Ben Carson says heaven is real but hell isn't: 'When you die, the next thing you know is the coming of Christ'

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson does not believe there is a physical place where people go and are tormented. Reuters

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson believes people live in an evil world "so bad things will happen to some people."

However, he does not believe that a worst place called hell exists.

"I don't see any evidence for that in the Bible," he told The Washington Post. "I don't believe there is a physical place where people go and are tormented. No. I don't believe that."

What he does strongly believe in though is the existence of God. The Seventh-day Adventist is even so in awe of God that he cannot find the right words to describe Him.

"There's no man who can explain God, or he would be God. He's a force that doesn't believe in dictating and gives you a choice: Whether you want to be associated with Him or not. It can provide enormous strength and power if you do. And He has been an integral part of my life. There are many things I would have never taken on in the medical field had I not felt that He was behind me," he said.

At the same time, Carson believes in the idea that heaven is a physical place because there is proof of its existence in the Bible.

"The Bible says when you die, you know, there is no soul that kind of floats away. But essentially, when you die, the next thing you know is the coming of Christ because you don't know anything when you're dead. If you're dead for a second or a thousand years, it's the same. But when he comes, according to the book of First Corinthians, that the sound of the archangel will rise and that's when things happen," he said.

Carson also believes that Jesus Christ is coming back, and when He finally does, there will be tribulation. "We believe that Christ is going to return to the earth again," he said. "I think [Christ] could come any time."

Because of this mindset, Carson stressed the need for people to "live your life as if He's coming back today. As if He's coming back tomorrow."

related articles
Ben Carson compares worry over Syrian refugees to parents\' concern about \'mad dogs\' in neighbourhood
Ben Carson compares worry over Syrian refugees to parents' concern about 'mad dogs' in neighbourhood

Ben Carson compares worry over Syrian refugees to parents' concern about 'mad dogs' in neighbourhood

Ben Carson calls for surveillance of churches and mosques to counter radicalisation
Ben Carson calls for surveillance of churches and mosques to counter radicalisation

Ben Carson calls for surveillance of churches and mosques to counter radicalisation

Carson meets Syrian refugees in Jordan camps, says they don\'t want to go to U.S., want to return to their homeland instead
Carson meets Syrian refugees in Jordan camps, says they don't want to go to U.S., want to return to their homeland instead

Carson meets Syrian refugees in Jordan camps, says they don't want to go to U.S., want to return to their homeland instead

Ben Carson draws fire from pro-life groups after he accused both sides in abortion row of using \'hateful rhetoric\'
Ben Carson draws fire from pro-life groups after he accused both sides in abortion row of using 'hateful rhetoric'

Ben Carson draws fire from pro-life groups after he accused both sides in abortion row of using 'hateful rhetoric'

Has Ben Carson said he believes US Presidency is God\'s plan?
Has Ben Carson said he believes US Presidency is God's plan?

Has Ben Carson said he believes US Presidency is God's plan?

News
Bible sales surge by 87% as Generation Z rediscovers faith
Bible sales surge by 87% as Generation Z rediscovers faith

Bible sales in the UK have risen sharply, increasing by 87 per cent from £2.69 million in 2019 to £5.02 million in 2024, according to new data from SPCK Group and Nielsen Book Data.

Lent and Ramadan have sparked complaints over the ‘woke’ storyline in BBC Radio drama The Archers
Lent and Ramadan have sparked complaints over the ‘woke’ storyline in BBC Radio drama The Archers

BBC Radio 4’s long-running rural drama The Archers has come under fire for its recent exploration of Ramadan, with many listeners criticising the decision to feature a Christian character, Lynda Snell, fasting in the run-up to Lent.

Can Christian civilization thrive without community?
Can Christian civilization thrive without community?

The West’s retreat from its Christian roots, worn down by progressive ideologies and colonial guilt, risks unravelling a legacy built on the belief that every person bears God’s image and is redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice.

Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme

The document outlines the governing priorities of Northern Ireland’s government.