What is with jw's and the use of the term 'hell fire'? I know of no other people who use this term, even those who do not believe in hell. Try having a discussion with a jw on the concept (or lack thereof) of hell and they cannot bring themselves to refer to it as simply 'hell', why must it be 'hell fire'?
hell fire
by carla 9 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Deputy Dog
Carla
Since they SAY they don't believe in hell, I use the expression “Wrath of God” when speaking to them.
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designs
It was a way to poke those that believed in some level of real torment in the afterlife.
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jgnat
It's part of the lingo to separate themselves from - you know - the "worldlies". Also included in here is "Christendom" used as a perjorative.
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NeonMadman
It's also a way of evoking an emotional reaction. Many Christians today would agree with the JWs that the image of fire with reference to hell is not literal (though most Christians who believe in hell would also assert that hell is eternal and conscious, not simply annihilation as the JWs teach). Hell is eternal separation from God and the eternal wrath of God - whatever form that might take. Fire isn't the only image used in the Bible - hell is also described as "outer darkness," which seems incompatible with the image of fire, if taken literally.
Emphasizing the "fiery" aspect of hell raises an image in the mind of the householder that evokes primal fears, which they may have been taught as a child or which are part of their cultural heritage (or even of pop-culture), but that may not be what their current churches actually teach. It's a form of straw man argumentation, since they are setting themselves up to argue against the most extreme forms of the doctrine, while, in effect, claiming victory against all forms when the householder agrees with them.
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Ding
I think the early WT term for clergy was "hellfire screechers".
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unstopableravens
either way hell fire is in the bible, even the new world mis translation at matthew 5:22
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unstopableravens
dazed: wow have you been there?
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dazed but not confused
Ravens - Hell? Why, yes I have... Satan kicked me out...
HE DIDN'T LIKE THE COMPETITION
