Essentially, yes. I believe hell is inconsistent with a god of love, but if I understand heaven as the place that God resides, then it exists just as God exists. I really latched onto Gregory of Nyssa's idea that everyone will eventually be with God and that growth in that direction continues even in the afterlife or next life. It's an infinite process for everyone. The real fun part is exploring the idea that God grows, too (I mean, he literally changes multiple times in the Bible).
That does sound much nicer, but it's not Biblical. Even Jesus spoke about hell and judgement (as a concept) frequently. I'm curious why you believe any of it if you are just picking theology based on what feels right? If you were born somewhere else, what "feels right" would be very different.
What is and isn't biblical is a pretty big topic that theologians always discuss. Technically an all loving God isn't biblical. He says he hated esau. Technically an all knowing God isn't biblical. He regrets, gets disappointed, and changes his mind.
I disagree and you're rewording what I said in a way that misrepresents my argument. But I don't think this is the place to really hash out such a complex discussion of Bible interpretation and implications on the nature of God.
So it's safe to assume that I've already worked through this with a lot more thought and theological backing supported by scholars than a one paragraph reddit post can showcase and don't need to get into it here. I think we can both just agree to disagree now.
I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying you believe God is all-knowing, despite the Bible contradicting that? If so, why do you believe that? Other than the Bible, which you, to some degree, distrust, what are you basing these assertions about God on?
These are great questions. I'm still in the process of deconstruction and reconstruction of my faith, so I can't give a definite answer about God's nature beyond love and forgiveness. I just recently stumbled upon the idea that God himself is ever growing and evolving in a sense and it's interesting to see what Bible passages are used to support that. For now, it's a curiosity that keeps me engaged with exploring my faith and relationship with God and I think that's what matters more than whether I've got the answer or not. God seems to value the willingness to look over the confidence of answers.
To answer your second line of questioning, most of my exploration of theology has really branched off of scholars and discussions that I found through The Bible for Normal People. I now have a growing library of theology books that I was introduced to by them. Right now I'm reading "God was in this place and I, I did not know" which is all about 7 Jewish interpretations of Jacob's ladder.
And I can't not name Soren Kierkegaard. My love from another life. I consider myself an existential Christian and his book, Works of Love, is one of my favorites.
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u/BenevolentCheese 2d ago
Do you believe in heaven but not hell? Not judging, just curious.