“’This state of misery is clutched by those sad souls whose
works in life neither merited praise nor infamy’” (lines 34-36)
I was intrigued by the souls that were rejected by Heaven and
Hell. Their fate was definitely an unpleasant one. It brought to mind
Revelation 3:16 that says “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of my mouth”. We are often reminded not to live as “lukewarm
Christians”, and I think the imagery depicting the anguish of these souls illustrates
the perils of living such a life. God demands total surrender and repentance. The teachings of
Jesus do not call for halfway obedience. He is very clear that those that want
to follow him must lay down their very lives. We must be on fire for Christ
because lukewarm faith is not going to cut it. However, the lukewarm being
rejected by Heaven was not as surprising to me as them being rejected by Hell.
Why does Hell reject them too? It seems strange to think that there would be a separate place
for those that live a lukewarm existence.
I commented on Dallas and Olivia's posts.
I commented on Dallas and Olivia's posts.
Maybe the reason why Hell rejects them too is because sin is selfish as well and demands that we totally obey it. Obviously we should fully obey God but its just a thought.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely contradicts a Biblical view of heaven and hell. There is no middle ground.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this connection to the lukewarm Christian lifestyle, referenced in Revelations. It is important for us to draw our own connections of what we are reading to truths in the Bible, to see how they compare. Sometimes it gives us extra insight and examples that help explain the truths in the Bible.
ReplyDeleteThey are not rejected by Hell; I don't think. They are on the first level.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Dante is not to be read as a book of systematic factual theology; it is allegorical. Also, there is nothing saying that Hell does not have levels. It is seen in Scripture that Christians will be rewarded for their works (granted them by grace through faith) in Heaven. Why also should there not be differing degrees of punishment?
I found this interesting as well! I do believe they are in Hell, just not allowed into the deepest darkest parts I guess you would say.
ReplyDelete