Christian Youth Minister ➨ We Need to Tell More Kids They’ll Be Tortured in Hell

Friendly Atheist flags up the subject of the religious use of the threat of hell.

By Hemant Mehta

Greg Stier, the founder of “Dare 2 Share Ministries International,” claims that kids are too coddled these days because they’re not told enough that they’re going to be tortured for eternity if they don’t accept his personal brand of mythology.

In an essay for the Christian Post, he says that we’re in desperate need of more fire and brimstone preaching.

Image via Shutterstock.

… is it scare tactics to yell “STOP!” at a little kid running toward a busy intersection? Is it scare tactics to warn a generation headed toward the edge of hell to “STOP!” before it’s too late? …

Go online and take a look at the vast array of youth ministry curriculum made available for youth leaders to use and you’ll see all sorts of subjects. You’ll see subjects that range from building a healthy self-image to conquering anxiety to building strong friendships to strengthening our relationship with God. But you’ll see little on the subject of hell …

Talking about hell is not a scare tactic. It’s showing love at it’s [sic] most elemental form. It’s saving a generation from the wrath of God and delivering them into the loving arms of Christ, both now and forevermore!

Don’t fall for that “busy intersection” analogy. It’s more appropriate to say this guy wants to yell “STOP!” to a kid running toward a busy intersection even though there are no cars on the road. It doesn’t matter that his warning is well-meant since it’s overridden by his own delusions.

And hell is nothing but a scare tactic. It’s a threat that says “Agree with me or else you’ll get hurt.” Just because abusive people often claim their actions are committed with the best of intentions doesn’t make it true.

Anyway, there you go. This guy’s best defense of Christianity is that you’re all going to be tortured forever if you disagree. If that message of love wins you over, have fun living in fear when it’s completely unnecessary.

(Thanks to Amy for the link)