Theological Research Paper 2: The Hell Debate

Theological Research Paper 2: The Hell Debate

Introduction

Comparable to the debates over the subject matters of the Baptism, Charismatic Gifts, Providence, Christology and the Destiny of the Unevangelized, that relating to the subject of Hell is just as complex and diverse. With every debate topic comes conflicting and contradictory opinions, and thus, with the topic of Hell, we can uncover a few also. However, what is it in relation to this subject matter that creates so much upheaval? Are we just distress with the chances of the realism and truth of Hell? Is it an apprehension of possibly winding up there? Or is it mystification concerning what Hell actually is? Majority of people have a perception of Hell, though the issue is how Biblically truthful and precise is it. Therefore, in this research paper we will try to comprehend more completely what a true conception of Hell appears like. Through the content of this paper we will try to examine the words employed to discuss Hell and its connotations and implications, the history behind the conception and perception of Hell, the two most important views that rule Protestant Evangelicalism, and as a final point end with my personal winding up on the subject of Hell founded on the research unearthed. History has a lot to say regarding this topic and it would be unwise of us to overlook this information in our research.

Discussion

Studying the words used for Hell in Scripture reveals that there are only three in the New Testament. “Geenna” is the most commonly used word for “Hell”, a Greek noun that is written down as “Gehenna, hell, 'Valley of Hinnam'”. At the same time as “Geenna” is used 12 times in the New Testament, the second word “Hades” is used 10 times. “Hades”, the Greek noun is written down as “hades, the grave, the place of the dead, 'the underworld.” In addition, it is used as Hades 5 times, grave 2 times, depths 2 times, and Hell just one time. Last of all, The third word “Tartaroo” is used just once in the New Testament. “Tartaroo” is a Greek verb which is written down as “to send to hell, hold captive in Tartarus”. “Tartaroo” is derived from the Greek word 'Tartarus which is a place of torment and torture underneath Hades in Jewish and Greek apocalyptic text. It is important to observe the differentiation between the various words from a cultural viewpoint, as Geenna resembled Tartaroo in that they were both used to connote a place beneath Hades. Particularly Geenna is never-ending hell, and the place of everlasting damnation.

Meanings of Hell

Nevertheless, the words for Hell are not just included in the New Testament. The idea and conception of this place can be located all through the Old Testament over. In Isaiah 38:10; Psalm 16:10; and Job 17:13 the word points towards the grave, while in other passages, it discusses the dwelling of both the deceased, both bad and good. It is the place ...