Do you believe in a heaven and a hell?

I find it very interesting to ponder about the metaphysical.

I have always asked myself if there is truly a heaven. I ended up believing that there is indeed one but is different for each of us. Hence, I believe it is a state of mind and not a concrete space. On the other hand, I couldn't bring myself to believe that there exists hell. I, being theist, do not believe that a God could be so cruel to create such a place for people to suffer. But, oh well, life could be a living hell. HAHAHA

What are your thoughts? Do you believe there exists a heaven and hell? How do you picture it out?

 

I am Catholic, well technically, but I've attended mass maybe 5 times or less my whole life. And I haven't read the Bible yet. My belief in a God and in general, of an afterlife may have been a bit influenced by the Christian environment (little because our family is non-practicing Christians) but more than anything, it is more of a personal thing for me... So despite my limited knowledge of the Bible, I don't exactly agree with some things written on it. Specifically, the non-acceptance of sinners because well, for example, sexual orientation for me, does not define who we are or how good we are as people... And yes, I'm aware that God is sometimes portrayed as cruel. And I said that I don't believe in a hell because if I'll believe in a God, it would be one who loves even those who have sinned. And if there was a hell, or indeed some place other than heaven, I don't agree with the Christian portrayal of it being that of burning flames and misery. I simply believe that there is afterlife, though I'm not saying I'm right because it would be impossible to prove that something metaphysical exists.

 

Despite the concepts of heaven and hell originating from monotheistic religions such as Christianity, these are not exclusive to those religions. Even Buddhism has its own heaven and hell, though these to them are not eternal... Anyway, my reference to the afterlife wasn't purely based on religion. But yes, I did cite the Christian concept of hell which I personally do not believe in. And if there actually exists a hell (if there is really an afterlife) then I believe it will be different from the existing Christian take on it.

 

I'm not changing the foundations of Christianity! And I'm not really such a practicing Christian to begin with. Though I embrace the religion up to a certain point... I never said what the Bible preaches is wrong, I just disagree with some of it. That is, right and wrong is relative.
I'm aware that there will always be limitations to how right a religion can be, or for this matter, the Bible. After all, these are man-made. You also have to take into consideration that the Bible was written at a certain time when many were pretty "immoral" and hence, the morality it preaches should also be interpreted in this context. And yes, Christians use the Bible as some sort of moral code but was that really the intention of it being written? I haven't really read it yet but it is after all, a narrative. I believe the Bible centers on how God relates to his people and how people could connect to him, more than the moral aspect in it.

And I never claimed that I'm right. This is only what I believe in. I'm not saying I'm wrong though. But yes, maybe you're right and maybe I'm wrong. After all, I can't give you a tangible proof.

 

Ah yes, Hades. How can I forget him. Haha.

Sort of. I mean if someone asks me what my religion is, I'll say I'm Catholic. But I'm more of theist. That is it is more of a belief for me that a religion, a way of life.