Moses Chodagiri

Moses Chodagiri (Paul Bhaggien, Religious Studies) A THEOLOGICAL EVALUATION ON THE CONCEPT OF EVER BURNING HELL IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL ANDGOD’S LOVE. Abstract

There is lot of confusion and commotion in understanding the doctrine of hell. The major views of hell firstly, the traditional understanding of hell creates atheists, and haters of God. Secondly, universalism gives sort of freedom as it teaches that all will be saved ultimately. On the other hand, both the traditionalists and Universalists oppose conditionalism who believe that all the sinners will be annihilated. Therefore, the purpose of the paper is to present a proper understanding of hell.

The different views on hell are examined with the scale of the two major themes of the bible which are concerned with the understanding of the nature of hell. The two primary themes which the Christian world has held and has been holding (traced in the major theories of hell) to be foundational themes to interpret hell are based on the character of God and the immortality of soul. These two themes are examined in the light of the scriptures which is the standard. Therefore, to achieve this aim the study employs the historical-theological method. For a better understanding on the topic and discussion the paper begins with the historical background. It further presents the views of various

theologians, scholars and philosophers down the centuries from apostolic period to the

present time. Furthermore, it discusses their understanding on the nature of soul and the attributes of God which guided their path of understanding on the concept of hell. The biblical background presents that the Old Testament has no reference on the concept of hell but has loads of information on the end of the wicked. The New Testament on the other hand uses the Old Testament expressions and examples to explain the punishment in hell. The theological evaluation on the concept of ever burning hell begins by biblically establishing the soul as mortal and love as the fundamental attribute of God. The major views on hell are theologically and biblically evaluated based on the mortal

soul and fundamental attribute of God’s love. It was discussed that the traditionalists lack in the proper understanding of certain on the immortality of soul which is not taught in the scriptures.

scriptures especially Universalism lacked scriptural basis. Tertullian, Anselm, Augustine and Aquinas argued philosophically and logically based on their social environment which are to be dismissed

unless the fundamental teachings of the scriptures are reflected. On the other hand, be it

as did John Calvin a theologian exegetical or any sort of study are made invalid if it

misses the fundamentals of the bible. Therefore, in adjusting the two themes in according to the standard measurement (Bible) it is seen that the fundamental attribute of God is love and soul is mortal. Hence, after evaluation hell is seen as the future judgment of God which completely destroys and annihilates the sinners as though they have never existed.