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Well, my post on the moms board finally made it to the second page which means it probably won't be brought up again. I had 843 views and about 25 comments. I spent our homeschool day doing school for about 20-30 minutes and then running in to check if anyone else had commented. It was a nerve-wracking day because I HATE to upset people and I HATE for people to be upset with me even more. I was just afraid I would get a mean reply and then be upset for days or weeks..... but the replies were almost ALL positive. I really only got two "not so nice" replies. Most of the replies said something along the lines, "Words are not necessary - just let your words, your attitude be an example and that will open up doors." The most interesting thing that came of it was a lady that I respect a lot from the message board made a comment that she understood what I said, but that her views differed from mine on hell. I honestly HATE (gosh I'm using that word alot!) what I believe about hell and the possibility that I might be wrong.... well that definitely piqued my curiosity. I sent her a private message asking her to tell me what she believed about hell and scripture she backed it up with. She sent me a little over three pages of her beliefs with ALOT of scripture. To sum it up she believes that all those who are dead are just "resting" now, and that after the judgement those who have not accepted Christ will be thrown into hell.... but not to forever burn.... but until consumed. How long it takes you to consume depends on the life you lived here on the earth. You know, I would really like to believe this. I have asked some people to look over this paper and I am studying up on it.... I don't want to believe things just because that's what I've always "heard". I want to believe them because they are the TRUTH. The problem is that the English Bible is hard to really interpret unless you know what all the words mean in Greek/Hebrew. Like this lady told me that this certain verse that says they will burn forever...... that the word forever if you go back to the original meaning means: until consumed. Also she showed me a vs. in Malachi that says that the wicked will be "ashes" under the soles of our feet. She uses that vs. to help back up her belief that the "wicked" will not continue to burn and burn and burn. Now for me, if I had been reading in Malachi in the Old Testament it wouldn't cross my mind to think of it talking about after the Judgement. I feel very ignorant - but that's why I am asking for help from other people. If anyone is interested in reading the information, as well, let me know and I'll email it to you.