Does a belief in hell have anything to do with how we live?
A large study done over a period of 26 years concludes that people who believe in the existence of hell are less likely to commit crimes. On the other hand, those who believe in the existence of heaven (but not hell), are more likely to commit crimes. The study, which surveyed 143,197 people in 67 countries, found that criminal activity – homicide, robbery, rape, kidnapping, assault, theft, drug-related crimes, auto theft, burglary, and human trafficking – is lower in societies where more people’s religious beliefs include an element of punishment as well as reward.
It makes perfect sense. People who live life Coram Deo – before the face of God – know that we will all be held accountable for all of our actions here on earth. We may get away with something in this life, but we know we won’t in the next. Because He is omniscient, we know we won’t be able to fool God or escape His notice. God’s forgiveness of our sins through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the gospel – is all the more precious when seen in light of God’s perfect knowledge and justice.
On the other hand, those who believe that only heaven exists – and consequently that everyone will end up there – have no incentive to live upright lives. If their bad behavior goes unnoticed and unpunished in this life, they think they’ll never have to answer for it. What would you do if you knew no one would ever find out? What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t be punished even if someone found out?
What we believe, especially about punishment and reward, influences how we behave.
I never thought of it like this, but it makes sense that people would think that way. I have a conscience that works o.t. so it probably wouldn’t work with me even if someone would never find out. I think knowing that I wouldn’t be punished if someone found out would be more than likely more tempting. I’m glad it’s not that way!