Why is Hell a bad place?

I dont quite understand how the hell concept works. If Satan wants you to commit evil, and you obey him, then get sent to his domain, why would he torture you? Why would Satan punish you for obeying his commands.

Why don't you go there and find out for yourself? Suicide does the trick, apparently.

Cuz I read it in a book I was told to read.

Because God said so!

In the Christian understand Satan is also being punished. Satan wants others to share his misery. It is modern pop culture that has developed the idea that Satan is some big bag punisher.ferrari2001

[QUOTE="ferrari2001"]In the Christian understand Satan is also being punished. Satan wants others to share his misery. It is modern pop culture that has developed the idea that Satan is some big bag punisher.Ugalde-

[QUOTE="Ugalde-"][QUOTE="ferrari2001"]In the Christian understand Satan is also being punished. Satan wants others to share his misery. It is modern pop culture that has developed the idea that Satan is some big bag punisher.ferrari2001

Same reason a psychopath serial killer tortures his victims, either to satisfy some insane lust for control and dominance or sick entertainment.

Just my thoughts, though.

Because you will fall into an endless pit while burning, while maggots eternally feast on you, and while forever grinding your teeth. Also, Satan can't do anything to you because he's sharing the same fate. Christians say that devils are poking at you too but I think thats a load of BS because hell was made for punishment....everyone is in pain just like you.

Satan isn't a god o the underworld. If you go to hell, you're being punish with satan, not by him

According to Christianity, at least.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]Imagine everything good in this world. Now take that away. And add lots and lots of fire. And too, Hell is where Satan is punished, not in rule. Earth is where Satan reigns, not Hell.Ugalde-

I do not usually link other sources when answering questions here but I liked the way it was explained elsewhere.  This page says what is in the spoiler.

[spoiler]

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the worlds philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satans capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the worldphilosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satans philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ.

An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God's favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting Gods favor or earning eternal life is a predominate theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satanthe god of this worldhas tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda, the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44). [/spoiler]

[QUOTE="Ugalde-"][QUOTE="mindstorm"]Imagine everything good in this world. Now take that away. And add lots and lots of fire. And too, Hell is where Satan is punished, not in rule. Earth is where Satan reigns, not Hell.mindstorm

I do not usually link other sources when answering questions here but I liked the way it was explained elsewhere.  This page says what is in the spoiler.

[spoiler]

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the worlds philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satans capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the worldphilosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satans philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ.

An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God's favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting Gods favor or earning eternal life is a predominate theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satanthe god of this worldhas tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda, the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44). [/spoiler]

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

[QUOTE="Ugalde-"] What do you mean by he reigns earth?Nuck81

I do not usually link other sources when answering questions here but I liked the way it was explained elsewhere.  This page says what is in the spoiler.

[spoiler]

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the worlds philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satans capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the worldphilosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satans philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ.

An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God's favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting Gods favor or earning eternal life is a predominate theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satanthe god of this worldhas tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda, the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44). [/spoiler]

[QUOTE="Nuck81"][QUOTE="mindstorm"]

I do not usually link other sources when answering questions here but I liked the way it was explained elsewhere.  This page says what is in the spoiler.

[spoiler]

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the worlds philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satans capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the worldphilosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satans philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ.

An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God's favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting Gods favor or earning eternal life is a predominate theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satanthe god of this worldhas tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda, the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44). [/spoiler]

mindstorm

Malebolgia told me if i lead hell's army against heaven that i could return to earth

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="Nuck81"]Pro tip. Satan is not a physical beingNuck81

[QUOTE="Nuck81"][QUOTE="mindstorm"] Indeed, but he is a spiritual being that very much does exist. He's not simply an ideology or a personified temptation but is a being that literally exists within orthodox Christianity.mindstorm

Not according to this Study by the Barna Research group.

Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist

Edit:More Figures From Barna Studies

Satan


Six out of ten American adults (59%) believe that "Satan is not a living being but is a symbol of evil" (1999). Among Catholics, the number who embrace view rises to 70%. Among Protestant mainline church attenders, the figure is 62%; among non-mainline Protestant church attenders, it is 49%. Even among those classified as "born-again" Christians, almost half -- a good 45% -- regard Satan as a "symbol of evil" rather than a living entity.

Nor can we infer from such figures that Americans are unaware of what the Bible says about Satan and evil. Seven out of ten adults (69% in a 1994 survey) know that the Bible describes Satan, or the devil, as a rebellious angel who formerly served God in Heaven. Moreover, most Americans affirm the truth of this and other doctrines which the Bible "unmistakably affirms" -- a fact clear from Barna's other surveys concerning public confidence in the Bible. The point is that such readers uphold and defend this Bible teaching by interpreting it figuratively.

As a general rule, any occasion I see a statistic that says "Most American Christians ..." I assume that it is not true of traditional Christianity. This is in part because most "American Christians" cannot even tell you whether Romans is the New Testament or the Old Testament.mindstorm

I dont quite understand how the hell concept works. If Satan wants you to commit evil, and you obey him, then get sent to his domain, why would he torture you? Why would Satan punish you for obeying his commands.

Ugalde-

its nothing but pain and suffering in hell. demons are constantly fighting wars and harming each other,(kinda like here on earth, middle east) you will experience great pain there, more painful then any physical pain here on earth. sayng that only dark souls go to hell, all light spirits go to heaven. when you die no matter what you do in this life you go back to the realm from which you came.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]As a general rule, any occasion I see a statistic that says "Most American Christians ..." I assume that it is not true of traditional Christianity. This is in part because most "American Christians" cannot even tell you whether Romans is the New Testament or the Old Testament.capitalism25

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="Nuck81"]Incorrect. Satan is a symbolic representation of Sin. Not an actual entity of any kind. All Abrahamic Religions treat it this way, including many sects of Christianity, with the exception of the ones that put fear mongering to the front of their ministry. Nuck81

Not according to this Study by the Barna Research group.

Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist

Edit:More Figures From Barna Studies

Satan


Six out of ten American adults (59%) believe that "Satan is not a living being but is a symbol of evil" (1999). Among Catholics, the number who embrace view rises to 70%. Among Protestant mainline church attenders, the figure is 62%; among non-mainline Protestant church attenders, it is 49%. Even among those classified as "born-again" Christians, almost half -- a good 45% -- regard Satan as a "symbol of evil" rather than a living entity.

Nor can we infer from such figures that Americans are unaware of what the Bible says about Satan and evil. Seven out of ten adults (69% in a 1994 survey) know that the Bible describes Satan, or the devil, as a rebellious angel who formerly served God in Heaven. Moreover, most Americans affirm the truth of this and other doctrines which the Bible "unmistakably affirms" -- a fact clear from Barna's other surveys concerning public confidence in the Bible. The point is that such readers uphold and defend this Bible teaching by interpreting it figuratively.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="Nuck81"]Incorrect. Satan is a symbolic representation of Sin. Not an actual entity of any kind. All Abrahamic Religions treat it this way, including many sects of Christianity, with the exception of the ones that put fear mongering to the front of their ministry. Nuck81

Not according to this Study by the Barna Research group.

Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist

Edit:More Figures From Barna Studies

Satan


Six out of ten American adults (59%) believe that "Satan is not a living being but is a symbol of evil" (1999). Among Catholics, the number who embrace view rises to 70%. Among Protestant mainline church attenders, the figure is 62%; among non-mainline Protestant church attenders, it is 49%. Even among those classified as "born-again" Christians, almost half -- a good 45% -- regard Satan as a "symbol of evil" rather than a living entity.

Nor can we infer from such figures that Americans are unaware of what the Bible says about Satan and evil. Seven out of ten adults (69% in a 1994 survey) know that the Bible describes Satan, or the devil, as a rebellious angel who formerly served God in Heaven. Moreover, most Americans affirm the truth of this and other doctrines which the Bible "unmistakably affirms" -- a fact clear from Barna's other surveys concerning public confidence in the Bible. The point is that such readers uphold and defend this Bible teaching by interpreting it figuratively.

any deity who would wish eternal tourture for finite crimes, especially thought-crime, is not a god to be worshipped

In the Christian understand Satan is also being punished. Satan wants others to share his misery. It is modern pop culture that has developed the idea that Satan is some big bag punisher.ferrari2001

haha I know what you meant though

Here's a question for you: If satan condems all bad people to hell, does that not make him good? Pixies, fairies and unicorns are more logical than hell.

Here's a question for you: If satan condems all bad people to hell, does that not make him good? Pixies, fairies and unicorns are more logical than hell.

WinsteadVolve

Here's another one:

People pray fr others to turn to jesus and do good...why do no christians pray for satan, the biggest sinner in need of help?

Here's a question for you: If satan condems all bad people to hell, does that not make him good? Pixies, fairies and unicorns are more logical than hell.

WinsteadVolve

[QUOTE="WinsteadVolve"]

Here's a question for you: If satan condems all bad people to hell, does that not make him good? Pixies, fairies and unicorns are more logical than hell.

Ugalde-

[QUOTE="Ugalde-"][QUOTE="WinsteadVolve"]

Here's a question for you: If satan condems all bad people to hell, does that not make him good? Pixies, fairies and unicorns are more logical than hell.

WinsteadVolve

If he made everything, then he made hell, and he also makes the rules.  And since he wouldnt be a god without being all knowing and all powerful, this presents a major flaw in his character

[QUOTE="WinsteadVolve"][QUOTE="Ugalde-"] Satan doesnt condem them god does.wis3boi

If he made everything, then he made hell, and he also makes the rules.  And since he wouldnt be a god without being all knowing and all powerful, this presents a major flaw in his character

[QUOTE="WinsteadVolve"][QUOTE="Ugalde-"] Satan doesnt condem them god does.wis3boi

If he made everything, then he made hell, and he also makes the rules.  And since he wouldnt be a god without being all knowing and all powerful, this presents a major flaw in his character