Hell Fire

[Daniel]

I believe that hell is a reality, but I have trouble accepting the idea of literal flames burning the physical bodies of those who go there. The idea seems grotesque. Does the Catholic Church teach that hell is literal fire, or are the biblical references to hell fire just symbolic of spiritual sufferings? I am confused on the subject.

 

[katolik]

Daniel:

I believe that hell is a reality, but I have trouble accepting the idea of literal flames burning the physical bodies of those who go there. The idea seems grotesque. Does the Catholic Church teach that hell is literal fire, or are the biblical references to hell fire just symbolic of spiritual sufferings? I am confused on the subject.

Yes, those flames are real, authentic flames.

 

[Daniel]

Can you show me any authoritative sources to prove that, or is it your own opinion?

 

[katolik]

Daniel:

Can you show me any authoritative sources to prove that, or is it your own opinion?

Yes I can, www.catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/general/hells.htm

Catcehism of Trent also known as the Roman Catechism]
www.cin.org/users/james/ebooks/master/trent/tcreed05.htm
look under the article “hell” and read paragraph 4
unquenchable and enuxistenguishable fires

 

[JimG]

In any case it would be best not to find out by experience.

 

[pnewton]

From the Catechism, section 1035,

"The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

I do not know the significance of having “eternal fire” in quotes, but undoubtable the emphasis is on eternal seperation from God.