I was raised Catholic, left most of what they taught behind after leaving home 20 some years ago. I don't quite understand jamesbiz's reasoning for not believing in a place of eternal fire though. 'Holy books' are written by people, inspired by nothing or by whatever the author(s) claim, but they're still written by people. The writings could be made up, or it could be true, that's what makes it religion. you either believe or don't. You're saying that because it's not in some holy book, it can't be true? I think much that is actually IN holy books (any and all, I don't care which faith) is made up. I also think it's crazy NOT to believe something is possible, and arrogant to the point of ignorant to claim you KNOW it isn't, and childishly immature to make fun of someone who does. Eternal fire may or may not be true. Once you're dead, you're dead may or may not be true. Reincarnation may or may not be true. You won't KNOW until you die, of course it might be too late if the second aforementioned possibility rings true. It really doesn't matter what any 'holy book' says or doesn't say. But you can believe anything you want.   See 3 other replies