HELL: SEPARATION FROM GOD
In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question: “What are you asking God to do?” To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (1940)
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Good morning, this is your captain speaking from the flight deck. I’d like to add my welcome to all of you flying with us this morning.
Since we still have the cockpit door open, you mighta noticed that there is no one sitting up front here with me. That’s because the experienced fella I planned to have as my copilot actually works for another airline, and my own airline wasn’t too happy with that idea. No need to worry though, because once I got here, I talked to all of the wonderful flight attendants on board, and one of them has volunteered to sit up here in the right side seat and help me out, so as soon as her replacement shows up we’ll be gettin underway. Now it’s true that she hasn’t had any actual flight experience, or any lessons, but she is a quick study, and I think you will agree that she does a great job reading the announcements that the company has written for us to read. She has also spent some time driving cars and a couple of snow mobiles, and this big plane is not all that different. She’s also pretty cute in her uniform. And we have pretty much agreed that she won’t be allowed to touch anything up here.
The good news is, I’ve been flying for a really long time and have a lot of experience in all different sorts of airplanes. In fact, I kind of like flying aerobatics and other exciting and unexpected maneuvers. But of course we won’t be doing that here, just lettin’ ya’ll know that’s my style. Anyhow, I can fly this plane real well, not like some of those rookie pilots at that other big airline. So don’t you worry, just make sure your seats are upright and those tray tables closed up, and we’ll be on our way in no time.
And in the unlikely event that anything should happen to me, ya’ll don’t need to worry, these things pretty much fly themselves as long as you don’t try to over control them, they work a lot better when pretty much left alone. And of course my new copilot here can always call for help on the radio, there’s a lot of smart folks down there on the ground to help her out.
We’re going to get going finishing up the checklist now, and then be pushing back for the flight. I’ll be back to talk to you once we’re airborne, and let you know our destination. And I know you all do have a choice, so I thank you for flying with us here at Maverick Airlines.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Dave,
It’s obvious you copied this from somewhere, since your trademark grammatical and spelling errors are conspicuously absent.
Why can’t you stick to the subject at hand?
You are afraid of Palin just because she believes that the Bible is the Word of God, and Jesus is the Lord of her life.
I sincerely pity you.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:51 am
A little humor to start the day, ID? This, of course, is metaphorical satire about the McCain-Palin ticket, and not too far off base. I want a president and a congress that follows the will of the people, which means an end to military occupations, outrageous military spending, and huge corporate bailouts, all of which the American people reject in poll after poll only to be completely ignored by “our” government.
And if you think Obama is the answer, let me remind you that he is committed to sending MORE troops into Afghanistan, and he is consentfully silent about Bush’s defiant invasions of Pakistan (which is hauntingly similar to what happened in Cambodia during the Vietnam War).
I have never felt so politically impotent as now. Sad times for America.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
To Mark’s point, ID, what do you think about C.S. Lewis’ quote?
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Hi! ID:
You sure illustrate very well your concerns of Palin being VP. I have to agree it is true that there is risk involved in that ticket. However, as John pointed out, the alternative choice is not necessarily better.
Well, I do leave some comments for you under ? post the other day. Hope you do read it. ( Or do you?)
Well, John and Mark have asked about your comments about C.S.Lewis’ quote, I’d like to know too.
You do concern a lot about the airplane will nosedive to its own destruction with rookie pilot, right? Shouldn’t you concern more that many souls who reject God’s salvation in Jesus Christ are going to nosedive to Hell someday?
Have a blessed day!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
John,
Sorry to hear you feel politically impotent, I know it is a very negative and dissatisfying feeling. And I agree, there is a strong element of ’sad times’ ‘dark times’ to the climate of the United States today. But there are also positive elements, which illustrate that the idea of needed change has already begun. I mean, never in US history has either a black man or a female been so close to holding such high office. Though I understand your feelings, they aren’t your ticket, how can you share in that encouragement.
I’ll respond to the C.S. Lewis quote. First, I have to say when I read it I had to read it again, and then again, and then again, until I came to a point where I started to understand what he was trying to say. Essentially, what he is trying to say is that Hell is necessary, and Hell is absence of God.
The first line states that “the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question: “What are you asking God to do?”” It seems that this quote is only addressing theists, as an atheist would not be asking God anything, but yet it says “all those who object”, and certainly atheists object.
Let’s talk about Hell, and I’ll begin with what I see to be its purpose. I think, I hope, I can have atheists and theists agree with the following: The purpose of hell is twofold. First, it serves as a deterrent to what is considered immoral action. It would be easy to say the purpose is to punish, but isn’t that is just an element of deterrence? Secondly, it is to provide a sense of justice, which brings solace to those who feel wronged.
The 2nd purpose above deserves deeper discussion, because at its heart is the human need for vengeance. To this 2nd purpose, it is a desired manifestation of hatred within the mind of the victim. Within the victim, Hell is reserved for those who get away with their crimes on Earth, for those whom the victim had no other recourse for.