Hi Aionios,

I find myself agreeing with you, at least in the sense that the "eternal conscious torment" view of hell DOES make God out to be a monster, and I believe it to be incompatible with the way the Bible portrays God as loving, holy, just, and merciful.

I don't claim to be a theologian (by any stretch), but having done some reading on the subject, I no longer believe in this view.

I DO still believe in hell, however, it seems to me the "annihilationism" view is more Biblically supported. It essentially says that the souls of those who do not have a relationship with God (through Jesus) will be destroyed in hell, rather than "burn" there for all eternity. I know that doesn't make the concept of hell much more pleasant, but I do believe it is consistent with God being loving, holy, just, and merciful.

I'm not really able to debate the issue at this time, so I'm just going to leave it at that. If others want to debate, I'll be interested to read your thoughts.

The following is an excellent summary of the view.

http://www.gregboyd.org/essays/god-essays/judgement/the-case-for-annihilationism/

Blessings,
Rainboy