Oh Hell

So why do you think we hate the unsaved so much? While we desire they be saved and escape hell, we're okay with the outcome should they choose it. They will burn for eternity with their flesh never being consumed by either the fire that licks at them or the maggots which consume their unconsumable flesh. Does this view of hell fly in the face of the character of God? "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love"(Psalm 103:8, 86:15, 111:4, 112:4, 145:8, Ex.34:6, Neh.9:7, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2). Even Paul warned against the "mutilators of the flesh"(Phil.4:2). Could he add God into that mix.

I know...He's a just God...hell is a motivation to reach out and save the lost (the rewards of salvation are lacking in some regard and need help)...people don't have an excuse...I know, I know, I know. Ever since I was 8 I've heard it all, but doesn't it eat at you a little? Be honest...It doesn't jive with God...

Like it or not, here's the scoop...At present, outside of Wolverine on Xmen, we don't know of the existence of anyone or provision whereby your flesh can be burned and eaten by maggots without being consumed...right? So then, God would have to create a whole other existence for us whereby He could endlessly and eternally punish...strike punish...torture us, His creation He declared "good". It doesn't make sense...

I don't have the answer, but I'm leaning toward annihilation, cessation of existence without any coming back. I think the absence of God in and of itself is sheer hell, and would render the experience as if your flesh were being burned and eaten without being consumed. I've never felt like that, but I have friends who have. They say its hell.

rZ

Other reading on hell
Geoff Ryan, "Four Views on Hell" in "Siren Call of a Dangerous God"
Clark Pinnock - check out this article where he deals with hell, "Unbounded Love"
William Crockett, editor, "Four Views on Hell"
Samuele Bacchiocchi, "Hell: Eternal Torment or Annihilation"