Hell

Very sorry for not updating lately... computer problems.  Today's June 6th reading from The Business of Heaven continues Lewis' clearly thought out defense of the reality of hell.  Apparently there were questions back in the day... there really is nothing new under the sun. -- drs

The demand the God should forgive such a man while he remains what he is, is based on a confusion between condoning and forgiving. To condone an evil is simply to ignore it, to treat it as if it were good. But forgiveness needs to be accepted as well as offered if it is to be complete: and a man who admits no guilt can accept no forgiveness...

I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end, that the doors of Hell are locked on the inside... (The ghosts in Hell) enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded, and are therefore self-enslaved; just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free.

In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of Hell, is itself a question: 'What are you asking God to do?' To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.