What is Hell Like?
Different religions have varying perspectives on hell, with its visual representation often differing based on their beliefs. However, a common element across many religious scriptures is the portrayal of hell as a place where evil and shrewd individuals are punished in proportion to the sins they have committed.
What is Hell Like? in Hinduism: In Hinduism the concept of Hell known as Naraka refers to temporary realms of torment for sinful souls where souls are punished according to their Karma. There are different kinds of punishment depending on severity of sin by that soul and it is determined by their negative Karma. After serving their time in Naraka souls are purified of that crime, and may reincarnate based on their remaining karmic balance.
Islam: In Islam, hell is known as Jahannam, it is described as a fiery pit with multiple levels of punishment that correspond to the severity of one’s sins. It is seen as a place for those who disobey Allah’s commandments and commit grave injustices.
Buddhism: Similar to Hinduism, Buddhism describes various hells (Narakas) where beings may temporarily suffer as a result of their past actions. The suffering is not eternal but serves as a consequence of one’s karma.
Judaism: Traditional Judaism speaks of Gehenna, which is often more akin to purgatory than eternal hell. It is a place for the purification of souls, with the length and intensity of punishment proportional to one’s sins, typically not exceeding 12 months
What is hell like according to the bible?
In Christianity Hell is often depicted as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked and those who reject God’s teachings. It is described in vivid terms, such as a lake of fire, outer darkness, or a place of torment. The suffering is typically proportional to the sins committed.
A Place of Punishment
Hell is a place of punishment and this fact is highlighted in Matthew 25:41-46, here are three verses which describe hell
- “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
- “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink“
- I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me
According to these Bible verses Hell is a place burning with flames of fire, where devil waits for those cursed souls who have sinned, these souls are punished without giving an ounce of food and water, kept unclothed without any care, there is no sympathy for sinners in hell, and this torture will go on indefinitely until you get cleansed of your sins.
A Place of Separation from God
“Everlasting destruction and being shut out from the presence of the Lord.” (Thessalonians 1:9)
In Christianity Hell is often depicted as a place devoid of God’s presence and a place where there is no presence of God is devoid of any happiness or hope.
(But God is omniscient and omnipresent, so even if you find yourself in hell, staying connected to Him can lead to escape. However, if you did not think about Him during your life, what are the chances that you would think about Him after death?)
Darkness and Despair
- “But the children of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12)
- “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.“(Matthew 22:13)
- “And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30)
Often hell is depicted as an ominous place filled full of darkness and despair, there is no Sun in hell, all there is Eternal Darkness and unbounded despair ready to soak your soul when you went to hell.