AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question why do so many religions believe and teach the eternal torment in hell doctrine?
Answer Hello Dorothy, and thank you for your interesting question.
I’d like to offer an answer in two parts. The first of these is from a very human perspective. By this I mean that there seems to be something within the very psyche of mankind, that we would refer to as “natural justice”. When I see some of the rich and powerful apparently getting away with all kinds of corruption – moral, financial, political etc – there is something inside me that cries out “Unfair”. This is exacerbated somewhat when I simultaneously see the poor and the powerless having such a difficult time – famine, persecution, false imprisonment, etc. The only way in which my natural human mind can reconcile this situation is by postulating a further judgement when God (however I might conceive of the divine, supernatural, Being) will redress the balance. Those who suffered so badly in this life, will enjoy paradise; while those who “had it good” in this life will receive the just reward for their unjust actions. The state in which they will find themselves is, of course, hell.
The second part of my answer would be from a specifically Christian, and Biblical, point of view. The Bible clearly teaches that mankind was created in perfection (Gen.1:27, 31). However, he rebelled against God and, because of his disobedience, was cast out of the perfect environment in which God had placed him (Gen.3: 23-24). In his new state, he was cut off from God Who, being holiness itself, could not even look upon the pinnacle of His creation. Man came under the judgement and wrath of God because “… sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned.” (Rom 5:12) As Paul had already stated in his letter to the Roman Christians, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (3:23-24). Since all are under condemnation, all deserve punishment, and the only just punishment is eternal banishment from the presence of the Creator God.
However, “God is love” (I John 4: 8,16), and did not want us to spend eternity in hell. This meant that another way had to be found by which His justice could be satisfied. He did this in the Person of the Son – the Lord Jesus – Who willingly took upon Himself our human flesh; lived among us, doing good, and directing us to the Father; and,. Eventually, He died the death that we deserve to die – “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which He went and preached to the spirits in prison,” (I Peter 3:18-20).
Of course, we have to respond, in faith, to that great sacrifice made on our behalf but, when we do, we enter into eternal life (here and now!). “No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what He has promised us, eternal life.” (I John 2:23-25); “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God” (John 3:16-19)
Your question also raises the issues of time and eternity, and of predestination and freewill – but I think that I have given you enough to think about for now! I trust that you will have found the above to be helpful, but please feel free to come back with any supplementary question.
In His service,
C.Brian Ross
