Hell

[MichaelArchangelos]

Silentchapel sent me a couple of interesting articles about the Orthodox view on hell - that it isn't a place of fiery torment and the people there are tormented by being in the presence of God whom they hate. However, the toll-house theory of Fr. Seraphim Rose states that those who have more good deeds than bad deeds will be dragged down to hell. If hell is the same place as heaven, then how can this be?

Also, if someone hates God in this life, then why would they hate Him in the next life when they actually see Him and see how great He is? If they did hate Him, then their opinion would change as soon as they saw Him. And where does the Last Judgement fit in? If heaven and hell are the same place, then why does God judge you? You have determined your own fate (to love God or to hate Him) so why would God judge you?

[eoe]

Toll houses are one of those things that are very controversial. Look HERE (http://www.new-ostrog.org/gnostic/)for an opposing viewpoint to them.


Here is the real deal. Hell is a mystery. We don't really know all that much about it so we do not have hard and fast doctrines about it. This is one of the most beautiful parts about Orthodoxy - if we do not KNOW something - we do not set doctrines. That leaves room in which someone can theorize about these things. That is exactly what the toll houses are - a theory. The river of fire is another theory.

Think of the church as a fenced pasture. As long as you remain in that fence there is room to move about. These theories on hell are exactly that, moving about the pasture.

[Silentchapel]

I suggest you choose a theory that best fits your views and just stick to it. ;)
eoe, would rep you for the post. But, you know.

[irishseventysix]

God's presence won't cause us to love Him. And some people are probably so self-deluded that they wouldn't want our Lord even if He were before them.

But even so, it is my understanding that repentance is impossible once this life is over. That's all I know.

May I live a life of repentance, and turn to our Lord who loves me in all things. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.

[ufonium2]

However, the toll-house theory of Fr. Seraphim Rose


It's not his theory. I'm not going to participate in another ridiculous Toll House catfight, but please, acknowledge that Fr. Seraphim didn't come up with the idea. I mean, my priest talks about Christ's resurrection, but I don't call it "Fr. Tom's theory of the resurrection."

[MariaRegina]

One thing I like about Orthodoxy is that it is definitely not a minimalist religion. We doing the bare minimum to avoid hell is acting out of fear, not love. Instead, we try to do our best to become like Christ through theosis because we love Him.

[OnTheWay]

Ahh, fasting and hell, the two subjects that always bring up heated debate.