The Heresy of Hell (Part 3 of 4)

Denominational Differences

Deeper Study on Hell: Exegesis, History, and Denominational Views

In this extended analysis, we will cover:

1. A deeper exegesis of key scriptures on Hell

2. How “Hell” became central to Western Christianity

3. Comparison of different Christian denominations’ teachings on Hell

1. Exegesis of Key Scriptures on Hell

A proper study of “Hell” requires an examination of its original language, context, and audience. Here, we will break down major verses, their Greek or Hebrew terms, and their true implications.

A. Gehenna – The Valley of Hinnom (Judgment, Not Eternal Torment)

Matthew 5:22 – “Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.”

• Greek Word: γέεννα (Gehenna)

• Meaning: A real valley outside Jerusalem used as a metaphor for judgment.

• Context: Jesus warns about moral accountability, not eternal torment.

Matthew 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”

• Key Word: ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi – “destroy,” not torment).

• Context: Destruction means ceasing to exist, not eternal suffering.

Mark 9:43-48 – _“Better to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”

• Reference to Isaiah 66:24 where corpses (not living souls) burn.

• Worms and fire = imagery of shame and disgrace, not ongoing torment.

B. Hades – The Grave, Not Eternal Fire

Luke 16:23 – “In Hades, the rich man was in torment and saw Abraham far away.”

• Context: A parable, not a literal description of Hell.

• Jewish Background: Based on First Temple Judaism concepts of Sheol.

• Not About Final Judgment: This is before resurrection.

Revelation 20:14 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.”

• Meaning: Hades is destroyed at the end, proving it is not eternal.

• Fire Symbolism: Often represents destruction, not torment (cf. Malachi 4:1-3).

C. Eternal Fire & Judgment

Matthew 25:41 – “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

• Greek Word: αἰώνιος (aionios – “age-lasting,” not necessarily eternal).

• Intended Meaning: Reserved for Satan, not all people.

• Interpretation Debate:

1. Traditional View: Hell is eternal for all the wicked.

2. Annihilationist View: The wicked are consumed and cease to exist.

3. Universalist View: Judgment is corrective, leading to eventual redemption.

2. How “Hell” Became Central to Western Christianity

A. The Hebrew Background (Sheol, Not Hell)

• Ancient Judaism saw Sheol as the realm of the dead, not a place of torment.

• The Torah (Genesis–Deuteronomy) never mentions Hell.

B. Greek Influence on Early Christianity

• Plato (4th century BC): Believed in an immortal soul that suffers eternally.

• Hellenized Jews (e.g., Philo of Alexandria, 1st century AD) adopted Greek ideas.

• The New Testament was written in Greek, which allowed Hellenistic interpretations.

C. Augustine & Medieval Theology (4th–15th Century)

• Augustine (354-430 AD) made eternal torment official Church doctrine.

• He misunderstood Hebrew concepts, relying on Latin mistranslations.

• Dante’s Inferno (14th century) reinforced Hell as a place of torment.

• The Catholic Church used Hell as a control mechanism (indulgences, purgatory, etc.).

D. The Protestant Reformation (16th Century)

• Luther and Calvin maintained eternal Hell but rejected Purgatory.

• Anabaptists (Radical Reformation) questioned eternal torment.

• The Enlightenment (17th–18th Century) led to new views, including Universalism.

3. Comparison of Christian Denominations on Hell

Denomination	View of Hell	Key Beliefs
Roman Catholic	Eternal torment + Purgatory	Hell is eternal for the wicked; Purgatory allows purification before Heaven.
Eastern Orthodox	Conditional immortality	Hell is self-imposed separation from God, but redemption is possible.
Protestant (Evangelical, Calvinist, Baptist)	Eternal conscious torment (traditional)	The wicked suffer forever.
Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses	Annihilationism	The wicked are destroyed, not tormented forever.
Universalist Christians	Universal Reconciliation	All will eventually be saved because none can withstand the consuming fire of Hi Love.
Liberal/Progressive Christianity	Varies	Some see Hell as a metaphor, others as temporary.

4. Rethinking Hell in Light of Biblical and Historical Evidence

A. Key Arguments Against Eternal Torment

1. Contradicts God’s Character – Would a loving, just God torture people forever?

2. Eternal Life is for the Righteous Only – The wicked perish (John 3:16), not suffer eternally.

3. Hell’s Fire Symbolizes Destruction, Not Torment – Malachi 4:1-3: The wicked will be burned up like chaff.

4. Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna are Not “Hell” – They represent the grave, temporary judgment, or destruction.

5. The Early Church Had Multiple Views – Eternal torment was not the only Christian belief.

B. Modern Theological Shift Or Return to the Evidence of Scripture?

• Many scholars and theologians reject Augustine’s interpretation and reconsider Hell.

• Evangelicals like John Stott support Annihilationism.

• Eastern Orthodox thinkers focus on Hell as a spiritual separation, not torment.

Conclusion

The traditional view of eternal torment in Hell has been increasingly challenged by biblical, historical, and theological evidence. Key arguments against this doctrine highlight contradictions with God’s character, the nature of eternal life, and the true meaning of scriptural references to Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna. The notion of Hell as unending suffering is neither a unanimous belief in Christian history nor the only way to interpret biblical texts.

As modern scholars and theologians reassess these teachings, many are returning to interpretations that align more closely with scriptural evidence. The growing acceptance of annihilationism, along with alternative views from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, reflects an evolving understanding of divine justice and human destiny. Ultimately, rethinking Hell is not about diminishing God’s judgment but seeking a view that remains faithful to His love, justice, and the biblical witness.