ThirtyThree
Well-Known Member
In various discussions I have had over the years with people about their concepts of Heaven and Hell I have noticed something interesting. Keep in mind that most of those I have had this discussion with are from a more Christian fundamentalist background.
When discussing concepts of Heaven there was much room for friendly discussion. Some had the streets of gold in the clouds view. Some had an opinion that Heaven would be a perfect world with beautiful mountains sparkling rivers and no sadness or death. Many different views from different people. No contention among any of them on these differing thoughts of a heavenly paradise. But when I brought up the subject of whether or not there was fire in hell, all of a sudden the mood changed to defensive. Has anyone else had this experience where people seemed to be more protective of their concept of Hell than Heaven? If so why do you think this is so?
It is a weird and almost disturbing thing but I tend to defend Hell more than my own religion. I also notice what you have brought forward. Most I meet, whether they are Traditionalists, Annihilationists, Conditionalists or Universalists or even those weird Christians who believe in reincarnation, they all defend their Hell or lack of it with fervor.