godless in seattle

True. However, what if both propositions are equally untrue? That was the point of the initial post, and please don't respond by reiterating Pascal's Wager. Isn't it problematic for God to create a place like hell in the first place, and then turn around and make us responsible for the current generation of souls that are in danger of going to such a place? And, I'm not trying to be a "scoffer" here, however this would certainly be a problematic issue, if valid. If I were the kommandant of a concentration camp who inflicted suffering upon others, I would certainly be considered "evil" for doing so. However, what if I also had the power to stop such widespread horror and suffering, and failed to do so, what would my standard of "goodness" be? And like with previous discussion of Joshua, there are no easy answers, and one cannot simply respond with the passive -" God's ways are higher. Who am I to question. Therefore, let God be God." Such a response is both intellectually lazy and a cop out.

Has anyone else read Bill Wiese's book 23 Minutes in Hell? What were your impressions? First of all, the guy is an ordinary real estate agent (if he were a used car salesman, I'd really be suspicious ). And, God certainly uses ordinary people, and not the smug and pretentious types. At the very least, the guy certainly has a vivid imagination (However, there is also a vast body of literature on the subject, beginning with the apocryphal book of Enoch, which has greatly contributed to the popular imagination on the subject). I will also say that he also did a commendable job of drawing in all the obscure Old Testament references, before such a concept was clear or developed.

However, on the previous note of an existing body of literature on the subject, Wiese did refer to "respectable" Biblical scholarship on the subject. However, he also referred to such dubious sources as false teacher Kenneth Hagin (founder of the "neognostic" modern day Word/Faith Movement) who also had such an "alleged" experience. But perhaps, most importantly, obsessing over the alleged torments and demons of hell, replaces a "healthy and reverential" fear of God (Matt. 10:28). And, it was such an obsession with angelology/demonology that was a primary reason for the rejection of the canon of apocryphal books in the first place.

And, what about the idea of hell being located at the center of the earth? (an interesting Google search). After all, in spite of all our technological advances, we have never had a "journey to the center of the earth." And, if such a place of torment exists at the earth's center, wouldn't it be merciful to build a huge drill, and bore to the earth's core, so the souls suffering there have a possible means of escape?