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Beyond Religion: The Reality of Hell
Hell exists.
Scholars, philosophers, and theologians argue endlessly about it. Religious leaders often promote the idea, framing it as a way to control bad behavior. It assumes people harm others for selfish reasons because they believe they can escape punishment.
Cultures and religions invented Hell — a final reckoning for those who seemed to get away with their sins in life. The hope was that fear of eternal suffering might compel goodness.
Over time, though, the idea of Hell lost its weight. Legalistic debates, dogmatic tangents, and empty philosophical posturing drained it of emotional power. If it ever worked, it doesn’t frighten enough to change behavior anymore.
But Hell doesn’t need religion to exist. Hell exists here, now, today. I see it when I look at the world.
