June 8, 2012
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Hell
In my Gospels class this week, in order to resolve an apparent contradiction encountered during a lively and spirited discussion, a student offered, “maybe their eyes are burned.”
The issue? How hell can be described as both “fire” (Matt. 13:42; 18:8; 25:41: Jude 7; Rev. 14:10; 20:10) and “darkness” (Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Pet. 2:4, 17; Jude 6, 13).
I had never thought of that explanation…
(I was trying advocate a more figurative meaning to both, since they are mutually exclusive. “Figurative meaning” notwithstanding, the horrific, dreadful and terrifying reality of such a place was obviously the biblical authors intention…and my teaching point)…
