Dennis Prager - Do you believe in Hell?

Today I listened to a podcast from Dennis Prager on the subject of Hell. He stated that since he believed in a just God, there must be some form of punishment and reward in the afterlife. He wasn't sure if Hell was really a lake of burning fire, or if the punishment would be eternal, but he couldn't possible fathom a righteous and loving God allowing Hitler and Mother Theresa to have the same posthumous fate.

Callers began to call in with their belief for or against the idea of Hell. Each had their own opinion of what it was, who would go there and why, and what level of punishment would be fair.

All somewhat interesting comments, but I kept thinking, "Who cares what you think? What does God say?" After all, it's not like we get a vote! Who cares if I think Hell is a literal place of burning torture and all who reject God's loving advances in this life are constrained to an eternity without Him. My opinion is worthless. It's just thoughts in my head, but notice that I offered no sources, no evidence, no authority. None of the callers mentioned any Scripture either.

I think this idea we Americans have that our opinions matter and are all equally valid has spilled over into the religious arena. Too often, I hear Christians debating theological points by beginning their statements, "Well, I think..." Who cares?!? What does Scripture say?

I would say a very large majority of churches are complicit in advancing the notion that we can debate and vote on Scriptural principles, and that everyone's opinion is just that with no one opinion holding more or less weight. I don't think too many churches respond with, "Well, it doesn't really matter what you think or believe, what does the Bible say?" when faced with difficult circumstances. In fact, many times, responding with Scripture is an anathema to those in leadership. They don't want the Bible thrown in their faces.

There is actually a Biblical model for using the truth of Scripture... but that's another post! Suffice it to say that the Bible MUST be the absolute foundation for our thoughts and beliefs. Without that, we have set our ownselves up as authorities. And that is what is known as idol worship.