The concept of eternal hell is morally inexplicable, logically incoherent, and contradicts the idea of a good God.
There must be a real continuity between the language used to describe creatures and the language used to describe God.
The doctrine of eternal hell is historically and theologically inconsistent with figures like Gregory of Nyssa, who enunciate theologically cogent theologies of universalism.
Deep dives
The Incoherence of Eternal Hell
The argument highlights the moral and logical inconsistencies in the concept of eternal hell. It questions whether a God who imposes or permits eternal torment can truly be considered good. The argument also examines the idea of finite creatures possessing real freedom and whether they can merit eternal suffering. It concludes that the concept of eternal hell is morally inexplicable, logically incoherent, and contradicts the idea of a good God.
The Framework of Analogy
The discussion explores the question of theological language and the intelligible content it holds. It argues that there must be a real continuity between the language used to describe creatures and the language used to describe God. The argument challenges the notion that a distinction can be made between God's will and permission in relation to evil. It emphasizes that at the eschatological horizon, the collapse and moral modality occurs, leading to a moral equivalence between God's will and permission.
Traditional Christian Thought and the Argument
The argument challenges traditional Christian thought that accepts the concept of eternal torment as part of God's plan for creation. It asserts that the idea of eternal torment contradicts the concept of God as the good and undermines the notion of justice. The argument also highlights how the doctrine of eternal hell is historically and theologically inconsistent with figures like Gregory of Nyssa, who enunciate theologically cogent theologies of universalism.
Metaphysics and the Emptying of Hell
The argument references the emptying of Hades in Byzantine tradition, which symbolizes the complete triumph over the realm of death. It explores how this concept harmonizes with the idea of universalism and challenges the notion of an eternal hell. The argument highlights the purification process and the deification of souls, emphasizing that God is never done with a soul until it is freed from the bonds of death and cruelty.
Reconciling with Eastern Advaita Philosophy
The argument acknowledges the similarities between Eastern Advaita philosophy and Christian concepts such as deification and karmic debt. It suggests that these concepts support the idea of ongoing purification and regeneration. The argument recognizes the need for purification and realization in both traditions, highlighting the moral intelligence of theology and the ultimate triumph over suffering.
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