Removing Hell from the Bible

[Ron_Conte]

There are many verses in Sacred Scripture which refer to Hell, the place of eternal punishment.

However, many modern translations have taken the word Hell out of the Bible, substituting various other words, such as the dead, the netherworld, Gehenna, Hades. This has reached the point where some translations do not use the word Hell at all. For example, there seems to be no use of the word Hell in the NAB (except in footnotes).

This trend in translation is based on a common error in modern theology, that of weakening or rejecting the idea of Hell. The claim is made that Hell might be empty, or that very few persons are sent there, or that persons send themselves to Hell, or that no sufferings are inflicted there (only deprivation), or even that it is not really a place. And of course all this follows from the modern tendency to deny that sin exists, or to count very few acts as sins.

 

[lozeerose]

There are many verses in Sacred Scripture which refer to Hell, the place of eternal punishment.

However, many modern translations have taken the word Hell out of the Bible, substituting various other words, such as the dead, the netherworld, Gehenna, Hades. This has reached the point where some translations do not use the word Hell at all. For example, there seems to be no use of the word Hell in the NAB (except in footnotes).

This trend in translation is based on a common error in modern theology, that of weakening or rejecting the idea of Hell. The claim is made that Hell might be empty, or that very few persons are sent there, or that persons send themselves to Hell, or that no sufferings are inflicted there (only deprivation), or even that it is not really a place. And of course all this follows from the modern tendency to deny that sin exists, or to count very few acts as sins.

If I may comment, I believe that your are mistaking final damnation (hell) with some of the other terms used to refer to different states of separation from God or evil in general. Keep in mind, I am far from an expert…

For example, Gehenna (if I remeber correctly) was a phsyical location where refuse was taken for disposal by burning. This place was constantly ablaze and Jesus used it as a way to imprint the unpleasent image of hell to those listening.

Hades is synonymous with “netherworld” or the dwelling of the dead. So when Sacred Scripture referes to Christ decending into Hades, it would be a more accurate term than hell. Why would God decend into hell to free those who were damned? That us why we do not pray for the souls in hell but rather for the souls in Purgatory.

However, the use of “hell” is more appropriate in Mt 16:18. I agree with you that to change the term here and in place of similar context would be incorrect and possibly not acknowledging the reality of hell.

Oh, and in reference to “persons sending themselves to hell,” CCC 1037 and 2 Pet 3:9 make it clear that God does not send people to hell, we do so ourselves. God passes judgement and allows us to select our final resting place depending on the state of one’s soul at the time of death.

 

[hellopeople]

There are many verses in Sacred Scripture which refer to Hell, the place of eternal punishment.

However, many modern translations have taken the word Hell out of the Bible, substituting various other words, such as the dead, the netherworld, Gehenna, Hades. This has reached the point where some translations do not use the word Hell at all. For example, there seems to be no use of the word Hell in the NAB (except in footnotes).

This trend in translation is based on a common error in modern theology, that of weakening or rejecting the idea of Hell. The claim is made that Hell might be empty, or that very few persons are sent there, or that persons send themselves to Hell, or that no sufferings are inflicted there (only deprivation), or even that it is not really a place. And of course all this follows from the modern tendency to deny that sin exists, or to count very few acts as sins.

Or maybe this “common error in modern theology” is based on better understanding of the ancient greek and hebrew and how the words were used in proper context.

 

[the_Assyrian_1]

There are many verses in Sacred Scripture which refer to Hell, the place of eternal punishment.

However, many modern translations have taken the word Hell out of the Bible, substituting various other words, such as the dead, the netherworld, Gehenna, Hades. This has reached the point where some translations do not use the word Hell at all. For example, there seems to be no use of the word Hell in the NAB (except in footnotes).

This trend in translation is based on a common error in modern theology, that of weakening or rejecting the idea of Hell. .

I agree that the teaching on hell is a quiet powerful and thus important.

Many Christians choose to deny the REAL existance of hell because it is not taught properly. As a result they behave in an evil way and think that they will get away with it… when really their actions and words are an abomination and offense towards God and Christ, I have witnessed this first hand. They do not have the wisdom of GOD. They do not fear him.

For instance, I hear the (7day) Adventists think that hell is only in existance at Judgement and not now i.e. people not burning as we speak… also some of my protestant friends refuse to believe the book of Mary Baxter, where She claims Christ took her into Hell (Heaven also) for a number of days to reveal things to her… (google her you will see her video)…

The words Gehanna and Hades are translated correctly but their proper or full understanding is missing. As they might argue certain words didnt exist to describe the Hebrew in Greek… so hence the arguement…but this doesnt excuse the the REALITY of hell in my opinion…

Peace be to you…
Mark

 

[hellopeople]

also some of my protestant friends refuse to believe the book of Mary Baxter, where She claims Christ took her into Hell (Heaven also) for a number of days to reveal things to her… (google her you will see her video)…

You don’t have to be Protestant to not believe some woman’s crazy assertions.

 

[the_Assyrian_1]

You don’t have to be Protestant to not believe some woman’s crazy assertions.

Or you can be an atheist like yourself then?

Some Christians start out as Atheists so I wont go too hard on you…
But I do want to drive the folly far away from your lips…

Shes not Crazy, stop sinning and believe that GOD will forgive you