By Ivan Mahimbi
ivanmahimbisiuc@gmail.com
The Bible is among the books that explicitly state that after death, every person faces judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The physical body remains in the grave, but the spirit departs, as emphasised in Ecclesiastes 12:7. It is this physical body that is described as "asleep," unconscious and without memory. Yet, without this body, a person is believed to stand before God and face judgment immediately upon death (Job 19:22).
In many religious traditions, there is a deeply held belief that after death, one either enters a state of bliss or is cast into a literal fire. This fire, often described as intense and eternal, is believed to be reserved for those who led unrighteous lives and did not please God. However, certain doctrines offer comfort to the bereaved, suggesting that intercessory prayers, acts of sacrifice, or rituals by the living can offer relief to the deceased.
To thoughtfully explore this profound subject, I present a series of questions. These are meant to encourage deeper reflection on what is possibly the most extraordinary belief humanity has ever embraced—that there exists a burning hell awaiting sinners after death.
Question: What is the origin of mankind? What does the Bible say?
Genesis 1:27 says that man was created in the image of God, endowed with an immortal spirit and given dominion over all visible creation. This gives human life an inherent dignity and divine likeness.
Question: If I were created by God, why would He burn me in the fire?
To create something implies shaping it according to one’s design, intentions, and principles. Consider scientists who created the first automobile. When that car failed to operate as expected—perhaps veering off into a river—should the inventors have thrown it into the fire, or returned it to the workshop for improvement?
Likewise, imagine crafting a chair. You design it, source the materials, and carefully assemble it. If, upon sitting, the chair breaks, would you immediately burn it, or review your design and rebuild it more effectively?
To create something means you’ve invested your intellect, power, and intention into it. The creation operates within the boundaries of the creator’s input. If the creation malfunctions, logic and compassion would suggest repair, not destruction by fire.
Question: If God burns His own creations, does it discredit His power as a Creator?
Let theologians and spiritual scholars expound on this, but for ordinary creators—whether engineers or artists—when their creations fail, the fault often reflects back on the creator. Faulty products result in lost credibility, not punishment for the product.
Most people believe that God is omnipotent and wise. If so, why would He need to burn His own creations? Wouldn't this reflect a failure in design? Instead, He gave humans physical bodies that experience pain as a form of alert when something goes wrong. He also gave us reason and free will. Pain becomes a signal, not a punishment.
Question: Is there a connection between human suffering and God's joy? Does God find joy in punishment?
A compassionate mother who finds her child has soiled the bed does not burn the child. She cleans the child, washes the sheets, and restores cleanliness. If human parents—flawed and finite—can show such love and understanding, would God not exhibit far greater compassion?
If God finds joy in human cries and suffering, does that not contradict His nature as love? Would He intentionally implant flaws in people so they would sin and then be sent to eternal torment for His entertainment? If so, how can humans be blamed?
Question: I never asked to be created, so why should I be punished for sin?
Everything around me that may contribute to sin—temptations, desires, opportunities—was also created or allowed by God. If He didn’t create it, He certainly has the power to remove it. So why allow these stumbling blocks?
Why create me, place me in a flawed world, and then condemn me for failing in that world?
Question: Are those who interpret sins and judge others created differently from the rest of us?
Some claim authority to determine who goes to hell and who doesn't. Were they created with superior moral knowledge? If so, why are they still part of the same flawed human race? What criteria did God use to grant them such authority? What makes others mere subjects of judgment?
Question: Did the concept of hellfire come before or after the discovery of fire?
Humans are believed to have discovered fire around two million years ago. Before that discovery, did spiritual leaders and early faith traditions already understand the concept of fire and torment? Or were these ideas added later, perhaps to frighten people into obedience?
Question: Is God unable to foresee human actions?
According to the Bible, the first human created by God was Adam, followed by Eve. After completing His creation, God declared everything “very good” (Genesis 1:31). If He foresaw all outcomes, then wouldn't He have known that Adam and Eve would disobey? And if so, did He intentionally design them to fail?
In Exodus 20:4-5, God declares Himself as a jealous God. But is it logical to be jealous of something you created yourself? Would this imply human-like emotional limitations?
Final Thoughts
Perhaps humanity has misunderstood the nature of God. Maybe these deep reflections are divinely inspired, prompting us to reconsider doctrines that no longer align with divine justice or love.
Could it be that God wants us to question, seek clarity, and discard fear-based ideologies? Is hellfire a metaphor for spiritual consequences rather than physical torment? These questions may lead us to a more accurate understanding of divine mercy, purpose, and truth.
I invite you to reflect and contribute your thoughts. Let us continue asking deeper questions—together.
You're welcome to share your own reflections or add new questions that may bring us closer to the truth.
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