOU.

[Archangel2]

I whole heartedly agree with you last statement. It is the same as a loaded gun. It can be used for recreational purposes but it can also end the life of a fellow man. I would like to discuss the idea about hell. Yes, I believe hell is a place for the damned. I also agree that they have not accepted God as their father and begged for forgiveness. All they have to do is ask for forgiveness and ask for Jesus to be in their hearts. Judgement day is another matter I would like to address. I believe that all sinners will be judged. Large and small rich and poor alike. No matter what sins you have commited you will be judged. If you have not been baptized and do not believe you most certainly will be damned.

[jacobitedreamer]

Well, you will not be damned for not being baptized. Remember that most of the saints received their call from God not because they were baptized (sometimes they did not even know of God or believe in him!), but because they behaved like good people, showing love and respect for their fellow beings and doing the right.

And do you believe that a baptized sinner will find no punishment just because he's baptized?

Well, Hell. Does it exist underneath our feet, way down in the earth? Or does it exist among us. Is it the conflict of the soul, the loneliness and the feeling-bad that comes from inhumane behaviour? Hell can be in your own soul, when you hate and do evil, not after your death but right here in life. But even the condemned will find forgiveness if they do put repent their evil doing, like the thief who died at the cross next to Jesus.

And how about those who are condemned to wander on earth forevermore? Do you believe in such things?

[ANDY-J]

God created human souls who have complete free will.He also created a universe which is governed by the law of cause and effect-for every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction.Each human being is solely responsible for their actions and the choices which they make and they will face no more than the consequences of every action which they commit in life.If they hurt another human being then they in turn will experience hurt either in this life or a future reincarnation.Every human being no matter how wicked or misguided will at some point attain enlightenment.Each of us is capable of attaining true spiritual enlightenment and inner peace through our own strivings without a saviour and I believe that doctrines such as original sin and divine judgement are misguided and do nothing more than encourage feelings of guilt and unworthiness where none should exist.

[Theja]

Calling on the name of Christ in repentance is sufficient for salvation (Roman 10:9-10; Acts 4:12). Baptism is only an outward symbol for the inward decision made in Christ.

http://www.greatcom.org/laws/

http://www.rbc.net


For Islam: http://www.answering-islam.org

[jacobitedreamer]

Great! You nailed to the point! That's just what I tried to say.

[Hirta]

Originally posted by ANDY-J
If they hurt another human being then they in turn will experience hurt either in this life or a future reincarnation.

So do you agree with Glen Hoddle's statement that disabled people were mearly suffering a punishment for wrongs they committed in a previous life?