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General => Pseudo-science, Conspiracy Theories, and Other Loads of Bull => Topic started by: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM

Title: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm sorry I keep bringing this up, but I still have this deep routed fear in hell. I seem to get recommendations on youtube of people apparently "dying" and going to hell. Usually, they will claim that they used to be atheists, or people who laughed at religion. Then, they ended up getting into an accident, "dying", and experiencing hell, before calling out to Jesus, and a bright bright light shows up, and rescues them from hell. They relate this to the Bible where Jonah dies, goes to hell, calls out to Jesus, and he saves him. Do you think the fact that so many people have similar stories gives them any credence? Why do all these hell testimonies have the same descriptions, and then when they call out to Jesus a white light comes? Do you think it is possible that even the brain could conduct such a story where the person sees darkness or demons, calls out to Jesus, and then the person gets saved?

here is an example of what I am talking about, and there are many videos similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_3H9O4LSo

do you think it is possible that this man lied? Also, even if he didn't would you reject his claims?

I think these videos are catered to people like me who have always believed in the past, and now, as I am questioning, this video brings back fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Dave on April 30, 2017, 10:16:01 PM
Manga, not sure what else to advise you that has not already been said.

People having personal fantasies, wanting to frighten unbelievers into becoming believers by making up stories, people using instilled fear to gain some sort of power or influence over ithers etc, etc, etc, are ten a penny, have been around since humanity discovered abstract ideas about nature and have probably caused more human suffering, overall, than any other group.

For all of human history believers in the supernatural have well outnumbered non-believers, especially enlightened or "intelectual" non-believers. No-one has yet nanaged to produce any real, substantiated evidence for the existence of heaven or hell. Do you believe in any of the "faury" stories, in Grims' Tales, in Alice in Wonderland? They all have as much to do with human nature and psychology as the bible.

These people are playing on your fears, manga, playing on your psychology! Only you can deny them this power over your mind. Find something, a picture, a thought, an object, of the real world that you value, use it as an "anchor"; bring it to mind or to hand when you are tempted to delve into the dark places on Youtube or wherever. Amulets, icons, totems, talismans, lockets, lucky charms, rabbits feet etc have been used by just about every culture for similar purposes - for "protection" or as a link to some-thing/one/where important. As a distraction from fear.

Still seems a bit irrational to many but it is something deep in the human mind - might as well use it for good! But do not, if you want to break this problem you have, choose a crucifix or other religious symbol, that will simply tie you in more. Give yourself the chance to create a little distance; you cannot see the whole forest properly if your are hugging a single tree too tightly.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 30, 2017, 11:23:05 PM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
Do you think the fact that so many people have similar stories gives them any credence?

No. 

There are many cases where loads of people believe the same crap and that doesn't give that crap credence.

QuoteWhy do all these hell testimonies have the same descriptions, and then when they call out to Jesus a white light comes?

It could be due to the power of suggestion. They could just be highly suggestive people.

Now I have a question for you:

Why is it that Christians see "visions" of Christian themes while Muslims see Allah and Mohammed and so on?

QuoteDo you think it is possible that even the brain could conduct such a story where the person sees darkness or demons, calls out to Jesus, and then the person gets saved?

The brain can make things up.

Quotedo you think it is possible that this man lied? Also, even if he didn't would you reject his claims?

Of course it's possible that he lied. It's also possible that he experienced something caused by brain hipoxia, like a weird dream generated by a dying (not dead) brain.

I wouldn't really care about his claims even if he didn't lie, they mean nothing to me, so yeah, I would reject them.

QuoteI think these videos are catered to people like me who have always believed in the past, and now, as I am questioning, this video brings back fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.

I wish I had a solution for you, manga.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on April 30, 2017, 11:34:40 PM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
I think these videos are catered to people like me who have always believed in the past, and now, as I am questioning, this video brings back fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.

YouTube and many other websites have this thing called "targeted ads". What it means is, if you look for things about NDEs, Athiesm, Christianity, you will get things that are catered to that. This is not a person doing this. It's an algorithm that goes off your past internet activity to bring you things specifically​ catered to you. So it may seem that they were made exactly for you, to watch at that time, but it's not. They just bring things most relevant to what you look at. It's feeding into your insecurities because you began to do that your self.

To divert your attention away from that, look for how to delete your web history in your browser and on YouTube. Then begin to look at a variety of things so that it stays off balance, or get a free VPN. Another strategy might be to view links and videos that people share here. That will also send the algorithm off.

You'll get through this Manga, trust me.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on April 30, 2017, 11:50:14 PM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
I seem to get recommendations on youtube of people apparently "dying" and going to hell. Usually, they will claim that they used to be atheists, or people who laughed at religion. Then, they ended up getting into an accident, "dying", and experiencing hell, before calling out to Jesus, and a bright bright light shows up, and rescues them from hell. They relate this to the Bible where Jonah dies, goes to hell, calls out to Jesus, and he saves him. Do you think the fact that so many people have similar stories gives them any credence?

Assuming that these former atheists were raised in Xtian cultures, absolutely not -- in fact I'd be more surprised if they didn't hallucinate such things.  All this is standard indoctrination in this country, even kids outside the Xtian religion pick up some of it.  When a belief is planted in the brain at the earliest age and is constantly (or near constantly) reinforced by family and society all ones life, it is very hard to get rid of.  Even after being rejected intellectually, it still has emotional power and probably always will have. 

That these imagines, entirely consistent with lifelong Xtian programming, should come flooding to the foreground during a highly wrought emotional moment (which I imagine an NDE must be) is to be expected.  Personally, I dismiss them just on the grounds of their extreme predictability under the circumstances, and the ease with which they can be naturally explained. 

Now, if you could find a group of people who had never, and I mean NEVER, been exposed in any way to Western Civilization, much less a Xtian preacher, and they had exactly those hallucinations during NDEs, that would be a puzzle worth investigating.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 01:54:14 AM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm sorry I keep bringing this up, but I still have this deep routed fear in hell. I seem to get recommendations on youtube of people apparently "dying" and going to hell. Usually, they will claim that they used to be atheists, or people who laughed at religion. Then, they ended up getting into an accident, "dying", and experiencing hell, before calling out to Jesus, and a bright bright light shows up, and rescues them from hell. They relate this to the Bible where Jonah dies, goes to hell, calls out to Jesus, and he saves him. Do you think the fact that so many people have similar stories gives them any credence? Why do all these hell testimonies have the same descriptions, and then when they call out to Jesus a white light comes? Do you think it is possible that even the brain could conduct such a story where the person sees darkness or demons, calls out to Jesus, and then the person gets saved?

here is an example of what I am talking about, and there are many videos similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_3H9O4LSo

do you think it is possible that this man lied? Also, even if he didn't would you reject his claims?

I think these videos are catered to people like me who have always believed in the past, and now, as I am questioning, this video brings back fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.

manga, manguita... :smileshake:

Wouldn't you be happier if you joined a Near Death Experience Forum? You guys could talk about this stuff 24/7. They'll tell you what you want to hear, if you're scared, they'll scare you even more, if you doubt it's real, they'll convince you that it is.

What do you want from us? We're not the ones recommending this videos, so why are you asking us? Are you trying to convince us that this is real, or are you really scared about hell and you want us to convince you that hell and demons are not real? Why should we help you "fix" all the damage religion has done to you?

This is what I want to know....
Assuming god and hell are real, there's a reason why god sent someone there, isn't there? Why would god send you there, and then save you? Sounds like wishful thinking to me.  :smileshake:

Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: No one on May 01, 2017, 02:17:03 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.motortrend.com%2F_siteconfigs%2F_global%2Fimages%2Fcommunity%2Fbbcode%2Ficon_quote.gif&hash=7e397439145e530551380cd19bacaedf98bb1cd5) mags:
Assuming god and hell are real, there's a reason why god sent someone there, isn't there? Why would god send you there, and then save you?


It's real simple mags, the creator of the universe, is a petty, spiteful prick.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 02:29:30 AM
Quote from: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.

I think the running theory is that Christianity took ideas from Egyptians who worshiped the sun. There was a figure in that religion that said it was the literal sun incarnation, or something like that. Then somewhere along the line christianity turned Jesus into that figure. So basically, Jesus is the sun, the sun is literally light, and light has a lot of philosophical significance.

For example, in a hypothetical situation​, there were some guys who grew up in a dark prison and saw only shadows on a wall. When one escaped, they saw actual light and were blinded. That is an actual philosophical story. It has no symbolism until we give it to it. The story actually goes on to say that the escaped prisoner went back to tell the others and they didn't believe him. That's where it ends. The stories were around in Rome long before Christianity came there. So they just adapted it to fit their purpose. It's not Jesus that is actually light, it's more likely that there is some cookie cutter layout that these stories come from.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 01, 2017, 03:14:09 AM
Jesus can't help you...Christian Boy Dies For 3 Minutes, Meets Allah in Heaven.

Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM
Quote from: No one on May 01, 2017, 02:17:03 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.motortrend.com%2F_siteconfigs%2F_global%2Fimages%2Fcommunity%2Fbbcode%2Ficon_quote.gif&hash=7e397439145e530551380cd19bacaedf98bb1cd5) mags:
Assuming god and hell are real, there's a reason why god sent someone there, isn't there? Why would god send you there, and then save you?


It's real simple mags, the creator of the universe, is a petty, spiteful prick.

There is that possibility.  :notsure:

...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:07:40 AM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 03:14:09 AM
Jesus can't help you...Christian Boy Dies For 3 Minutes, Meets Allah in Heaven.



Wow!  :o
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2017, 04:57:09 AM
Quote from: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.

Both.  Seriously, you didn't hear these growing up?
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2017, 04:59:15 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM


...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:

:o
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 05:06:20 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:57:09 AM
Quote from: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.

Both.  Seriously, you didn't hear these growing up?

Well manga hasn't been instilled in American creationism. Originally from Ukraine.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 05:11:56 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM
Quote from: No one on May 01, 2017, 02:17:03 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.motortrend.com%2F_siteconfigs%2F_global%2Fimages%2Fcommunity%2Fbbcode%2Ficon_quote.gif&hash=7e397439145e530551380cd19bacaedf98bb1cd5) mags:
Assuming god and hell are real, there's a reason why god sent someone there, isn't there? Why would god send you there, and then save you?


It's real simple mags, the creator of the universe, is a petty, spiteful prick.

There is that possibility.  :notsure:

...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:

Because you can't get away from people telling you about it, who says the petty spiteful prick is always there, always watching.

Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 05:18:35 AM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 05:06:20 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:57:09 AM
Quote from: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.

Both.  Seriously, you didn't hear these growing up?

Well manga hasn't been instilled in American creationism. Originally from Ukraine.

Um...no.  :notsure:

Please allow me to correct you.
Quote from: manga on April 27, 2017, 09:56:50 PM
...

Ok, I'm 15, my family is originally from Ukraine, but of Turkish origin. I think they moved from Turkey to Ukraine many generations ago, so they practice Christian faith now. I was brought up in North America, so I attended a Catholic school.
...

Davin asked:
Quote from: Davin on April 28, 2017, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: mangaOk, I'm 15, my family is originally from Ukraine, but of Turkish origin. I think they moved from Turkey to Ukraine many generations ago, so they practice Christian faith now. I was brought up in North America, so I attended a Catholic school.
Like Canada?

I was gonna ask: Like Mexico?  :lol:
:secrets1:(Mexico is also located in North America)

Anyways...
There it is.

manga attended a Catholic school but doesn't know much about Jesus.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2017, 05:19:44 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:57:09 AM
Quote from: manga on May 01, 2017, 01:14:26 AM
The only thing I wonder is, is it believed in Christianity that if one calls out to Jesus that he will save them, or that he is a light? There are so many of these videos where people describe the exact same events.

Both.  Seriously, you didn't hear these growing up?

Even works with adults. Any training scheme is designed to get the people on it thinking the same way about the same things. In the army, after a period of basic training, with dire punishments for infringement of the rules, not doing what the sergeant major (aka "god") or his accolytes, says becomes almost unthinkable. It's also called "conditioning", even "brain washing"; making others, by repeated suggestions and threats, conform with imposed ideas and rules.

If you get old soldiers talking you will hear the same anecdotes over and over again, and similar "tall stories". Shared experience during formative years, or strictly imposed behaviour and thought patterns in later years, creates shared memory, shared imagination, shared responses.

It is the very opposite of independent, personal thought and action. For some it works, they need the rules, others are capable of rational behaviour, recognising that common rules exist naturally. They have the intelligence and integrity to conform with these without the need of threats beyond those imposed by mutually protective laws developed from those common rules.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 05:22:06 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:59:15 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM


...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:

:o

Yeah, that didn't come out right, did it?  :notsure:

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2017, 05:39:54 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 05:22:06 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:59:15 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM


...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:

:o

Yeah, that didn't come out right, did it?  :notsure:

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


Not touching that one, I'm just not.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 05:55:41 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 05:39:54 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 05:22:06 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 04:59:15 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 03:54:42 AM


...Now the question is:
Why would someone kneel before a petty, spiteful prick?  :eyebrow:

:o

Yeah, that didn't come out right, did it?  :notsure:

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


Not touching that one, I'm just not.

No one started it.  :unsure:

Maybe it's true. Maybe someone said, "We will call him petty, spiteful prick."
That explains this:
Sephora:  "Today he sleeps."

Moses:  "Who sleeps?"

Sephora:  "He who has no name."

There's a difference between translating and interpreting.  >:(
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2017, 08:33:58 AM
QuoteThere's a difference between translating and interpreting. 

That is profound, Mags.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Recusant on May 01, 2017, 10:54:51 AM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM. . . fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.

You've described it very well here, manga. As Jonathan Swift said: "Reasoning will never make a Man correct an ill Opinion, which by Reasoning he never acquired."

Until you decide that you're not going to let irrational fear dictate your beliefs, no amount of contrary evidence and logical discussion is going to have much effect. Only when you're willing to let go of the stuff you had poured into your ears when you were younger can you move past this. If you need absolute certainty about this and other topics, you aren't going to find them anywhere but in religion. Maybe you can learn to stifle your doubts or put them aside and go back to accepting the (in my opinion) false certainties that religion provides. If not, given time perhaps you'll be able to reconcile yourself to accepting that even if reason and evidence cannot provide absolute certainty, they're more reliable than YouTube testimonies and people selling books about their experiences in a supposedly spiritual realm.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:14:16 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on May 01, 2017, 08:33:58 AM
QuoteThere's a difference between translating and interpreting. 

That is profound, Mags.

I was going for "funny" but "profound" is good.  :snicker:
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?

Sure, why not, in one's crazy realm, anyone can be a god.  :shrug:

I wouldn't kneel before Voldemort, but I wouldn't mind kneeling before this god:
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 01, 2017, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?

Sure, why not, in one's crazy realm, anyone can be a god.  :shrug:

I wouldn't kneel before Voldemort, but I wouldn't mind kneeling before this god:
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

I heard this god doesn't like pupusas... 8)



Sorry, but neither Jesus or Allah can save you, looks like it's some Hindu god.



Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 06:17:58 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?

Sure, why not, in one's crazy realm, anyone can be a god.  :shrug:

I wouldn't kneel before Voldemort, but I wouldn't mind kneeling before this god:
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

I heard this god doesn't like pupusas... 8)

My dear, dear, grumpy Father Bruno, you're having an extremely, extremely busy Monday morning and instead of stopping to smell the wet roses in your garden you stop to break my heart.  >:(

:cryandrun:





He could learn to like them.  :P
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 01, 2017, 07:01:53 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 06:17:58 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?

Sure, why not, in one's crazy realm, anyone can be a god.  :shrug:

I wouldn't kneel before Voldemort, but I wouldn't mind kneeling before this god:
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

I heard this god doesn't like pupusas... 8)

My dear, dear, grumpy Father Bruno, you're having an extremely, extremely busy Monday morning and instead of stopping to smell the wet roses in your garden you stop to break my heart.  >:(

:cryandrun:





He could learn to like them.  :P

I think Elaine from Seinfeld tried taking that conversion route one time with a guy she really liked, but it didn't work out, something about how you can't compete with people from the other team who own same equipment because it gives them an unfair advantage over those who don't have access to the equipment all of the time.



Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Tank on May 01, 2017, 07:08:10 PM
Quote from: Recusant on May 01, 2017, 10:54:51 AM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM. . . fear which shields me from being rational, as my fear takes over.

You've described it very well here, manga. As Jonathan Swift said: "Reasoning will never make a Man correct an ill Opinion, which by Reasoning he never acquired."

Until you decide that you're not going to let irrational fear dictate your beliefs, no amount of contrary evidence and logical discussion is going to have much effect. Only when you're willing to let go of the stuff you had poured into your ears when you were younger can you move past this. If you need absolute certainty about this and other topics, you aren't going to find them anywhere but in religion. Maybe you can learn to stifle your doubts or put them aside and go back to accepting the (in my opinion) false certainties that religion provides. If not, given time perhaps you'll be able to reconcile yourself to accepting that even if reason and evidence cannot provide absolute certainty, they're more reliable than YouTube testimonies and people selling books about their experiences in a supposedly spiritual realm.

What Recusant says is very relevant to your situation.

Manga. You're 15. You're going through a time of great turmoil. At your age I was the school expert on UFOs. There was nothing I didn't know about them. I had all the books of Erich von Däniken and he could do no wrong as far as I was concerned. I was right and I knew everything. I remember how I felt then trying to make sense of the Universe. Eventually I learned that I would believe what I wanted to. If you choose to believe in Hell it will exist for you as surly as if it were real. Do you really want to go down that route for the rest of your life?
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:12:41 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 07:01:53 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 06:17:58 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Arturo on May 01, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Is God Voldemort?

Sure, why not, in one's crazy realm, anyone can be a god.  :shrug:

I wouldn't kneel before Voldemort, but I wouldn't mind kneeling before this god:
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

I heard this god doesn't like pupusas... 8)

My dear, dear, grumpy Father Bruno, you're having an extremely, extremely busy Monday morning and instead of stopping to smell the wet roses in your garden you stop to break my heart.  >:(

:cryandrun:





He could learn to like them.  :P

I think Elaine from Seinfeld tried taking that conversion route one time with a guy she really liked, but it didn't work out, something about how you can't compete with people from the other team who own same equipment because it gives them an unfair advantage over those who don't have access to the equipment all of the time.
I'm a little lost, Father Bruno.
Is this like, "the parable of the pupusa and god?"
It doesn't make any sense.


Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

...watch... :reading:
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 01, 2017, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

...watch... :reading:

Yes this is quite like the Parable of the "Pupusa and the Little God Who Couldn't", but for further clarification watch the attached.

Sorry for the quality, best clip of this particular episode I could find





Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

...watch... :reading:


I beat them to it, see History. ::)
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2017, 07:39:29 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

OK, that is seriously distracting!  I don't know how you can even manage to notice Father Bruno with his grumpy face when there's something like that around.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:40:41 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

...watch... :reading:

Yes this is quite like the Parable of the "Pupusa and the Little God Who Couldn't", but for further clarification watch the attached.

Sorry for the quality, best clip of this particular episode I could find


:lol:
I don't know, Father Bruno...I don't believe in hell, but I do believe pupusas have a supernatural, and/or, inexplicable power.

Like I said, he could learn to love them.   :tellmemore:
Please don't continue ruining my Monday.  :P
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: No one on May 01, 2017, 07:44:36 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.motortrend.com%2F_siteconfigs%2F_global%2Fimages%2Fcommunity%2Fbbcode%2Ficon_quote.gif&hash=7e397439145e530551380cd19bacaedf98bb1cd5) mags:
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

In the realm of the Happy Athiest, there is the theory of the magna, where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 01, 2017, 07:45:45 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:40:41 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

...watch... :reading:

Yes this is quite like the Parable of the "Pupusa and the Little God Who Couldn't", but for further clarification watch the attached.

Sorry for the quality, best clip of this particular episode I could find


:lol:
I don't know, Father Bruno...I don't believe in hell, but I do believe pupusas have a supernatural, and/or, inexplicable power.

Like I said, he could learn to love them.   :tellmemore:
Please don't continue ruining my Monday.  :P

I'm sorry Magdalena I will stop...I mean you're right about the supernatural, and/or inexplicable power of the pupusas, a good one has made me do some fairly crazy, wild things over the years...and also gotten me into a lot of serious trouble even. 8)

I say you go for it girl! ;D
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:49:14 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 07:39:29 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 04:20:40 PM

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/367d6a4de7f74f465f01b1f30d46cb96/tumblr_ol2t9fmqcm1uqvkjlo1_500.gif)

:tellmemore:

OK, that is seriously distracting!  I don't know how you can even manage to notice Father Bruno with his grumpy face when there's something like that around.

:snicker:
I'm really trying to focus!

He is very handsome, isn't he?  :tellmemore:
It's like this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoyAjkQg.gif&hash=f488381add79800e36967281baa7d540cd32471a)
"Yes, sir, right away!"
:grin:
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:53:46 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 01, 2017, 07:45:45 PM
I'm sorry Magdalena I will stop...I mean you're right about the supernatural, and/or inexplicable power of the pupusas, a good one has made me do some fairly crazy, wild things over the years...and also gotten me into a lot of serious trouble even. 8)

(https://media.giphy.com/media/usUm1EU5N5CBG/200.gif)

Don't play with, or underestimate the power of the pupusas.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:56:13 PM
Quote from: No one on May 01, 2017, 07:44:36 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.motortrend.com%2F_siteconfigs%2F_global%2Fimages%2Fcommunity%2Fbbcode%2Ficon_quote.gif&hash=7e397439145e530551380cd19bacaedf98bb1cd5) mags:
I think it's nice that some of you are taking the time to give manga some wonderful advice, however, I think he/she will just post another Near Death Experience video and ask, do you think this is accurate?

In the realm of the Happy Athiest, there is the theory of the magna, where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....where questions are asked in a loop..... where questions are asked in a loop.....
(https://media.giphy.com/media/X8sWg5Ka6m4qQ/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 01, 2017, 09:59:53 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:49:14 PM


:snicker:
I'm really trying to focus!

He is very handsome, isn't he?  :tellmemore:
It's like this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoyAjkQg.gif&hash=f488381add79800e36967281baa7d540cd32471a)
"Yes, sir, right away!"
:grin:

My immediate reaction is "here?  now?".  My next reaction is that "kneel" is misspelled and it looks like he's yelling some guy's name.  Which could also work.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 10:44:51 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 01, 2017, 09:59:53 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 01, 2017, 07:49:14 PM


:snicker:
I'm really trying to focus!

He is very handsome, isn't he?  :tellmemore:
It's like this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoyAjkQg.gif&hash=f488381add79800e36967281baa7d540cd32471a)
"Yes, sir, right away!"
:grin:

My immediate reaction is "here?  now?".  My next reaction is that "kneel" is misspelled and it looks like he's yelling some guy's name.  Which could also work.

He can misspell any word he wants to.
I'm OK with it.  :tellmemore:
:grin:
I wasn't even looking at the letters.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: No one on May 01, 2017, 11:36:14 PM
It seems you admiration for him is anything but, low key.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 01:32:55 AM
That's all it is, an admiration.

I found this, let me know if you want to know where this info came from.
QuoteLOKI FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : LOKI
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : LOKE, LODER, LOKKJU, LOPTER, LOPTI, LOKI-LAUFEYJARSON
Location : Scandinavia
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Mayhem
God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad
Popularity index : 209228

Maybe that's the god I'll see during my near death experience.  ::)
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: solidsquid on May 02, 2017, 01:54:37 AM
Quote from: manga on April 30, 2017, 09:36:01 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm sorry I keep bringing this up, but I still have this deep routed fear in hell.

According to my ancestors, most people end up in Hel (http://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/the-nine-worlds/helheim/)
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 02, 2017, 02:19:35 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 01:32:55 AM
That's all it is, an admiration.

I found this, let me know if you want to know where this info came from.
QuoteLOKI FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : LOKI
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : LOKE, LODER, LOKKJU, LOPTER, LOPTI, LOKI-LAUFEYJARSON
Location : Scandinavia
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Mayhem
God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad
Popularity index : 209228

Maybe that's the god I'll see during my near death experience.  ::)

Didn't we at one time discuss possible afterlives to strive for (if, for argument's sake, they were real) and reach a general consensus that Valhalla was the best one?  I seem to remember a discussion about that.  Anyway, if Valhalla is real, I bet Loki would be in charge of the entertainment.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 02:40:59 AM
Loki is one of my favourites, even if the Hulk called him a "puny god".  ::)

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.




Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 04:20:08 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 02, 2017, 02:19:35 AM
Didn't we at one time discuss possible afterlives to strive for (if, for argument's sake, they were real) and reached a general consensus that Valhalla was the best one?  I seem to remember a discussion about that.  Anyway, if Valhalla is real, I bet Loki would be in charge of the entertainment.
Yes, this is true. I remember this discussion.

Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 02:40:59 AM
Loki is one of my favourites, even if the Hulk called him a "puny god".  ::)

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.pandawhale.com%2Fpost-62416-The-Wire-Wee-Bey-Brice-OMG-WTF-tm9I.gif&hash=eba50b5b7e40541217f3efd3eb85c8796c003152)
What the hell!?
Who does he think he is?
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: manga on May 02, 2017, 04:27:12 AM
Guys I have looked at some of the videos you have posted. First and foremost, let me say that I love Seinfeld, and George Costanza is my idol. Second, I have seen some of the NDE videos posted here of people who grew up in India. Although there are many similarities as Western accounts (tunnels, hellish realms, life review, seeing a bright light,,) I see there are also differences with people who practice Hindusim (review of past lives, getting rescued from hell by one's father rather than Jesus, being referred to by higher beings as a dog etc) it does seem that there are some cultural differences at play. One of the accounts I saw the Hindu man was an anesthesiologist, and he claims that while he was under anesthesia, that he heard his doctor tell a joke that was later verified, and he claims that he couldn't have been under light anesthesia, as he would have felt pain. He also claims after his NDE that a wrist injury he had was healed, which I am skeptical of. One thing is forsure, these people who have them are completely convinced in their minds that these NDEs are a reality. Because we never hear of a Christian raised in North America commenting on visiting past lives during his or her NDE, and because we never hear of a Hindu person reporting Christian imagery when they were raised in India, I think it is safe to say that it is cultural to some extent. Some pro-NDE fanatics would say they are all the same, but  different people interpret it differently. I don't know if we can really take that claim to heart. Howard Storm's version of hell takes place in the hospital, Rajiv Parti sees darkness with lightening, hears thunder, hears soul's screaming, another NDEr sees fire, the demons are not exactly described as the same. Some report Jesus as a light, others report Jesus with long brown hair, others with ginger hair. I think we can explain most of it. However, I am still confused as to how people under anesthesia can report seeing and hearing things when we know that only 1 in 1000 report awareness during anesthesia. Some NDE researchers have recorded many more OBEs under anesthesia than only 1 in 1000. I think if we could totally debunk OBEs with more target placement tests, then I would be 99.9 percent sure NDEs are not really the soul leaving the body. I mean, Dr. ParNia only took note of 2 NDErs during his whole experiment who had OBEs. Only one took place in a room with objects. One person could easily miss it. However, if we had hundreds or even thousands of people tested with the target identification and no one got it, that would speak volumes. On the other hand, if people did manage to pick off these targets, it would give NDEs new credence. I've said this before, I believe that we have covered about 75 percent of the NDE phenomenon, and maybe 25 percent is still not completely understood, so there is a grey area. These OBEs. I think it is also strange that so many Christians who feel they have been bad, as well as atheists claim to see hell. Although I don't have all these answers, I think it is mostly figured out. I am still a bit worried in case worst comes to worst, but even most of these experiences themselves (even if the person saw hell) end on a positive note, as they get taken out of hell.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Velma on May 02, 2017, 04:37:26 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 02:40:59 AM
Loki is one of my favourites, even if the Hulk called him a "puny god".  ::)

Loki is one of a long line of trickster gods found in many cultures. They tend to be intelligent and sought out for their advice. However, you should take that advice with a grain of salt since trickster gods will give bad advice just so they can sit back and enjoy the ensuing fireworks. Few of the ones I've read about have a deliberately malevolent streak. They usually won't have the intention of causing your death. Yet, if it happens, it is just all part of the glorious chaos. He'll probably miss you - for a bit.

I know in the Norse pantheon, Loki does eventually take things too far and ends up being punished by the other gods. He escapes his punishment just in time to help bring about the end of the world.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 04:59:19 AM
Quote from: manga on May 02, 2017, 04:27:12 AM
1. Although there are many similarities as Western accounts (tunnels, hellish realms, life review, seeing a bright light,,) I see there are also differences with people who practice Hindusim (review of past lives, getting rescued from hell by one's father rather than Jesus, being referred to by higher beings as a dog etc) it does seem that there are some cultural differences at play.

One of the accounts I saw the Hindu man was an anesthesiologist, and he claims that while he was under anesthesia, that he heard his doctor tell a joke that was later verified, and he claims that he couldn't have been under light anesthesia, as he would have felt pain. He also claims after his NDE that a wrist injury he had was healed, which I am skeptical of.

2. One thing is forsure, these people who have them are completely convinced in their minds that these NDEs are a reality. Because we never hear of a Christian raised in North America commenting on visiting past lives during his or her NDE, and because we never hear of a Hindu person reporting Christian imagery when they were raised in India, I think it is safe to say that it is cultural to some extent.

3. Some pro-NDE fanatics would say they are all the same, but  different people interpret it differently.

4. I don't know if we can really take that claim to heart.

5. Howard Storm's version of hell takes place in the hospital, Rajiv Parti sees darkness with lightening, hears thunder, hears soul's screaming, another NDEr sees fire, the demons are not exactly described as the same.

6. Some report Jesus as a light, others report Jesus with long brown hair, others with ginger hair.

7. I think we can explain most of it. However, I am still confused as to how people under anesthesia can report seeing and hearing things when we know that only 1 in 1000 report awareness during anesthesia.

8. Some NDE researchers have recorded many more OBEs under anesthesia than only 1 in 1000.

9. I think if we could totally debunk OBEs with more target placement tests, then I would be 99.9 percent sure NDEs are not really the soul leaving the body. I mean, Dr. ParNia only took note of 2 NDErs during his whole experiment who had OBEs.

a. Only one took place in a room with objects. One person could easily miss it.
b. However, if we had hundreds or even thousands of people tested with the target identification and no one got it, that would speak volumes.
c. On the other hand, if people did manage to pick off these targets, it would give NDEs new credence.

10. I've said this before, I believe that we have covered about 75 percent of the NDE phenomenon,

11. and maybe 25 percent is still not completely understood, so there is a grey area.

12. These OBEs. I think it is also strange that so many Christians who feel they have been bad, as well as atheists claim to see hell.

13.  Although I don't have all these answers, I think it is mostly figured out.

14. I am still a bit worried in case worst comes to worst, but even most of these experiences themselves (even if the person saw hell) end on a positive note, as they get taken out of hell.

So, are we clear now?
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 05:46:21 AM
Quote from: Velma on May 02, 2017, 04:37:26 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 02:40:59 AM
Loki is one of my favourites, even if the Hulk called him a "puny god".  ::)

Loki is one of a long line of trickster gods found in many cultures. They tend to be intelligent and sought out for their advice. However, you should take that advice with a grain of salt since trickster gods will give bad advice just so they can sit back and enjoy the ensuing fireworks. Few of the ones I've read about have a deliberately malevolent streak. They usually won't have the intention of causing your death. Yet, if it happens, it is just all part of the glorious chaos. He'll probably miss you - for a bit.

I know in the Norse pantheon, Loki does eventually take things too far and ends up being punished by the other gods. He escapes his punishment just in time to help bring about the end of the world.

Sounds like the life of the party. ;D
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 05:47:34 AM
Quote from: manga on May 02, 2017, 04:27:12 AM
Guys I have looked at some of the videos you have posted. First and foremost, let me say that I love Seinfeld, and George Costanza is my idol. Second, I have seen some of the NDE videos posted here of people who grew up in India. Although there are many similarities as Western accounts (tunnels, hellish realms, life review, seeing a bright light,,) I see there are also differences with people who practice Hindusim (review of past lives, getting rescued from hell by one's father rather than Jesus, being referred to by higher beings as a dog etc) it does seem that there are some cultural differences at play. One of the accounts I saw the Hindu man was an anesthesiologist, and he claims that while he was under anesthesia, that he heard his doctor tell a joke that was later verified, and he claims that he couldn't have been under light anesthesia, as he would have felt pain. He also claims after his NDE that a wrist injury he had was healed, which I am skeptical of. One thing is forsure, these people who have them are completely convinced in their minds that these NDEs are a reality. Because we never hear of a Christian raised in North America commenting on visiting past lives during his or her NDE, and because we never hear of a Hindu person reporting Christian imagery when they were raised in India, I think it is safe to say that it is cultural to some extent. Some pro-NDE fanatics would say they are all the same, but  different people interpret it differently. I don't know if we can really take that claim to heart. Howard Storm's version of hell takes place in the hospital, Rajiv Parti sees darkness with lightening, hears thunder, hears soul's screaming, another NDEr sees fire, the demons are not exactly described as the same. Some report Jesus as a light, others report Jesus with long brown hair, others with ginger hair. I think we can explain most of it. However, I am still confused as to how people under anesthesia can report seeing and hearing things when we know that only 1 in 1000 report awareness during anesthesia. Some NDE researchers have recorded many more OBEs under anesthesia than only 1 in 1000. I think if we could totally debunk OBEs with more target placement tests, then I would be 99.9 percent sure NDEs are not really the soul leaving the body. I mean, Dr. ParNia only took note of 2 NDErs during his whole experiment who had OBEs. Only one took place in a room with objects. One person could easily miss it. However, if we had hundreds or even thousands of people tested with the target identification and no one got it, that would speak volumes. On the other hand, if people did manage to pick off these targets, it would give NDEs new credence. I've said this before, I believe that we have covered about 75 percent of the NDE phenomenon, and maybe 25 percent is still not completely understood, so there is a grey area. These OBEs. I think it is also strange that so many Christians who feel they have been bad, as well as atheists claim to see hell. Although I don't have all these answers, I think it is mostly figured out. I am still a bit worried in case worst comes to worst, but even most of these experiences themselves (even if the person saw hell) end on a positive note, as they get taken out of hell.

Seems like you're making some progress. Baby steps.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 05:48:28 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 04:20:08 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 02, 2017, 02:19:35 AM
Didn't we at one time discuss possible afterlives to strive for (if, for argument's sake, they were real) and reached a general consensus that Valhalla was the best one?  I seem to remember a discussion about that.  Anyway, if Valhalla is real, I bet Loki would be in charge of the entertainment.
Yes, this is true. I remember this discussion.

Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 02:40:59 AM
Loki is one of my favourites, even if the Hulk called him a "puny god".  ::)

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.pandawhale.com%2Fpost-62416-The-Wire-Wee-Bey-Brice-OMG-WTF-tm9I.gif&hash=eba50b5b7e40541217f3efd3eb85c8796c003152)
What the hell!?
Who does he think he is?
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


The Hulk's just green with envy...
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Arturo on May 02, 2017, 07:25:27 AM
The Hulk will smash anyone who crosses him. I mean like smash them into a bloody fucking mess of just blood and dirt. If you were in a car, he would crush the car with you in it. If you were rocketing into space, he would ground you faster than shit on taco Tuesday. I mean, Hulk is really strong guys.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 02, 2017, 01:50:49 PM
This seems appropriate to leave here: FAQ: Do You Ever Still Worry About Hell? (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2017/04/25/faq-ever-still-worry-hell/)

Neil Carter is an atheist who used to be a devout Xtian (was even a pastor, or at least a lay pastor, at one point, I believe) and now writes the blog Godless in Dixie.  I've shared a number of his posts because I find him very on point, at least as far as my own experiences go.

For instance: 

QuoteThere are a number of other things I could say, but for now I'm just passing along the above exchange with my friend because it's a gut-level honest response. I really don't struggle with fear of Hell anymore because enough time and thinking have transpired to cause that sensation to fade for me beyond recognition.

The funny thing about Hell is that the fear of it often sticks around long after a person has decided she no longer even believes it makes any sense. One can even lose all discernible belief in God, and yet still somehow fear that she will be punished one day for doing so. It's not a logical process because at its bottom, faith isn't ultimately a rational process, but an emotional and social one. It's rooted in sentiment more than logic.

The "fading away" is what happened to me -- after awhile, it was just impossible to care whether it was real or not, and if I might be headed there after I'm dead.  It's like the flip side of manga's being ruled by fear despite all logical arguments -- I'm ruled by indifference despite all testimony and YouTube videos.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2017, 02:07:58 PM
Good link, Books  :thumbsup:

The points made, though seemingly mutually antagonistic at first, are very important. Fears of imaginary things can fade with knowledge and time yet that which is instilled, especially during the formative years, is a, er, devil of a job to get rid of!

With enough brainwashing the border between inaginary and real can be rather thin in the mind. It takes an independence of spirit, a strength of will, as our friend manga is exhibiting, to strengthen that border and separate the two.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 02, 2017, 09:05:46 PM
I like the whole aversive memories thing, and my undergraduate end of course work was with memory precision versus generalization in adolescents (a mechanism underpinning some anxiety disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder) so your case got me thinking, manga. Do you consider yourself an anxious person?

I'll try not to get too carried away. :grin:

Memories, after consolidated, can go through two processes with time: extinction and reconsolidation. The main difference between the two is that extinction is a new memory, weaker, which overlaps and suppresses the fear memory. Reconsolidation, on the other hand, is a modification of the original memory. Both are therapeutic targets for people undergoing treatment for anxiety and phobias (for instance, in exposure therapy). Of the two, extinction is much easier to achieve but there is a problem: the original fear memory is still there, dormant, but can come back much stronger than before at a later time point (called spontaneous recovery).

The amygdala is a brain structure made up of many small parts that are implicated in fear memories. On the other hand, the prefrontal cortex, among other things, regulates the amygdala in order to create emotional control and resilience. The problem here is that the prefrontal cortex matures late in development, some authors putting the number at around 30 years of age, others at around 23-26. Either way, adolescents are basically screwed when it comes to emotional regulation. Yeah, that explains why terrible emo songs are popular amongst some, why some take to writing bad poetry and of course, that special kind of tantrum, teenage outbursts.  ;)

As for what to do when the fear hits you...I don't know. Some sort of feedback mechanism could work. When I was around your age I underwent a weird kind of therapy in which I had my skin conductance measured while put through an anxiety-inducing task which translated the conductance level into sound that I could hear. The more anxious I felt, the more high pitched the sound became. I learnt after a few trials to lower the pitch through voluntary control. It was all very interesting. :smilenod:

Since it's impractical to carry such equipment around I then learnt to transfer that to trying be aware of my breathing and control it. It might help.
Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on May 04, 2017, 12:34:33 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 02, 2017, 01:32:55 AM
That's all it is, an admiration.

I found this, let me know if you want to know where this info came from.
QuoteLOKI FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : LOKI
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : LOKE, LODER, LOKKJU, LOPTER, LOPTI, LOKI-LAUFEYJARSON
Location : Scandinavia
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Mayhem
God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad
Popularity index : 209228

Maybe that's the god I'll see during my near death experience.  ::)

He's the guy who keeps showing up in those Allstate commercials:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtP-S9OS0o0

Title: Re: Scared of Hell, do you think this is accurate?
Post by: Dragonia on May 04, 2017, 02:13:44 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 02, 2017, 01:50:49 PM
This seems appropriate to leave here: FAQ: Do You Ever Still Worry About Hell? (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2017/04/25/faq-ever-still-worry-hell/)

Neil Carter is an atheist who used to be a devout Xtian (was even a pastor, or at least a lay pastor, at one point, I believe) and now writes the blog Godless in Dixie.  I've shared a number of his posts because I find him very on point, at least as far as my own experiences go.

For instance: 

QuoteThere are a number of other things I could say, but for now I'm just passing along the above exchange with my friend because it's a gut-level honest response. I really don't struggle with fear of Hell anymore because enough time and thinking have transpired to cause that sensation to fade for me beyond recognition.

The funny thing about Hell is that the fear of it often sticks around long after a person has decided she no longer even believes it makes any sense. One can even lose all discernible belief in God, and yet still somehow fear that she will be punished one day for doing so. It's not a logical process because at its bottom, faith isn't ultimately a rational process, but an emotional and social one. It's rooted in sentiment more than logic.

The "fading away" is what happened to me -- after awhile, it was just impossible to care whether it was real or not, and if I might be headed there after I'm dead.  It's like the flip side of manga's being ruled by fear despite all logical arguments -- I'm ruled by indifference despite all testimony and YouTube videos.
I've been here long enough now that I can't remember if I've talked about certain things here. So I apologize if this is a repeat, but I must say thank you for this link, Books. Neil Carter (Godless in Dixie) is probably my favorite blogger because I relate so much to almost everything he writes.
Manga, you really should browse around his posts and see if anything resonates with you.
From this particular article, this is my favorite paragraph:
QuoteOn top of that, I spent too many years asking God to turn up and show me something... anything... to change my mind. I mean if I'm really headed for something that terrifying, then he's gonna have to do something to make me understand it's all real. If he's real and if he's anything like they say he is, then he KNOWS me...he KNOWS what it would take to change my mind. And surely he would be capable of doing whatever that is, just like materializing for Thomas. Is he no longer capable of doing such things? And why not?
And why didn't he do that for me? And why isn't he doing that for you? God should know that faith is destroyed by overwhelming evidence that dismantled the belief system. If God is God, it seems that he would want to offer something to us to convince us, and therefore save us, his precious children,  from the dark fiery torment of an eternal hell.
But there is a deafening silence....