Hell houses; aren't they a bad idea???

[Greyclouds]

Being from the North East, I had never heard of Evangelical sponsored Hell houses until fairly recently.


Here's what I've gathered about them from various internet news agencies:

1. There is a "hell house kit" that you can purchase. It tells you what to do for particular skits in the hell house.

2. Hell houses focus on Evangelical hot button issues, like Homosexuality, Satanic sacrifices and abortions.

3. There's always a "heaven" at the end.


Now, as I understand it, these houses are designed to scare visitors into believing in Jesus because of the physical tortures of hell that await them if they do not, correct? If so, isn't this a horrible way to induce faith in a supposedly loving God?

Final question: how prevalent are these exhibitions?

[Sinister Rouge]

I'd love to go to one of those things drunk.

[pattyk]

I've never heard of this. sounds like that crazy ******* Baptist church might do something like this.

[Mobulis]

Without a doubt.

[Greyclouds]

So these aren't that prevalent?

I was starting to get worried here :D

[birddog1]

Being from the North East, I had never heard of Evangelical sponsored Hell houses until fairly recently.


Here's what I've gathered about them from various internet news agencies:

1. There is a "hell house kit" that you can purchase. It tells you what to do for particular skits in the hell house.

2. Hell houses focus on Evangelical hot button issues, like Homosexuality, Satanic sacrifices and abortions.

3. There's always a "heaven" at the end.


Now, as I understand it, these houses are designed to scare visitors into believing in Jesus because of the physical tortures of hell that await them if they do not, correct? If so, isn't this a horrible way to induce faith in a supposedly loving God?

Final question: how prevalent are these exhibitions?

I know of at least one or two in my area. I have never personally been but have talked to people who attended or participated. I don't believe the ones I am talking about had a skit on homosexuality but focused more on topics relevant to high school age kids such as premarital sex, drugs, drunk driving, and of course abortion. My impression was that they were geared toward scaring kids out of bad behavior than about recruiting lost souls.

[ExDem]

What is the difference between those and the Halloween spook houses?

[Sinister Rouge]

What is the difference between those and the Halloween spook houses?


More Fundy stuff at the end.

[birddog1]

What is the difference between those and the Halloween spook houses?

From what I have heard the Hell House was a lot more gruesome. One of the churches I mentioned actually had their event around Halloween.

[ExDem]

More Fundy stuff at the end.


So at the end there is Heaven or something? OK. What is wrong with that? I don't understand. So and the end of a regular Hell House, you have a guy cutting off a women's head or a guy's arm or something violent and disturbing like that. At the end of this, you have something like a heaven or something not violent. What is the problem with that?

[ExDem]

From what I have heard the Hell House was a lot more gruesome. One of the churches I mentioned actually had their event around Halloween.

What is more gruesome than someone cutting off a head or a "dead body" hanging in a cell, or some of the VERY gruesome Freddie Krueger-esque type scenes you see at a normal hell house? I assume you have been in one, right?

[ExDem]

From what I have heard the Hell House was a lot more gruesome. One of the churches I mentioned actually had their event around Halloween.


Yeah, I would think they would have it around Halloween since that is when that type of thing is usually open. I still don't see that problem with it.

[Dragon1963]

So these aren't that prevalent?

I was starting to get worried here :D

I know that a lot of church groups here do haunted houses, but never anything like you described.
Must be something some idiot of a Televangelist thought up after reading Dante's Inferno while drunk and sleeping with his mistress. :rolleyes:

[gb2004]

I think it's a stupid idea. I don't think Jesus would approve.

[Dragon1963]

I think it's a stupid idea. I don't think Jesus would approve.

While I agree Jesus wouldn't approve; I also believe he's having a good laugh at how stupid some of his "followers" can be.

[Residential Bob]

I've been to churches that do Judgement Houses. Been to a Judgement House. Never heard of Hell Houses, but seems to be of a similar vein.

Judgement Houses are popular. The wife loves them. I see no problem with them.

[gb2004]

While I agree Jesus wouldn't approve; I also believe he's having a good laugh at how stupid some of his "followers" can be.

Actually, I think it would make him sad.

[Dragon1963]

Personally, I prefer the old mystery plays of the dark ages if you want to teach salvation.

[Dragon1963]

Actually, I think it would make him sad.

I don't see where he wouldn't fell sorry for them and laugh as well. I often laugh at human stupidity while feeling sorry for them.

[captusa]

I'd love to go to one of those things drunk.
At fairs they're called Fun Houses"

[Clintville]

So at the end there is Heaven or something? OK. What is wrong with that? I don't understand. So and the end of a regular Hell House, you have a guy cutting off a women's head or a guy's arm or something violent and disturbing like that. At the end of this, you have something like a heaven or something not violent. What is the problem with that?
Because the point of a Hell House is to get scare people into believing fundamentalist Christian ideals.

[ExDem]

Because the point of a Hell House is to get scare people into believing fundamentalist Christian ideals.

Really? How do you know? But isn't that the point of all these type of house of horrors? To scare people? So why is it OK for some and not others?

[khigh]

We have one here every year. At the end, they show you what "heaven" (A/C going, lighted) and "hell" (heater cranked up and dark) are like and then they ask you if you want to go to heaven or hell. If you say "heaven" they take you to a separate room and have you pray with them and they give you info about their church. My sister used to participate in the one here. I've been once and hated it.


Most of the scenes and vices and how they will make you go to hell. Drinking and Driving, adultery, abortion, homosexuality, and suicide were featured the year I went.

[HoracioMendez]

I've only ever seen this on a Simpsons Halloween special. Ned had one, and then God turned him into a demon of sorts. Good stuff.

[Gabby]

Never heard of them before. Sounds like a pretty stupid way to try to teach religion and convert poeple.

[khigh]

I would go to YouTube and look up "Hell House Documentary". It's very interesting and done by the same people who did the "Jesus Camp" Documentary. Unbiased for the most part.

[Mobulis]

Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to the dark side.

[Drawz]

I've only ever seen this on a Simpsons Halloween special. Ned had one, and then God turned him into a demon of sorts. Good stuff.

The Halloween episode of "Bones" a few years back featured a Hell House.

[traditional_woman]

I have been to about 3 or 4 of them, all at different churches and denominations, and it has never been gory, and or pointless. None of them were called hell houses. The last one I went to was this past halloween. It ws a group of high school kids trying to reach out to a bad group of kids that were heavily involved in drugs. One boy in particular had a alcoholic for a dad and his mom who was a Christian passed away and he was mad at God. They had one heaven or hell scene, and if anybody (who is a christian) has a problem with churches illustrating a heaven and hell artistically, then they shouldn't read revelations, and all other areas of the bible that talk about it. They also shouldn't watch Easter plays. I am not saying that to be rude, but sometimes ppl can make things sound worse than they are. It's one of those things you have to see for yourself to make an opinion.

Now, I believe it is all about the delivery, if the actors are using slogans such as God hates f*g* or God hates you b/c you had an abortion, then that is a problem, b/c they aren't being true representitives.They are going about it wrong, and i wouldn't doubt if they were a cult of some kind. The one I did see several yrs ago when they talked on abortion simply had a woman on stage in a rocking chair rocking her baby while she was talking about her baby she aborted. It showed the baby being in heaven now, can't remember all the particulars but it wasn't gory, or tasteless, or condemning, it was a scene of forgiveness and peace.

All the ones i've been to make you think, and they illustrate that we will all die one day, and it's probably best to make the choice while you're still alive, where you will spend it. This WILL be offensive to die hard unbelievers for obvious reasons! However nobody is forcing you to watch.

[Imperialparadox]

The area I grew up in has a few, though I believe they call it by a different name. Also, if I remember correctly, they were all put on by Baptists.

[Greyclouds]

I have been to about 3 or 4 of them, all at different churches and denominations, and it has never been gory, and or pointless. None of them were called hell houses. The last one I went to was this past halloween. It ws a group of high school kids trying to reach out to a bad group of kids that were heavily involved in drugs. One boy in particular had a alcoholic for a dad and his mom who was a Christian passed away and he was mad at God. They had one heaven or hell scene, and if anybody (who is a christian) has a problem with churches illustrating a heaven and hell artistically, then they shouldn't read revelations, and all other areas of the bible that talk about it. They also shouldn't watch Easter plays. I am not saying that to be rude, but sometimes ppl can make things sound worse than they are. It's one of those things you have to see for yourself to make an opinion.

Now, I believe it is all about the delivery, if the actors are using slogans such as God hates f*g* or God hates you b/c you had an abortion, then that is a problem, b/c they aren't being true representitives.They are going about it wrong, and i wouldn't doubt if they were a cult of some kind. The one I did see several yrs ago when they talked on abortion simply had a woman on stage in a rocking chair rocking her baby while she was talking about her baby she aborted. It showed the baby being in heaven now, can't remember all the particulars but it wasn't gory, or tasteless, or condemning, it was a scene of forgiveness and peace.

All the ones i've been to make you think, and they illustrate that we will all die one day, and it's probably best to make the choice while you're still alive, where you will spend it. This WILL be offensive to die hard unbelievers for obvious reasons! However nobody is forcing you to watch.

I do not mind Christian cultural depictions of heaven/hell; I only mind when they are proselytizing from a perspective of fear.

If that is not the case, then I'm cool with it.

These depictions coinciding with Halloween, though, makes me a bit skeptical.

[mdk190]

I think they are a great idea! More people should be exposed to the intolerance and bigotry of these people.

[LouC]

Being from the North East, I had never heard of Evangelical sponsored Hell houses until fairly recently.


Here's what I've gathered about them from various internet news agencies:

1. There is a "hell house kit" that you can purchase. It tells you what to do for particular skits in the hell house.

2. Hell houses focus on Evangelical hot button issues, like Homosexuality, Satanic sacrifices and abortions.

3. There's always a "heaven" at the end.


Now, as I understand it, these houses are designed to scare visitors into believing in Jesus because of the physical tortures of hell that await them if they do not, correct? If so, isn't this a horrible way to induce faith in a supposedly loving God?

Final question: how prevalent are these exhibitions?

More affirmation that my eschewing organized religions was not wrong.

[Mojotiger]

Yeah I hate it when people use fear to push an agenda. Unless it's about global warming or terrorism, then it's okay...

[Residential Bob]

I do not mind Christian cultural depictions of heaven/hell; I only mind when they are proselytizing from a perspective of fear.

If that is not the case, then I'm cool with it.

These depictions coinciding with Halloween, though, makes me a bit skeptical.The Scriptures proselytize from a perspective of fear. The Lake of Fire is not a place of peace and joy.

[Residential Bob]

I think they are a great idea! More people should be exposed to the intolerance and bigotry of these people.Is this Christian bashing?

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

I've never heard of such places or orgs that put on these types of events....hell houses or by any other name.

I can see where a heavy visual may open a person's mind beyond their day to day lives here on earth...bringing up the after life...but have reservations on exactly how these images are shown. If it's more what Traditional Woman describes...then I've no beef with them. To each his or her own. I more worry about those few fringe orgs that may take it too far or twist the intent of these types of productions....then that becomes more an event of 'fear mongering' and 'We are the only one's who can save you' type events.

I'll have to look up these types of events....anyone know who usually puts them (what orgs) on or where (state) they take place?

~Mysty

[khigh]

I've never heard of such places or orgs that put on these types of events....hell houses or by any other name.

I can see where a heavy visual may open a person's mind beyond their day to day lives here on earth...bringing up the after life...but have reservations on exactly how these images are shown. If it's more what Traditional Woman describes...then I've no beef with them. To each his or her own. I more worry about those few fringe orgs that may take it too far or twist the intent of these types of productions....then that becomes more an event of 'fear mongering' and 'We are the only one's who can save you' type events.

I'll have to look up these types of events....anyone know who usually puts them (what orgs) on or where (state) they take place?

~Mysty

I mentioned it earlier, but there is a documentary on it (found on YouTube), called Hell House. This one for the doc is in Dallas. They go through a mock abortion, mock date rape, mock suicide, mock gay marriage, and a few others (domestic violence comes to mind). Then, each of the people that die in the scenes either go to heaven or hell depending on what role they played.

[Sinister Rouge]

Is this Christian bashing?


More like Fundy bashing.

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hallo_he.htm

First link speaks to many different 'hell' or 'judgment' houses...and not one sounds anything like what was previously described by some of our posters. These, granted, are articles from 2000 and 2001...but dear flying frogs folks...this is twisted...heck..sick even! Who thinks this stuff up? I mean really? Brought to Christ by false means is not being brought to Christ..it's being brainwashed! :wall:

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/hellhouse/thehouse.html

this link is for the 'Landover First Baptist Hell House'. I'm trying to figure out if the descriptions are tongue in cheek representations or if that is what really goes on in these places. Whole think is slued and off helter. If this is the type of activity that goes on..heck yeah there's something way friggen wrong with it! :snooty:

Maybe these articles are way out there fringe type groups. I have no idea..never heard of um. I do know if this is what these events are about..then yeah..there is alot of way out there disinformation that could harm kids/teens with this twisted message.

I also found taking other religions and making fun of them or part of the devils plan the most offensive thing I've ever heard a church of any kind do. Flat out just wrong and evil imo. :doh:

Halloween...it's not just about the candy anymore is it? :rolleyes::rolleyes:

~Mysty

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

I mentioned it earlier, but there is a documentary on it (found on YouTube), called Hell House. This one for the doc is in Dallas. They go through a mock abortion, mock date rape, mock suicide, mock gay marriage, and a few others (domestic violence comes to mind). Then, each of the people that die in the scenes either go to heaven or hell depending on what role they played.

You did...sorry...I should have been more specific...ie asking for a link too one of these events or where the events took place...instead of asking as I did.

I did a quick search on it and was near blown outta my seat as I read link after link on these...these...so called events. :rolleyes: My god..makes my blood run cold to think any of this goes on...it's just so twisted...so wrong...so...so out there.

~Mysty

[Residential Bob]

More like Fundy bashing.Oh, of course. I forgot. To a lefty, anyone with a particular belief system is an intolerant bigot.

Well, may he keep bashing, then. May his tolerance and inclusiveness continue to precede him.

[khigh]

You did...sorry...I should have been more specific...ie asking for a link too one of these events or where the events took place...instead of asking as I did.

I did a quick search on it and was near blown outta my seat as I read link after link on these...these...so called events. :rolleyes: My god..makes my blood run cold to think any of this goes on...it's just so twisted...so wrong...so...so out there.

~Mysty

Here are the scripts for "Judgment Houses", which are supposed to be less grotesque than Hell Houses. Some are still horrible!

http://www.judgementhouse.org/Our-Scripts_7_pg.html

[Sinister Rouge]

Oh, of course. I forgot. To a lefty, anyone with a particular belief system is an intolerant bigot.

Well, may he keep bashing, then. May his tolerance and inclusiveness continue to precede him.


I was talking about the people who run these Hell Houses.
Even they would consider themselves Fundamental Christians.

I never said anything about being an intolerant bigot, and neither did he.

Get over your persecution complex.

[Greyclouds]

The Scriptures proselytize from a perspective of fear. The Lake of Fire is not a place of peace and joy.

What are Jesus' best qualities as a religious figure?

His redefinition of the 10 commandments into two commandments that suggest one should love one's neighbor and God?

Or his preachings on Gehenna (the ever burning trash heap outside of Jerusalem)?


The scriptures do not only proselytize from a perspective of fear; I also believe that effective proselytization should not incorporate fear.

[Residential Bob]

I was talking about the people who run these Hell Houses.
Even they would consider themselves Fundamental Christians.You don't say.

Who do you think I was talking about?

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

Here are the scripts for "Judgment Houses", which are supposed to be less grotesque than Hell Houses. Some are still horrible!

http://www.judgementhouse.org/Our-Scripts_7_pg.html

Much better..and has relevant messages for young people and the type of world they are growing up in. Safety and good choices seem to be the root of the scripts to that link. But these scripts are nothing like what I found on Google. Perhaps the difference is what org puts these types of events on?

~Mysty

[Sinister Rouge]

You don't say.

Who do you think I was talking about?


Ah, my mistake, he did call them intollerant bigots.

[Stantz]

At risk of sounding a bit "out of touch" here, but what in actuality are Hell Houses? how do they work? what's really involved here?

[Residential Bob]

What are Jesus' best qualities as a religious figure?

His redefinition of the 10 commandments into two commandments that suggest one should love one's neighbor and God?

Or his preachings on Gehenna (the ever burning trash heap outside of Jerusalem)?


The scriptures do not only proselytize from a perspective of fear; I also believe that effective proselytization should not incorporate fear.in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,2 Thessalonians 1:8 & 9.

I believe God is a loving god and a just god.

[Nevarwinter]

Are these the opposite of abortion parties?

[Greyclouds]

2 Thessalonians 1:8 & 9.

I believe God is a loving god and a just god.

It's cool that you believe that. I respect that.

Now, would you try to convert people to your religious philosophy by telling them that they need to repent for their sinful ways, lest they be slowly digested from the inside out by Satan's hot spittle over a period of 10 years?

Or perhaps you'd use classical notions of hell's punishment by stating that fornicators will be blown about by winds with no hope of rest and constant battery against surfaces due to the force of the winds?


See, I, personally, do not like speculation as to Hell's punishments and a notion of justice that relies on political hot button issues.

[Residential Bob]

It's cool that you believe that. I respect that.

Now, would you try to convert people to your religious philosophy by telling them that they need to repent for their sinful ways, lest they be slowly digested from the inside out by Satan's hot spittle over a period of 10 years?

Or perhaps you'd use classical notions of hell's punishment by stating that fornicators will be blown about by winds with no hope of rest and constant battery against surfaces due to the force of the winds?


See, I, personally, do not like speculation as to Hell's punishments and a notion of justice that relies on political hot button issues.I would not exclude the notion of hell or its implications, particularly if asked. And, naturally, people ask about an alternative to heaven.

If Hell Houses, Judgement Houses - whatever they are - want to witness by presenting that choice, then more power to them. They're numerous and have been going on for years. Apparently, people are curious.

[Greyclouds]

I would not exclude the notion of hell or its implications, particularly if asked. And, naturally, people ask about an alternative to heaven.

That is fine as well; my objection has to do with EMPHASIS.

I feel that, if internet sources and personal testimony in this thread are correct, then Hell Houses emphasize punishment before salvation. Your quoted sentences above suggest that the concept of after-life punishment would only be answered if prompted by your audience.


If Hell Houses, Judgement Houses - whatever they are - want to witness by presenting that choice, then more power to them. They're numerous and have been going on for years. Apparently, people are curious.

I disagree with their concepts on philosophical grounds. Having said that, this is America and the proprietors of such houses have every right to set them up if they follow proper standards and protocols.

[Joeybear23]

No better than any other Halloween spook houses, in my opinion...

We don't really celebrate Halloween. Yeah we let the kids dress up like heroes, fairies, princesses or storybook characters, etc, but no ghouls or goblins, vampires or monsters.
We don't think o fthe dead as poltergeists and tormented souls. They are our friends and loved ones whom we will see again some day.

[Greyclouds]

No better than any other Halloween spook houses, in my opinion...

We don't really celebrate Halloween. Yeah we let the kids dress up like heroes, fairies, princesses or storybook characters, etc, but no ghouls or goblins, vampires or monsters.
We don't think o fthe dead as poltergeists and tormented souls. They are our friends and loved ones whom we will see again some day.

Well said.

[CaffeineHat]

At risk of sounding a bit "out of touch" here, but what in actuality are Hell Houses? how do they work? what's really involved here?
*(The following is 100% sarcasm, and remember I'm Jewish.)

I went to one put on by my synagogue and all it had in it were guys in dark suits and hats eating bacon and going out for Chinese food on Christmas.:))

[Drawz]

Are these the opposite of abortion parties?

What's an abortion party?

[LouC]

*(The following is 100% sarcasm, and remember I'm Jewish.)

I went to one put on by my synagogue and all it had in it were guys in dark suits and hats eating bacon and going out for Chinese food on Christmas.:))

:)) :clap:

[Dragon1963]

Okay folks. Let's remember that most of our visions of hell are taken from Dante's novel "The Divine Comedy." Specifically his "Inferno."

[Greyclouds]

*(The following is 100% sarcasm, and remember I'm Jewish.)

I went to one put on by my synagogue and all it had in it were guys in dark suits and hats eating bacon and going out for Chinese food on Christmas.:))

I almost spilled coffee on my shirt!

I have an interview today too, so that would have been bad :naughty:

[CaffeineHat]

I almost spilled coffee on my shirt!

I have an interview today too, so that would have been bad :naughty:
Thank you, I'll be here all week. You're too kind.:whistle:

[bitterclinger84]

Never heard of it... Weird.