Hell

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the existence of hell. It analyzes sections in the Bible that refer to hell as a place of physical eternal torment. It then discusses the idea of a universalistic hell which is based on the idea that hell is a temporary punishment with various levels. The paper also discusses the concepts of a conditional hell, a metaphoric hell and a literal hell.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Universalistic Hell
Conditional Hell
Metaphorical Hell
Literal Hell
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The literal view of hell, as espoused by John Walvoord, claims that hell is exactly what the Bible claims it is. He points out that most of society's view of hell is equivalent to a caricature of the Dark Ages. The human mind can't fathom the idea of eternal righteousness and has trouble placing so much faith in the Scriptures. He adheres to a strict orthodox version of hell wherein there is a literal everlasting punishment that is not redemptive. He uses examples such as Deuteronomy 32:22 and Isaiah 33:14-15, which imply that the wicked will be punished by fire. Walvoord also point out that every time Jesus uses the word gehenna, with the exception of James 3:6, he means to imply everlasting punishment. Jesus also speaks of degrees of punishment in hell, which, if true, would appear to contradict a conditional or purgatorial view. Revelation 14:10-11 clearly proclaim eternal punishment for the wicked. Walvoord also says that the Greek word aionios, the word for eternal punishment, is used seven times. He claims that the problem with accepting a literal view of hell is based on theology, not Biblical exegesis. He sums up his argument with the idea that is people are to accept God's doctrines of love and grace, they just have to accept His doctrine of eternal punishment as well. The doctrine of eternal punishment is based on righteousness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alighieri, Dante. The Divine Comedy. New York, NY: Penguin Books, Ltd., 2003.
• Ankerberg Theological Research Institute. "Where is Everything Going in the Future? Part I - Hell." Available from http://www.ankerberg.org/Articles/_PDFArchives/apologetics/AP4W0905B.pdf. Internet; accessed 1 April 2006.
• Bernstein, Alan E. "Esoteric Theology: William of Auvergne on the Fires of Hell and Purgatory." Speculum 57 no. 3 (1982): 509-531.
• Biblical Perspectives. "Hell: Eternal Torment or Annihilation?" Available from http://biblicalpersepectives.com/endtimeissues/eti_07.pdf. Internet; accessed 1 April 2006.
• Biblical Perspectives. "Is There Conscious Life After Death?" Available from http://biblicalpersepectives.com/endtimeissues/eti_105.pdf. Internet; accessed 1 April 2006.

More papers on Hell:

• Analytical Essay # 73692 : "The Descent Into Hell"
• Analytical Essay # 130479 : "Hell and Heaven in the Koran"
• Analytical Essay # 44421 : "Descent into Hell"

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