Pope JOHN PAUL II
Wednesday 28 July 1999

The images of hell that Sacred Scripture presents to us must be correctly interpreted. They show the complete frustration and emptiness of life without God. Rather than a place, hell indicates the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy..... This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell’”.
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_28071999.html



Four distinct Hebrew and Greek words—Sheol, Gehinnom, Hades, and Tartarus—have been consolidated into the single English term "Hell," despite their vastly different meanings.
Clearly, at times, the English language may fall short in its ability to precisely communicate specific ideas
In English, Sheol (Hebrew) and Hades (Greek) both translate to "the grave or under the ground" and "the place or location of the dead," respectively.

Examining Sheol in particular, passages like Psalm 6:5-- For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise?
Also, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Ecclesiastes 9:5 Ecclesiastes, and 9:10 emphasizes it.

Considering the New Testament and Jesus' teachings, which were delivered in Hebrew and Aramaic, it's noteworthy that he didn't use the term "Hell." Hel/Hell comes from Germanic and Norse languages and beliefs.
Instead, he used "Gehinnom,"
https://www.nairaland.com/7671861/gehenna
A reference to a physical valley known as the Valley of Hinom in Jerusalem. Gehenna, as explained in the provided link, was associated with fiery torture and sacrifices.
In Jeremiah 7:31
And they go on building the high place of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire..."

Subsequently, the valley transformed into Jerusalem's de facto garbage disposal site, where fires perpetually consumed anything undesirable within the city, including all sorts of waste, even human remains.
Isaiah 66 speaks of this saying “And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Tartarus, on the other hand, is mentioned only once in the New Testament in 2 Peter 2:4. It is primarily recognized from Hesiod's Theogony as a place of entombment for mythical beings, Titans, and, in later myths, mortals who committed grave sins.

The idea of a fiery and eternal Hell, as often conceived today, wasn't present in the teachings of Jesus. Instead, he used Gehinnom as a Metaphor to illustrate the destructive nature of hatah/Sin.


So, where did the modern belief in hell and the afterlife originate?

The leaders of the early Christian church dedicated a significant portion of their time to preaching and writing in support of the doctrine of the immortal soul. Among them, Athenagoras (AD 133–190) stands out as the first church father to extensively advocate for the doctrine of the immortal soul. His teachings were deeply influenced by Plato's philosophy, as he introduced Plato's concept of an immortal soul into Christianity.
Encyclopedia Britannica, “Athenagoras,”
Believing that pagan Greek teachings and Christianity were compatible, he skillfully wove the two together. “Athenagoras frequently combined the beliefs of the Greek poets and philosophers, particularly Plato, with the doctrines of Christianity”
https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/athenagoras

Furthermore, Tertullian, who lived during the same period as Athenagoras, openly cited Plato to advocate for the doctrine of the immortal soul.


The Book of Revelation also played a role in shaping these beliefs.
https://www.nairaland.com/7382665/how-revelation-got-into-bible

Understanding the historical development of religious concepts is essential for a comprehensive interpretation of religious texts.

Pictures of Gehinnom 👇

The religion as a whole na lie.

Maynman:
Pope JOHN PAUL II
Wednesday 28 July 1999

The images of hell that Sacred Scripture presents to us must be correctly interpreted. They show the complete frustration and emptiness of life without God. Rather than a place, hell indicates the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy..... This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell’”.
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_28071999.html



Four distinct Hebrew and Greek words—Sheol, Gehinnom, Hades, and Tartarus—have been consolidated into the single English term "Hell," despite their vastly different meanings.
Clearly, at times, the English language may fall short in its ability to precisely communicate specific ideas
In English, Sheol (Hebrew) and Hades (Greek) both translate to "the grave or under the ground" and "the place or location of the dead," respectively.

Examining Sheol in particular, passages like Psalm 6:5-- For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise?
Also, Ecclesiastes 3:20, and Ecclesiastes 9:5 Ecclesiastes 9:10 emphasizes it.

Considering the New Testament and Jesus' teachings, which were delivered in Hebrew and Aramaic, it's noteworthy that he didn't use the term "Hell." Instead, he used "Gehinnom,"
https://www.nairaland.com/7671861/gehenna
A reference to a physical valley known as the Valley of Hinom in Jerusalem. Gehenna, as explained in the provided link, was associated with fiery torture and sacrifices.
In Jeremiah 7:31
And they go on building the high place of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire..."

Subsequently, the valley transformed into Jerusalem's de facto garbage disposal site, where fires perpetually consumed anything undesirable within the city, including all sorts of waste, even human remains.
Isaiah 66 speaks of this saying “And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Tartarus, on the other hand, is mentioned only once in the New Testament in 2 Peter 2:4. It is primarily recognized from Hesiod's Theogony as a place of entombment for mythical beings, Titans, and, in later myths, mortals who committed grave sins.

The idea of a fiery and eternal Hell, as often conceived today, wasn't present in the original teachings of Jesus. Instead, he used Gehinnom as a Metaphor to illustrate the destructive nature of hatah/Sin.

So, where did the modern belief in hell and the afterlife originate?

The leaders of the early Christian church dedicated a significant portion of their time to preaching and writing in support of the doctrine of the immortal soul. Among them, Athenagoras (AD 133–190) stands out as the first church father to extensively advocate for the doctrine of the immortal soul. His teachings were deeply influenced by Plato's philosophy, as he introduced Plato's concept of an immortal soul into Christianity.
Encyclopedia Britannica, s.v. “Athenagoras,” 11th ed., 831).
Believing that pagan Greek teachings and Christianity were compatible, he skillfully wove the two together. “Athenagoras frequently combined the beliefs of the Greek poets and philosophers, particularly Plato, with the doctrines of Christianity”
https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/athenagoras

Furthermore, Tertullian, who lived during the same period as Athenagoras, openly cited Plato to advocate for the doctrine of the immortal soul.


The Book of Revelation also played a role in shaping these beliefs.
https://www.nairaland.com/7382665/how-revelation-got-into-bible

Understanding the historical development of religious concepts is essential for a comprehensive interpretation of religious texts.

Pictures of Gehinnom 👇

Just look at the dry and uninspiring thread the op created. The only thing you know how to do is troll and derail threads created by your betters.

The concept of hell is not entirely a Christian thing, other religions that are not Abrahamic also have a hell or a place of eternal damnation for those that will not obey. Only someone that is lazy and steeped in copy and paste research will churn out this poorly prepared crap.

HeatSeeker:


The concept of hell is not entirely a Christian thing, other religions that are not Abrahamic also have a hell or a place of eternal damnation for those that will not obey.

Yes you are right, the concept of hell even the name hell which is hel comes from Norse mythology.

In Norse mythology, Hel also called Helheim is the name of the underworld where many of the dead reside, presided over by a Queen called Hel.
https://www.nairaland.com/7690588/hel-hell

It's all myth

Maynman:

Yes you are right, the concept of hell even the name hell which is hel comes from Norse mythology.

In Norse mythology, Hel also called Helheim is the name of the underworld where many of the dead reside, presided over by a Queen called Hel.
https://www.nairaland.com/7690588/hel-hell

It's all myth

Yet Christianity is the subject of your denunciation. Smh

HeatSeeker:


Yet Christianity is the subject of your denunciation. Smh

Most Christians don't know it's a myth yet. Pele.

Maynman:

Most Christians don't know it's a myth yet. Pele.

In reality, hell exists and serves a divine purpose. Don't wait until you die before you come to this realisation.

HeatSeeker:


In reality, hell exists and serves a divine purpose. Don't wait until you die before you come to this realisation.

In your fantasy you mean, don't waste your present life looking for hell when you die, enjoy life because This life is ALL. Divine and Devil(Daeva) mean same thing.

My write-ups will be dry and uninspiring to Believers.

Maynman:

In your fantasy you mean, don't waste your present life looking for hell when you die, enjoy life because This life is ALL. Divine and Devil(Daeva) mean same thing.

My write-ups will be dry and uninspiring to Believers.

Smh!

HeatSeeker:


Smh!

The irony of someone that believes hell "exist in reality", "smh" very well.

Maynman:

The irony of someone that believes hell "exist in reality", "smh" very well.

What is your concept of the word "reality"? Do you think it is only bound within your 5 senses? If you feel so, then it's truly saddening. The light (knowledge) in you is darkness (ignorance).

HeatSeeker:


What is your concept of the word "reality"? Do you think it is only bound within your 5 senses? If you feel so, then it's truly saddening. The light (knowledge) in you is darkness (ignorance).

That's where your ignorance comes from, "reality" as you said is a CONCEPT created, an abstraction.

Look around you that's "reality".
You won't know light without darkness, they go together, one won't exist without the other like front and back.

Maynman:

That's where your ignorance comes from, reality as you said is a concept created, an abstraction.

Look around you that's "reality".
You won't know light without darkness, they go together, one won't exist without the other.

I noticed that you focus so much on semantics and definitions, maybe because of your academic background or probably because you think logic is the only way to meaning. This is hindering you from the experiences that will make to discard the so called knowledge you have acquired.

Do you know what...

I feel that you are the type that will need to experience something first hand before they can believe it. Do you want to have an experience of hell in this lifetime?

HeatSeeker:


I noticed that you focus so much on semantics and definitions, maybe because of your academic background or probably because you think logic is the only way to meaning. This is hindering you from the experiences that will make to discard the so called knowledge you have acquired.

Do you know what...

I feel that you are the type that will need to experience something first hand before they can believe it. Do you want to have an experience of hell in this lifetime?

Only people that are ignorant of semantics talked down on it, we are talking about ancient stories, to determine what the text says, This requires knowledge of original languages, because all translations are unreliable at points, and also what it would have meant in its original contexts.

Listen to yourself, since you have experienced this thing, why do you need to believe?
Won't you KNOW?
You only believe what you lack knowledge on, which is evident in you

Maynman:

Only people that are ignorant of semantics talked down on it, we are talking about ancient stories, to determine what the text says, This requires knowledge of original languages, because all translations are unreliable at points, and also what it would have meant in its original contexts.

Listen to yourself, since you have experienced this thing, why do you need to believe?
Won't you KNOW?
You only believe what you lack knowledge on, which is evident in you

I know there is a hell. I do not need to experience such a terrible place to know it exists, because as a divine being, I have being able to obtain an understanding of the works of God. Giving literal interpretations to Ancient texts won't take you very far. Some of these texts are esoteric in meaning, and this meaning will be lost to you if you approach them the way you do. There is hell, simply ask God for an experience of hell and see if he won't grant it to convince you.

HeatSeeker:


I know there is a hell. I do not need to experience such a terrible place to know it exists, because as a divine being, I have being able to obtain an understanding of the works of God. Giving literal interpretations to Ancient texts won't take you very far. Some of these texts are esoteric in meaning, and this meaning will be lost to you if you approach them the way you do. There is hell, simply ask God for an experience of hell and see if he won't grant it to convince you.

Hell exist in your fantasy, simply have knowledge on the Israelite god you are worshipping.

I know it's hard to leave all mythology concepts that has been indoctrinated into you from birth.

I will tell you again, ONLY THIS LIFE EXIST, enjoy it.

Divine and Devil mean same thing, have knowledge on the words you are saying..

Maynman:

Hell exist in your fantasy, simply have knowledge on the Israelite god you are worshipping.

I know it's hard to leave all mythology concepts that has been indoctrinated into you from birth.

I will tell you again, ONLY THIS LIFE EXIST, enjoy it.

What gave you the impression that I worship the "israelite god"?

I only engaged you because of your cowardice (you attack Christianity because you know they won't fight back), hypocrisy (your short write up deliberately left out other groups that strongly believe in and acknowledge hell) and ignorance of the divine.

Are you willing to experience hell before you can believe it exists? There are ways to obtain knowledge of the divine without passing through death. Simply say so.

HeatSeeker:


What gave you the impression that I worship the "israelite god"?

I only engaged you because of your cowardice (you attack Christianity because you know they won't fight back), hypocrisy (your short write up deliberately left out other groups that strongly believe in and acknowledge hell) and ignorance of the divine.

Are you willing to experience hell before you can believe it exists? There are ways to obtain knowledge of the divine without passing through death. Simply say so.

The "God" that is a father that has throne in heaven, that you worship where is it from?


Your delusion of "hell" is only in your fantasy.
You are brainwashed so much you don't even know what "divine" mean, anything above your limited thinking is "divine". Devil and divine mean same thing.
Learn semantics pertaining your religion that was written in foreign language, you refuse.


The Evolution of God:

Dyeus Phtr: the Father of the Sky (the Sun.)
Zeus: (pronounced Dyas in Old Greek; Dias today.)
Deus: (the name Jupiter was first given.) Deus Jupiter: (Sky Father, later; di, dii,dies: as god.)
Deus: (the Latin name of the Christian God)


Zot: Proto-Albanian Sky Father.
Gott: Germanic.
Gud: Various languages and proto-languages.
God: English.


Dio: Italian.
Dios: Spanish.
Dhia: Irish.
Theos: Greek: Ζεύς - Θεός - Θεός.
Dieu: French.
Diyos: Filipino.
Deus: Portuguese.
Zeu: Romanian.

I know it's hard to leave all mythology concepts that has been indoctrinated into you from birth.

First obtain knowledge of what "divine" from latin divus really mean..

Maynman:

The "God" that is a father that has throne in heaven,vthat you worship where is it from?


Your delusion of "hell" is only in your fantasy.
You are brainwashed so much you don't even know what "divine" mean, anything above your limited thinking is "divine". Devil and divine mean same thing.
Learn semantics pertaining your religion that was written in foreign language, you refuse.


The Evolution of God:

Dyeus Phtr: the Father of the Sky (the Sun.)
Zeus: (pronounced Dyas in Old Greek; Dias today.)
Deus: (the name Jupiter was first given.) Deus Jupiter: (Sky Father, later; di, dii,dies: as god.)
Deus: (the Latin name of the Christian God)


Zot: Proto-Albanian Sky Father.
Gott: Germanic.
Gud: Various languages and proto-languages.
God: English.


Dio: Italian.
Dios: Spanish.
Dhia: Irish.
Theos: Greek: Ζεύς - Θεός - Θεός.
Dieu: French.
Diyos: Filipino.
Deus: Portuguese.
Zeu: Romanian.

I know it's hard to leave all mythology concepts that has been indoctrinated into you from birth.

First obtain knowledge of what "divine" from latin divus really mean..

Oh dear! Yours is a serious case indeed and it's not even funny. Smh

HeatSeeker:


Oh dear! Yours is a serious case indeed and it's not even funny. Smh

It's funny how the person that believes in a god that resides in heaven, he also believes hell that has no bearing in any religion other than myths is calling someone else funny, it's crazy 🤣
Can't you see the absurdity, abi "divine" has blinded you?

Why don't you use your brain and find out the concept of hell, is it everything that's "divine"?
Use your brain!

HeatSeeker:


(your short write up deliberately left out other groups that strongly believe in and acknowledge hell) and ignorance of the divine.
.

If you're not a shameless lying coward, mention the groups.

If you have ever done any research on "hell" you won't be disgracing yourself here.

Maynman:

If you're not a shameless lying coward, mention the groups.

If you have ever done any research on "hell" you won't be disgracing yourself here.

Are you kidding me?! A simple google search will give you the information you just asked. You are even shameless in your hypocrisy. Smh

Please follow the link below and emancipate yourself from darkness.

https://g.co/bard/share/505abc9e2e98

HeatSeeker:


Are you kidding me?! A simple google search will give you the information you just asked. You are even shameless in your hypocrisy. Smh

Please follow the link below and emancipate yourself from darkness.

https://g.co/bard/share/505abc9e2e98

Illiterate, the Google bard you brought said Hinduism and Buddhism, in those religion it's called naraka and it's a Metaphor, is it your "divine" that told you they believe in "hell"?

Your concept of Devil is gotten from zoostranism and it's a Metaphor.

Small boy, do your diligent research, then come back.

Most Christians that believes in the tales of hell are protestant.
Look at what Orthodox Christians have to say.

Maynman:

It's funny how the person that believes in a god that resides in heaven, he also believes hell that has no bearing in any religion other than myths is callingbsomeone else funny, it's crazy 🤣
Can't you see the absurdity, abi "divine" has blinded you?

Why don't you use your brain and find out the concept of hell, is it everything that's "divine"?
Use your brain!

Your Atheism is fuelled by ignorance and blind hate seated deep within you. We need to truly probe the reason why you don't believe in God and why Christianity in particular is the subject of your attack.

It goes far beyond blindly throwing around semantics and displaying a poor understanding of the ancient texts you managed to get your hands on. You are disturbed and all you need to do is to admit you need help and ask for it, then you will be saved.

HeatSeeker:


Your Atheism is fuelled by ignorance and blind hate seated deep within you. We need to truly probe the reason why you don't believe in God and why Christianity in particular is the subject of your attack.

It goes far beyond blindly throwing around semantics and displaying a poor understanding of the ancient texts you managed to get your hands on. You are disturbed and all you need to do is to admit you need help and ask for it, then you will be saved.

You were born without Beliefs, you were indoctrinated into these beliefs early that's why you can't think beyond it.
You are ignorant of the deity you worship.
See the history of "god" you base your life on, you need help on your Mental psychosis.

Your whole life have been a lie.

Maynman:

Illiterate, the Google bard you brought said Hinduism and Buddhism, it's called naraka and it's a Metaphor, is it your "divine" that told they believe in "hell".

Your concept of Devil is gotten from zoostranism and it's a Metaphor.

Small boy, do you diligent research, then come back.

Most people that believes in the tales of hell are protestant.
Look at what Orthodox Christians have to say.

Metaphor indeed, you have no idea what metaphors and allegories imply when used in esoteric teachings or to deliver the message of truth.

Besides, I only displayed that source because it is what you will easily respond to. You have no knowledge of the divine and wouldn't be able to decipher truth even if it hits you smack right in the face.

HeatSeeker:


Metaphor indeed, you have no idea what metaphors and allegories imply when used in esoteric teachings or to deliver the message of truth.

Besides, I only displayed that source because it is what you will easily respond to. You have no knowledge of the divine and wouldn't be able to decipher truth even if it hits you smack right in the face.

You are empty, do you even know Buddhism does not believe in any god, talkless of naraka which you ignorantly equate to "hell".

If You are not empty like your God, send me a link of these groups believing in "hell" by their followers.

Small boy, do your diligent research, then come back.

Maynman:

You were born without Beliefs, you were indoctrinated into these beliefs early that's why you can't think beyond it.
You are ignorant of your deity you worship.
See the history of "god" you base your life on, you need help on your Mental psychosis.

Your whole life have been a lie.

On the contrary, I know the deity I serve and the massive misinformation/misunderstanding about the true nature of God that exists in this physical world. You on the other hand, are angry with the Christian interpretation of God and you are doing only what your feeble mind can allow you do to discredit the truth. But as you have proven on this thread, the truth is beyond you. Drop the vanity of worldly knowledge and open your heart to God. That is the only way you can receive healing.

HeatSeeker:


On the contrary, I know the deity I serve and the massive misinformation/misunderstanding about the true nature of God that exists in this physical world.

boy, what do you think "deity" means?

Maynman:

You are empty, do you even know Buddhism does not believe in any god, talkless of naraka which you ignorantly equate to "hell".

If You are not empty like your God, send me a link of these groups believing in "hell" by their followers.

Small boy, do you diligent research, then come back.

You simply do not understand what you are critical about. Please go and thoroughly research what the concept of hell means and stop disgracing yourself here.

If You are not empty like your God, send me a link of these groups believing in "hell" by their followers.

HeatSeeker:


You simply do not understand what you are critical about. Please go and thoroughly research what the concept of hell means and stop disgracing yourself here.

You have zero knowledge on the stuffs you believe, you HAVE NEVER DONE ANY RESEARCH ON YOUR RELIGION AND GODS, stop disgracing yourself blatantly.
You are EMPTY.

It seems not all Christians are suffering from Mental psychosis like you.

Maynman:

boy, what do you think "deity" means?

Are these images meant to leave me in awe?!

Sorry no textbook definition for you.