Shouldn't most religious people in theory be excited to die because then they get to experience the afterlife?

_number8_@lemmy.world to Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 311 points –

esp if you're one of the devout ones who think they've been really good

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That's not true even for all of Christianity, let alone all religions...

For example orthodox Christians believe everyone goes to heaven, and that we are all bathed in unconditional love from God. Hell is finding yourself unworthy of that love because of how you lived.

Orthodox Christians believe that everyone has sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, that the punishment for sin is death, Jesus is the only way to The Father and the way or forgiveness of sins. It's not everyone. If everyone went to heaven that would mean sin would go unpunished.

Punishment is a part of catholic dogma, and makes no sense if you think of God as absolutely good and loving.

If we have allowed our hearts to be purified, then God’s presence will be healing, joyful, and life-giving. If we refuse God’s healing embrace, then His love will burn like fire, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Deut 4:24, 9:3, Isa 33:14, Heb 12:23)

https://www.orthodoxroad.com/heaven-hell/