You raise deep questions here, among them the parallels of formal belief and morality and at the same time the separation of the two. Excellent themes!
John

great verse to ponder Bernice, personally I don't put much time in worrying about hell, hell on earth is being mean and hating and trying to hurt our fellow man. I don't indulge in harming others even those that deserve it. I spend my time trying to love everyone and in bbeing positive toward life

I grew up thinking there was no hell. So I still believed and loved Jesus. I know now there is hell, including hell here on earth. But I still move toward Jesus. Excellent wise poem. Liz

Yes I would still run towards God as I have always believed you treat others with the tender loving care you wish others to treat you with. Thank you for sharing

Newfie Hugs, Rose

I must say that I completely agree with your last lines...
Cryssa

Thought provoking and beautiful hope in these lines - thank you.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Have missed you, hope you are well - prayers!!

Bernice, plenty to think about. Nicely done.

Peace,
Dan

yes

Very good Bernice...and very profound.
ann

Bernice, you always make me think, this is definitely one of those poems.. Nice to see you back,
Peace, love, and light,
Amber V

Excellant message, and perhaps one that all too many religions should consider...instead of the fire and brimstone scare methods that drove so many good people away from the churches...
Fee

Very thought provoking Bernice. I don't want to start a debate on religion, to each his own belief is my belief, but I don't believe there is a hell except for the one we make for ourselves during this lifetime, or in some cases, the one that's forced upon us during this lifetime. I believe in an all loving and all forgiving God, so how could there be a hell? However, "In my Father's house are many mansions." But I digress, to answer the question your pose in your poem, yes I do still believe in Him. To please Him is what is most important to me. BTW you have been very much missed.
Love,
Marcia

This is good stuff. Speaking of hell ... we miss the hell out of you!!

Harold M. Nash

Yes...Yes...Yes without questions & without doubt
there is no better way to be than in goodness & of love & tenderness
I Have Missed You :) Love The Poem Bernice
Much Love & Joy Always To You
Embraced ~ Embrassé
Vickie

psst...I hope the sales were over the top!!!

Great write, Bernice; brava!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D

Brilliant and spot on!

ET

...but the realization that He could save me from such a place makes me love Him all the more...

"If there were no hell"

What makes us think there is one, beyond the hell we live in day to day...ed