After death Quote by John Shelby Spong
“I don't think hell exists. I happen to believe in life after death but I don't think it's got a thing to do with reward and punishment. Religion is always in the control business and that's something which people don't really understand.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Heaven and New Earth, John Shelby Spong, 2008
The speaker rejects traditional concepts of hell and divine reward, seeing religion as a means of control rather than moral guidance.
In simple terms: Hell is denied; religion is control.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, seek personal meaning.
Themes
religion
control
afterlife
morality
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal belief formation
- ethical decision making
- spiritual exploration
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief in an afterlife shape your ethics?
- Can control be a positive force?
A Different Perspective
Religious frameworks often provide community and comfort despite control aspects.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
