While reading Canto 4, I was actually surprised at the state of many of the great minds and leaders of old. As it is written, Limbo exists for those whom died before hearing the Word of God, and so they are neither punished in the lower rings nor given passage to Heaven. In that Limbo, Dante and Virgil arrive at a castle that houses some of the ancient great philosophers and poets like Socrates and Cicero and Aristotle and numerous others. In my life attending church, I was given to the idea that all those whom died before Christ and all these influential historical figures were suffering the same torment as any other sinner. Yet, I find this to be more... agreeable, let's say. Can those whom died long before Christ's coming or far from any that might share the Gospel with them be subjected to the same punishments as those whom heard the Word and turned their back on God? Following the Bible, sure, they would not be allowed into Heaven, but Hell's fury I don't think they deserve. Limbo is a fine middle ground for them. No salvation in Heaven, but also no pain of Hell, and they are among peers of greater thoughts. Sounds like a fine eternity for the philosophers to me.
I commented on Nate and Hannah's post.
I think you make an interesting point, Daniel. However, we have to remember to be consistent in our orthodox. This calls for us to recognize that no one deserves to be in the presence of God and because of our rebellion, we all deserve eternal punishment and separation. We have the option of heaven-being in God's presence-only at God's mercy.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the great, ancient thinkers goes, I would like to think they were seeking Truth yet never quite got to the revelation of Truth Himself. This causes complications in determining who is damned and who is covered by God's grace. I find peace only in knowing that God knows the intentions of each individuals' heart.