What Is Hell?

 



You have undoubtedly read descriptions of hell or the underworld in the Bible, seen it in movies or read about it in various books throughout your life.  The concept of the underworld is most likely colored by the religion of your choice.

Most religions are quick to explain what hell is and who is going there.  Usually those that are not a part of the fold of believers, the heathen and for those that have a hard time staying obedient within the confines of the Church. 

Hell is always depicted as a terrible place, where there is weeping and a gnashing of teeth.  A place where the devil lives and those that are unbelievers, or the bad people are  residents.  It is shown to be a place of fire and punishment for all eternity. 

Many people still believe that hell exists and for some that brings them a sense of security, knowing that all their enemies will be confined and will no longer be able to cause them problems.  And many believe that if there was no hell, they would live it up a bit more.  In other words, hell keeps them in line.

I like to examine all religious thought, especially those that cause fear.  And burning for all eternity would be a source of fear.

Let's examine the idea of hell fire.

The Bible teaches that God created everything.  If that is true then we must conclude that God created not only the devil, but God created hell.  IF  God created hell, when did He do it?  The Bible says that God rested on the seventh day.   During His week of creation, there is no mention of God creating an underworld of fire and brimstone for those that broke the rules.  The punishment for eating the forbidden fruit was death, no mention of torture.

If God created hell before the seventh day, it was never recorded.  If it wasn't God who created a literal hell, then who did and wouldn't that prove that there was another god, capable of creating?  If it wasn't God, and it wasn't another lesser god, then it has to be religion.   For what purpose?  For the purpose  of instilling fear and gaining profit from their congregation.  

Many feel that they can pay their way into heaven through their tithing, or giving all their money to the church at their passing.  I really don't think that God is interested in green paper money, silver, gold, stocks, bonds, houses, or anything else that proves to be an asset to us humans. 

What does hell depict?  If it isn't a literal place of torment for the lost souls.  Who goes there?  When do they get there?  How long do they have to stay?  And is there a way out?

It isn't a matter of whether you are going to hell, it is a matter of "are you in hell right now?"

Hell is a state of mind, it is when you feel separated from the force of Love.  Negativity is hell.  Depression and fear is what feeds the fires of hell.

Most of us do not know how to kick out the uninvited negative thoughts, that seem to be guests that live off of our precious time.

There are thousands of people that live on antidepressants, and if you have ever experienced depression, you then know what it feels like to be in the pits of hell, not knowing how to escape from the unrelenting thoughts that plague the mind.  We try to escape by watching "mindless" television, playing games, buying things that we don't need and usually never use.  We try everything we can to escape from ourselves, but, everywhere we go, there we are, carrying our bag of bad thoughts.

So, when we focus on a negative aspect of our lives, we are separating ourselves from the Love of God.  We are all subject to the burn, we can get there quickly .... it just takes a thought.  By the same token, we can escape the licks of fire by the same method that put us there.  By changing our thought patterns from the negative to the positive.

Is it possible to think of hell as a positive?  Most likely you will say "no."  What does fire do, besides burn?  It purifies.  It cleanses.  Intense heat can bend metal.  So, when you are plagued with negative thoughts, use that fire to purify the negative, bend that negativity into seeing a positive outcome.  

Once you know what put you in the pit, you know what not to think about.  Or, at least you know what subject needs to be rethought.  To look at what is causing your mental pain and then looking for a positive outcome. 

The more you think about a negative thought, the more power it gains.  Do not give those thoughts any attention.  They thrive on your energy and the more you think upon them, the hotter the heat becomes. 

There is no denying that our species is experiencing problems that have never faced our ancestors.  However, we have never experienced the problems that faced our ancestors. 

No running water, having to hunt for your own food, planting your own crops, never knowing when there might be an Indian attack, building your own home, no hospitals, no over the counter drugs for that occasional headache and considering a monthly bath as a treat.

They lived in perilous times and no doubt felt the pangs of their hellish thoughts caused by their various fears.

There has never been a "perfect" time to live but we can make it our desire to live a life free of negativity,  thriving to live a life of Love.

We are not alone in finding the doorway.  Take the unseen hand and allow yourself to be lead to your spiritual paradise where the lion and the lamb live in perfect harmony, for there is no fear where there is Love.

I encourage your thoughts.  Please contact me at cindalmiller@gmail.com