Let's Talk About: Hell.

Is there such a thing? I suppose it really depends on what type of religion you accept. I’m not really into organized religion however, so I’d like to speak about Hell from truth’s standpoint. Of course, truth really depends on your religion too. For my sake, we’ll just pretend that my truth is the right one since it’s not influenced by a belief in a widely accepted definition of God.

I like to think there is a Hell. Why would someone who is so obviously a sinner like to believe in a Hell? Well, as I stated earlier, since I don’t really take on a religion, I also don’t consider myself a sinner. I think there are things we all know we should not do and I think there are people who still choose to do these things. I am one of those people in the eyes of many, but I’ve convinced myself I’m safe from the fire and brimstone.

In hindsight, Hell is the very reason I so strongly rejected Christianity a while ago. Let’s think about this…people who do what they truly desire are told their desires are wrong and immoral and subject to damnation. Why in the world would I agree to a religion which damns me? That doesn’t seem a wise decision. I will never understand why people accept a religion they acknowledge they will disobey. Sure, God, assuming He is as wise and holy as we imagine, will forgive but do you really want to chance that? Is His forgiveness limitless like our stupidity? Seems too much of a risk. Therefore, I will avoid all religions which have determined I’m worthy of eternal torture.

My definition of sin is much different from the widely accepted definition as well. In my eyes, sin is a mistake you keep repeating. This makes sin completely different for everyone. If I cheat on a significant other and fully realize what pain this will inflict upon others yet continue to do so, I am a sinner. If John Doe down the street knows he cannot handle drugs and alcohol in moderation and allows it to consume him every time, he is a sinner. However, if I cheat on a significant other and get real about how much pain I have inflicted upon not only my significant other but also myself and lead a life of faithfulness from here on out, I have not sinned. If John Doe down the street can have a good time (with or without drugs and drinking) and still manage to get his shit done, he has not sinned.

In my head, so long as you do your personal best to be a "good person" (that is, not causing deliberate harm to others), you avoid Hell. I'm not saying you go to Heaven (whatever that is), you just are not punished in the way many describe Hell.

Being gay is not a sin. Last I checked, two dudes loving on each other didn't really hurt anyone. It may scare some people or make them uncomfortable but perhaps caring too much about how others live their life is a sin! Drinking and smoking are not sins in and of themselves. Cussing is not a sin so long as you do your best not to do it in front of little kids (they're young and impressionable you know). Suicide is not a sin, simply a decision to meet God sooner.

What is a sin? Intentionally hurting others physically, mentally, emotionally...financially, whatever. Stealing. Killing. Damning others. Cheating. Lying. Wearing spandex if you weigh over 90 lbs and it's not Halloween. Intentionally misleading others to benefit yourself and your cause (President Bush anyone?). Being an unproductive citizen. Not attempting to better yourself on a daily basis. Yes, all of these are Hell worthy in my opinion if they are a continuously repeated activity.

I also like to believe in Karma. According to my book, Karma is how you atone for most of your misdeeds. There are some things Karma can't make up for (e.g.: killing) but most things are eventually repaid. For this reason, I think attempting to make others pay is some type of sin. I enjoy being able to accept being wronged because I know things eventually catch up to the wrong do'ers of the world. Most of the time, Karma and the Universe do a much better job of making them "pay" than you and I ever could.

So is there a Hell? Yes. If you've been bad enough that no amount of Universe delivered ass-kicking can't make you change your ways or realize your mistakes, that's where you'll go. For most of us though, we'll pay our dues on earth.


That's all for now. Thanks for reading.