sullster

There are many times that after an avowed atheist dies, that christians say kind things but I feel that they are lying.

Their christian theology consistently proclaims that those who do not believe go to hell. For christians not to claim that the deceased atheist is in hell is being coy.

I can at least repect the consistency of fundies who claimed that Frank Sinatra or George Harrison were in hell after their deaths. The other supposed christians are just not telling what they really believe.

I don't need or want their false feelings at a time of grief.

Daggah

Honestly, sullster, you're being unfair. For most of us, the Christian who comes in claiming about the atheist being in hell after his death is EXTREMELY offensive. What you're saying is that they're damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

Infinity Lover

If others believe that I'll get tossed into the sea of flames, that's something they have to live with. I don't. And I'm not going to die with it either.

cydonia

"george harrison"

well, just a few days after his death, a hardcore fundamentalist co-worker of mine mocked him for believing he "would come back as a goat". So there wasnt' any politeness or sense of respect there.

TollHouse

Not all Christians believe that atheists will rot in hell, many believe that any good person will go to heaven no matter their religious leanings might be.

Bubba

What gets me is the fundie preachers who say they've watched an athiest die and that it has been unpleasant.

Bubba

Amos

Good point but odd for an infinity lover.

Amos

I was at a Catholic funeral once when the priest sort of talked a married philanderer into heaven. Afterwards, two rather good batchelors were offended and felt betrayed. I though it was rather funny.

Gregg

Soon after my Mom died, I was picking up my aunt (her sister) at her apt. and was talking to a woman who lived there who had known my Mom slightly. When I told her my Mom had died, practically the first thing out of her mouth was "Was she a Christian?" Well, she was, although she hadn't been to church for years and pretty much kept her faith to herself, so I just replied, "Yes." The lady went on, "Well then, you know she's in a better place."

This was a very sweet woman who'd been helpful to my aunt, and I know she was trying to be comforting, but her remarks ticked me off. What was she going to say if I'd said no? "Oh well then, what a pity she's roasting in hell. She was such a nice lady. Very good to her sister."

However, sullster, you should also keep in mind that many mainstream and liberal Christians don't accept the concept of hell. So unless you know that they're fundamentalists, you shouldn't assume that they're being hypocritical.

Gregg

sullster

True enough, a christian who is not offensive and will not say what they believe to be true during a such a time, is a nice person. But, they are be being coy and not saying what their religion teaches. I know they are being evasive.

Your point made of the christian being "damned" if he either says the dead atheist is in hell or doesn't is disingenuous. Once again, the poor christian is the "victim" here. Poor guy. The fact is that human consciousness is the victim of the pernicious concept of hell and all who believe are the supporters of the concept.


As to the point made by another poster about liberal christian sects who don't believe in hell for atheists; they are lying to themselves. The concept of eternal punishment for non-belief is central to christianity.

A liberal christian being nice to me is doubly coy. He is denying the realities of his beliefs and lying to me and himself, so as not to offend.

I know better.