What Christian religions do not believe in a burning hell?

by jwfacts 23 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  Narkissos

  moggy lover,

  The question was about dogmatics -- what Christian churches currently teach about "hell" -- not Biblical theology about she'ol, hades or gehenna.

  Even for a Bible believer there may be some delusion in dealing with Bible expressions relating to she'ol as (revealed) "information," considering the obvious continuity with other ancient Near Eastern representations of death and the netherworld (same with hadès or tartaros and Greek mythology). Plus, there is no clear border between "realistic" mythology and poetry, and what you retain as "data" is somewhat arbitrary. If the "gates" or she'ol are "literal," why not its "mouth" (Isaiah 5:14)?

  You are right in pointing out that most NT references to gehenna are eschatological. Otoh the kind and weight of eschatology have varied greatly, both in Judaism and in Christianity. As short-term futuristic expectations vanish, the resurrection and final judgement tend to become irrelevant technicalities, the real issue being what will happen to the individual at death. The more the intermediate state looks like "heaven" or "hell," the less meaningful is the final judgement and the shift to a final state.

  About the rephaim you might enjoy the following thread http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/68224/1.ashx
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  barry

  The SDAs do beleive in a burning hell but not a hell for ever and ever. Readiung here its amazing how close the beleifs of christians are.
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  Deputy Dog

  mdb Mormons don't teach hell? What is outer darkness? Why will 1 third of "God's offspring perish in hell? Joseph Fielding Smith: "The extent of this punishment none will ever know except those who partake of it. That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God-banished entirely from his presence" (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220). Bruce McConkie "The great majority of those who have suffered in hell will pass into the telestial kingdom; the balance, cursed as sons of perdition, will be consigned to partake of endless wo with the devil and his angels" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 350). Bruce McConkie explained: "When the wicked depart this life, they are 'cast out into outer darkness,' into hell, where 'they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord,' where they are spiritually dead. (Alma 40:13-14.) They remain spiritually dead in hell until the day of their resurrection (D. & C. 76:103-112), until 'death and hell' deliver up the dead which are in them, so that they may be judged according to their works" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 757). While not the Biblical hell, Mormonism maintains that there is perdition, or hell, which is reserved for murderers, apostates from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Devil and his angels.
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  FlyingHighNow

  My brother is member of some non denominational fundie church. He deeply believes in a fiery place of torment. My other brother is a Baptist preacher. He believes it, too. Especially since he heard the story of the guy who was on his death bed who was screaming because he could feel the fires of hell and begging for a drink of water.

  The Episcopal Church doesn't believe in some fiery place as hell.