[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by manna-man

UntoHim, what is it that you hope to get out of this exercise?

This is not my exercise, my friend. You were the one who started this thread with some very big propositions and questions. I'm assuming that you put forth these propositions and questions in good faith. Could you please assume the same from me and others posting here?

My hope in this thread is to see if those here have really considered what religion teaches about Hell and what it really is and isn't.

Fair enough, so long as we don't totally abandon or discount what has been taught and believed by orthodox Christians for over 2,000 years. I am NOT contending that everything that has been taught or believed is equal to the Word of God, only that we do not (should not) think that we can throw everything out and start with a clean slate without some significant risk of falling pray to a system of error.

It also seems to me that many people have no problem with a Monster God

A Monster God would be one that sends his only begotten Son to be tortured and murdered so that those who have rejected him don't have it too bad in eternity.

What do you think about eternal torment my dear friend UntoHim?

The short answer is "I don't". What I do know is that the Bible says that there is an "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41) and God has also prepared a glorious alternative, because he "so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
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