Moderator 80:
the premise of Judaism in this regard is that there is reward AND PUNISHMENT in this world and certainly in the next for ALL our actions.
there are consequences NEGATIVE and positive.
Gehinnom is a fundamental concept as is the reward in the next world
The fact that our religion comprehends positive and negative elements does not necessarily negate the fact the the ESSENTIAL premise is positive.
An example: the typical family metes out punishment and reward based on behavior. And yet, in “functional” families the general mood and mindset is positive – rewards and praise vs. threats to promote compliance. Families where obedience is ensured with an an emphasis on negative enforcement (criticism, threats, and fear) are usually less than functional. I’m not saying that this is always the case, but in my personal experience, the general trend is so.
In Judaism, there is an awareness that we will suffer consequences if we sin. Yet, to quash all positive aspects of our religion with a no-tolerance, fear-based system, seems not only counter-productive, but even against Hashem’s aims (kaviyachol). Hashem Himself says He is “????? ????? ??????????” and “?????? ?????? ???????? ??????????” – more eager and willing to reward than punish. So why shouldn’t we try to emulate Him? I mean, any policy held by Hashem has what to recommend it…