Do Jews believe that Christians will go to hell?

Answer 1

Jews do not believe in hell.

An excellent explanation of the Jewish position on the afterlife appears at the related link.

Answer

We don't believe in the existence of either heaven or hell. Judaism barely spends any time discussing what may or may not happen when we die, in fact, there's barely any mention of this subject in the Tanach (Jewish Bible) at all.

There are some loose theories of what might happen though:

* When we die, our souls are cleansed of any wrongdoings. This is done by our accounting of every action done in life. It's believed that this process takes no longer than 12 months but most people don't do enough bad in life to warrant it taking a full 12 months.

* Our souls return to God to wait for the world to come.

* Our souls may be reincarnated into different people so that we have additional chances to work to become closer to God.

* Those souls that choose to be truly evil in life, cannot survive the process of cleansing and cease to exist.

Answer:

The above answers seem insufficiently clear and sound like those of non-religious Jews. The statement that Judaism doesn't have the heaven or hell of Christian belief should not be taken to mean that Jews hold that there's no existence or reward and punishment after death.

Jews may not call it by the identical name of Heaven or Hell; but, for example, Torah-Judaism considers it illogical, immoral and abhorrent to think that a Hitler would be able to escape God by swallowing a poison.

One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive.

Our ancient sages emphasized the importance of being aware of this: "This world is a mere entranceway before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).

All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.

The afterlife is detailed at length in the Talmud. A full 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110) are given to this subject. The afterlife is also referred to briefly in Torah (Bible) verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good (ripe; full) old age." This does not mean merely to be buried with one's forefathers, since Abraham was not buried with them. Such verses are stated many times.

The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:13).

The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous, because other religions could compete with even more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. See the Kli Yakar commentary to Leviticus ch. 26 for a fuller discussion.

Answer 2

The simple answer is, that some do, and most don't.

There is really no Jewish doctrine about Hell, and no Hebrew word for Hell, though regional beliefs have surfaced throughout the ages.

Answer:

Judaism doesn't spend a lot of time discussing what happens when we die; and there's little mention of this subject in the Tanach (Jewish Bible).

There are some loose theories of what happens:

* When we die, our souls are cleansed of any wrongdoings. This is done by our accounting of every action done in life. It's believed that this process takes no longer than 12 months but most people don't do enough bad in life to warrant it taking a full 12 months.

* Our souls return to God to wait for the world to come.

* Our souls may be reincarnated into different people so that we have additional chances to work to become closer to God.

* Those souls that choose to be truly evil in life, cannot survive the process of cleansing and cease to exist.

Answer:

Hell is called Gehinnom in Late (Misnaic) Hebrew and is not specifically named in Early Hebrew.

One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive. This includes reward as well as punishment. Precisely what name is applied to punishment or to its spiritual location is of secondary importance.

Our ancient sages said: "This world is a mere entranceway before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).

All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler. We view it as obscene to think that there is no place of punishment for people such as Hitler.

The afterlife is detailed at length in the Talmud. A full 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110) are given to this subject. The afterlife is also referred to briefly in Torah (Bible) verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good (ripe; full) old age." This does not mean merely to be buried with one's forefathers, since Abraham was not buried with them. Such verses are stated many times.

The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:13).

The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous, because other religions could compete with even more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. See the Kli Yakar commentary to Leviticus ch. 26 for a fuller discussion.

Answer 3

Answer 1

It's hard to know what any particular individual thinks unless he tells you about it. Judaism doesn't teach that Christians go to hell. Jews who know their faith don't have that attitude.

Another point to mention that's related to this subject: Judaism makes no attempt to encourage others to become Jewish, win anybody over, or convert anybody.

Answer 2

I'm Jewish and I don't believe that others will go to hell. In Christianity itself, there's more then one branch. You have Christian Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Protestants and more. In Judaism we have Orthodox, Hasidics, Conservative and Reform. I don't even know if all parts believe in hell but overall many don't believe that.

Answer 3

As Judaism doesn't have the concept of hell in its teachings, it can't teach that non-Jews would go to a place that doesn't exist.

Answer 4

Answer 3 ("doesn't have the concept") is completely wrong. The concept of hell is (in its origin) based upon Jewish belief, and also upon that of other ancient nations. The belief in reward and punishment after death is a ubiquitous human tradition and is also one of the thirteen basic Jewish beliefs. The only point that may differ is whether or not it's called Hell, and what its precise nature is.

To address the original question, Judaism (Talmud, Sanhedrin ch.11) teaches that non-adherents (Christians and others) can merit the World to Come. No nation or people is damned from the outset. Individuals can become slated for punishment in the afterlife through various misdeeds, but that is a matter of free-will action, not determined through birth.

Answer 5

To clarify between Answers 3 and 4, while Judaism does have a place for sinners called Gehinom, it does not have many of the most commonly cited attributes of Hell (such as fire and brimstone, Satan, eternal torture, etc.) The Jewish vision of Gehinom lines up much more along the line of Catholic Purgatory than it does the Christian or Islamic concept of Hell.

Judaism believes that any non-Jews who observes the Seven Laws of Noah (which a pious Christian would by nature of the way Christianity is set up) has a stake in the Olam Ha-Ba (World to Come). Unlike other religions, Judaism does not believe in damnation for all those who do not believe as it does.

Answer 4

Yep! people who don't believe jesus as their savior and ask for forgiveness of their will go to hell.

AnswerNo, not necessarily.

The above shows a very simplistic and naive misunderstanding of Biblical teaching.

Jesus stated that he was the way to heaven, but some interpret that statement as 'unless you believe in Jesus in exactly he same way as I do then you will go to heaven, and everyone else goes to hell'. One must ask the question, as a Christian, are there any Jews whom I would like to spend eternity with? And the answer is 'yes'. On the other hand, are there any bigited fundamental 'Christians' who I would like to spend eternity with and the answer is, sadly, no.

Jesus stated that he was the way to heaven, but he also stated that even those who do not follow him, but are loving towards their neighbours, are judged accordinly.

The verses are these:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [John 14:6]

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

[Matthew 25:31-36]

The first verse above, in the original Greek, can be translated as 'except through what I represent' rather than 'execpt through me personally', and that translattion fits better with Jesus' own teaching in Matthew's account.

So the key to salvation is love, as shown by Jesus. We will all be judged, and those who have given their lives over to returning this love that God gives us will be saved, thanks to the blood of Christ. For he came to earth to die for everyone, because of God's love, not just the few who have a particular view of him. And if we accept that love and share it with others we will not be far from God's kingdom.

Jewish Answer

No Jew believes in Jesus, if a Jew converts to Christianity (belief in Jesus), they are considered cut off from Judaism. Additionally, Jews do not believe in the existence of hell, that is a Christian invention.

Answer 5

Certainly not. Not only do Jews not believe in the existence of Hell, but they believe that they are likely to receive God's love and affection. It is Non-Jews (some Christians and some Muslims) who argue that Jews are hellbound (usually for refusing to recognize their theological claims of post-Malachi prophets and/or messiahs).

Does Judaism believe in the existence of hell? The name and details are probably different than in other religions, but the short answer is yes. "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24).
It is important to note that Judaism does not condemn Jews or non-Jews to eternal damnation. Worthy people are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife by doing God's will.
Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.

One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as stated in the Talmud (Mishna, Sanhedrin 11:1) and codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he or she was alive.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) doesn't dwell at length on the afterlife; and nor do we spend a lot of time speculating on its details. However, that is not meant to diminish from its importance. Rather, the Torah implies that we are to use the bulk of our energies in keeping God's ways and commands in this world, with our feet firmly planted on Earth; while nonetheless not losing awareness of our beliefs.
Our ancient sages stated the importance of being aware of the next world: "This world is a mere entrance-way before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).
All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler. And while we're alive, knowledge of the future world serves as one of the motivations to keeping God's will.
The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous, because other religions could compete with even more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. Besides, it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth.
It is, however, referred to briefly in Torah verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good old age." Coming to his fathers does not mean simply to be buried with them, since Abraham was not buried with his ancestors. Such verses are stated many times.
The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19 and 66:24, Daniel 12:13, Zechariah 3:7, 1 Kings 8:30, 2 Kings ch.2, Ecclesiastes 12:7). The afterlife is spoken of at length in the Talmud. More than 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110, Rosh Hashanah 16-18, and other passages) are given to this subject.

Answer 6

No. Unlike certain other belief-systems, Judaism proclaims that even those who do not believe in Judaism can merit the rewards in the afterlife. It depends upon how one lives, not on one's religion.

Answer 7

Certainly not. Not only do Jews not believe in the existence of Hell, but they believe that they are likely to receive God's love and affection. It is Non-Jews (some Christians and some Muslims) who argue that Jews are hellbound (usually for refusing to recognize their theological claims of post-Malachi prophets and/or messiahs).

Answer 8

First, there is no Hell in Judaism, but rather there is a place for the wicked called Gehinom wherein the wicked are tortured in such a way that forces them to overcome their spiritual impurities and become righteous. The pain also serves as penance for their Earthly misdeeds. However, Gehinom is individualized torture and is nothing like the fire and brimstone vision the Christianity and Islam declare Hell to be. There is also the possibility of leaving Gehinom if the soul overcomes its burdens and misdeeds, but this requires the soul's own determination to improve its moral character.

However, the question could simply be re-phrased as "Do Jews believe that Non-Jews will go to Gehinom?" The answer may be surprising. In Judaism, all Non-Jews may qualify for the World to Come (the Jewish form of paradise) provided that they either (1) follow the Noahide Laws in this life, or (2) struggle through Gehinom to achieve the level of purity of someone who had followed the Law. A Jew, similarly must either (1) follow the Torah Laws in this life, or (2) struggle through Gehinom (for the same reason). Since the Torah Laws are more numerous, more specific, and more invasive in one's life than the Noahide Laws, it is actually harder for a Jew to earn a place in the World to Come than it is for a Non-Jew to earn such a place.

Answer 9

Does Judaism believe in the existence of hell? The name and details are probably different than in other religions, but the short answer is yes. "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24).
It is important to note that Judaism does not condemn Jews or non-Jews to eternal damnation. Worthy people are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife by doing God's will.
Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.

One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as stated in the Talmud (Mishna, Sanhedrin 11:1) and codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he or she was alive.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) doesn't dwell at length on the afterlife; and nor do we spend a lot of time speculating on its details. However, that is not meant to diminish from its importance. Rather, the Torah implies that we are to use the bulk of our energies in keeping God's ways and commands in this world, with our feet firmly planted on Earth; while nonetheless not losing awareness of our beliefs.
Our ancient sages stated the importance of being aware of the next world: "This world is a mere entrance-way before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).
All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler. And while we're alive, knowledge of the future world serves as one of the motivations to keeping God's will.
The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous, because other religions could compete with even more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. Besides, it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth.
It is, however, referred to briefly in Torah verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good old age." Coming to his fathers does not mean simply to be buried with them, since Abraham was not buried with his ancestors. Such verses are stated many times.
The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19 and 66:24, Daniel 12:13, Zechariah 3:7, 1 Kings 8:30, 2 Kings ch.2, Ecclesiastes 12:7). The afterlife is spoken of at length in the Talmud. More than 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110, Rosh Hashanah 16-18, and other passages) are given to this subject.

Answer 10

Judaism is a rare case in that it does not condemn non-adherents to eternal damnation. Worthy non-Jews are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife without conversion.
Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.