Verified answer

No, I don't believe your dad's death was punishment for you or anybody else.

I would like to recommend (since you are Jewish) that you read the book of Job in the Tanakh and speak with your Rabbi. If you are feeling seriously depressed, you may also want to look into grief counseling.

My condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Some persons try to make people feel better about losing a loved one, by telling them things like: "God needed him in heaven"; "It was his time to go"; etc. However, God does not cause people to die (except when executing divine justice, like at Sodom & Gomorah, & The Flood)! Your Dad might have simply had an unrecognized physical weakness, that had simply weakened too much... It really isn't so uncommon. Modern medicine isn't everything it is often thought to be...

I'm sure that it was a *terrible* shock to you, especially because he hadn't been noticably sick beforehand! );

Here is a wonderful article that I think would help you to read:

http://watchtower.org/e/we/article_01.htm

Was your Dad's death a punishment for you???

No, dear! Not punishment from God!

Our Creator is *nothing* like that!:

"...With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone." --James 1:13

I know that you say you are a Jew, but, so were Jesus & his early disciples. And, the Hebrew Scriptures are full of prophesies about the Messiah to come. .. Have you ever considered how Jesus measured up to them? If you would like to, one good place to start is: http://watchtower.org/e/20060215/article_02.htm

Jesus is *not* what most churches teach (part of a trinity)! The Greek Scriptures *never* teach that about him! That is just a twisted teaching of *so-called* Christianity. If it were true, mankind would be further in debt from his sacrifice, rather than freed by it! http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/article_08.htm

Would you be interested to see what exactly Jesus taught about the *future* of mankind--including those who have *died*?

He taught that the prophecies in Hebrew Scriptures would be fulfilled:

"...There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." --Acts 24:15b

"...Evildoers themselves will be cut off,

But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth...

Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more;

When you will give attention to his place, they will be gone... The meek ones themselves will possess the earth,

And they will find exquisite delight in abundant peace." --Psalm 37:9-11

"...Look! The tent of God is with mankind...

He will wipe out every tear from their eyes...

Neither will death , nor mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

--Revelation 21:3,4

The dead will be resurrected, & then taught God's requirements, & then given opportunity to display their choices... More details about this can be read about in:

The Resurrection A Glorious Prospect > http://watchtower.org/e/20050501/article_02.htm

A Sure Hope for the Dead > http://watchtower.org/e/we/article_05.htm

...BTW, Do you know what 'hell' *actually* is?

Not what churches teach, but what it *really* is?

Notice the word's history:

"The modern English word Hell is derived from Old English hel, helle (about 725 AD) and ultimately from Proto-Germanic halja, meaning 'one who covers up or hides something' ". (Wikipedia)

It was used to describe the storage place for potatoes, in a cellar, or underground--a cool, dry, dark, place, similar to a grave. And... that's how it came to replace the words Sheol (Heb) & hades (Gk) -- which mean mankind's common grave, in the Bible. Then, certain so-called Christians twisted a few verses in the book of revelation, applied the twisted idea to the word 'hell', & used this teaching to scare its their followers into submission. (Jesus Christ & his close followers warned that this kind of thing wold occur, several times.) So, there is no eternal torment, or, everlasting seperation from God (in case you had any doubts). http://watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_02.htm

I am sorry for your loss; but I must remind you that "everyone" dies. Some just die sooner than others, but everyone WILL go, and you just don't know when your time will be. The important thing is to make SURE that you are saved so that when Christ returns, you will be resurrected back to life. That is your only hope against death!

As far as your being Jewish, did you know that Christ's first coming, his death, burial and resurrection, was predicted in the OT (Torah)? Christ's first coming fulfilled over 300 prophecies in the Torah. It was determined that the chances of only one man in all of history fulfilling only 8 of those prophecies by chance is 1 in 10 followed by 40 zeros! I'd say that "Yeshua ha Messhiach" was exactly who He claimed to be - the Son of God. And He had the power to back up that claim, too.

By Christian standards he was hell worthy? I don't know what Christians you have been listening to, but I can tell you that the Jews are STILL God's chosen, even in the New Testament. Perhaps God took your father at such a young age because He intends you to learn life lessons that you could not have learned if your father saw you to adulthood. I think this is something you should discuss with your mother and /or your rabbi. God bless.

Well I don't know what you were told as to why your dad was hell-worthy but I think it was cruel to you for them to tell you that considering the bible says we are not to judge anyone spiritually. Remember nobody knows the mind of God.

These things happen sweetheart. What you could do is focus more on giving him a good name by what you do with your life. He can be viewed through you by others. Everyone knows he influenced you while you were growing up. In this way, his memory and his spirit grows and stays with you.

You can still be one of his greatest accomplishments. This is how your love for him and his love for you will stay with you and live forever.

No. The Bible is clear that each person is responsible for their own sins unless Jesus Christ has forgiven them in which case He has atoned for them. I am sorry for your loss and until one gets to Heaven one will never totally understand God's plan for their life. Even Christians can only look back with the aid of the Holy Spirit and see a pattern but never the full details. I know that God has what is best planned for everyone but not everyone will take the path He has set up. Trust in Jesus and ask Him into your heart. Know that if you do life will not get easier but it will get better since He is your loving Father who loves you very much. If you decide to get a Bible and read it since satan and others who are evil will do all they can to keep you from the path. The Bible is God's word and guide to how to live not only in this life but in the one to come.

Ally,

God does not work that way. He truly loves everyone He has created. He allows us to make free choices in our lives and we then have to deal with consequences.

I honestly don't know why your Dad had to die when you were so young. BUT, I do know God is not mean or petty and He has never done anything TO you, only for you.

Both the Torah and the Old Testament from the Christian's Bible tells us that God is a Father to the fatherless. He has a special concern for those who's natural provider and protector is gone.

You can actually turn to God and ask Him to help you make your way in life. I grew up in miserable circumstances and I met Jesus when I was 18 and I discovered God loves me and is good to me. He loves me and He loves you also!

I am so sorry! My dad is 56 so, I know what you're talking about.

I'm so sorry about your loss...really.

I don't know if his death was or not...but maybe you should pray and ask God about it. I will pray for you.

Things happen like this but, I will not say it was a coincidence because everything happens for a reason. And even though you might not understand it yet, God knows and is right there with you.

Be strong.

:)

It is no ones fault. His body just gave out. Christian standards are up to only one being, Christ himself. These people who want to pick and choose bible verses are bizarre in their behavior and seek to find a sure path for themselves while enjoying the fact that their little plan leaves others out. Your father is not in hell.

Poor child,

No. God does not punish us by allowing (or making) our loved-ones die.

Your father's death was an inevitability; we all die, and only God knows the day and hour.

Their death has everything to do with them, and God's plan for them. You must love and forgive your father, and move on.

Appreciate the good in him and forgive any faults. Put your heart and soul at peace, and live for today, please.