Is an eternity in hell better than having never existed? Is self annihilation possible in hell?

[Berundatelier]

Are souls in hell so hateful that they would endure the eternal torment just because they desire the ability to hate God? Would God entertain a person’s desire to be annihilated to end or avoid his suffering in hell?

Edit: I ask this not to create a huge stink in the forums or to start a flame war. My fear of Hell is disrupting my ability to function at work right now and I desperately need resolution.

 

[joeybaggz]

I don’t think anyone can truly answer your question as nobody on this forum his been to hell (at least I don’ tthink so.) I do remember a Methodist clergyperson putting forth the position that it is a contradiction that a loving God could willfully consign a person to an eternity of hate and torment. She stated it was her opinion that God simply “extinguished” such souls. That is not what the CC teaches and I’m not saying I believe she is right, but there is some logic to her position.
I might suggest your best bet is to concentrate on living in a right manner. God is most merciful, and it is a willful, deliberate, intentional, arrogant, and fully informed act only that can get one consigned to Hell. Don’t know how that is impacting your function at work, unless maybe you are a bank teller with the combination to the vault and keys to the back door.

 

[Berundatelier]

Does the CCC not teach elective annihilation because it believes it’s impossible, or because the Church does not know?

 

[twf]

The traditional consensus, even as articulated on this forum, seems to be that the vast, vast, vast majority of souls, whether Christian or otherwise, are consigned to torture beyond any nightmare we could begin to comprehend…forever…
There are alternative, yet orthodox, understandings. Von Balthasar, a favourite of Ratzinger/Benedict’s, recognized the truth and possibility of hell, but hoped that all, or at least most, souls would ultimately be saved by means known only to God.

 

[joeybaggz]

Does the CCC not teach elective annihilation because it believes it’s impossible, or because the Church does not know?

I think the Church does not know. Christ made several references to Gehenna (Hell) during his ministry, but really went into few details. So, I don’t think there is anyone this side of a graveyard who could accurately answer that question.

 

[Berundatelier]

Thank you.