Faith
The Urgent Truth of Hell as Taught by Jesus Himself
Many Christians today derive their understanding of Hell more from classic literature and popular culture than from the Holy Scriptures. While the chilling realms depicted in Dante’s Inferno or the charismatic devil of Disney’s Hercules might capture the imagination, they do not offer a biblically accurate portrayal of Hell.
The term “Hell” itself originates not from Scripture but from an old Germanic word describing “the underworld.” In the Bible, the concept varies: the Old Testament refers to Sheol, a term whose meaning spans from punishment to simply being distant from God’s presence. This indicates that while the afterlife was recognized, it was not deeply elaborated upon by the ancient Israelites.
In the New Testament, the narrative becomes clearer, particularly in the Book of Revelation which vividly describes eternal torment for those who stray from God’s path. Verses like Revelation 14 and Revelation 20 speak of a “lake of fire” and “fire and sulfur,” emphasizing an eternity of suffering for the wicked.
Surprisingly, it is Jesus Christ who speaks most frequently and explicitly about Hell. His teachings are direct and severe, highlighting Hell as a real and dreadful place. For instance, Matthew 5:22 warns of the “hell of fire” for those who harbor anger against their brethren, and Matthew 10:28 advises to fear God, who can “destroy both soul and body in hell.”
These scriptures are clear: Hell is a definitive reality, and its existence was of significant importance to Jesus. He did not shy away from discussing its harsh truths, teaching that actions have eternal consequences. This contradicts the often sanitized image of Jesus prevalent in modern American culture, which prefers to view Him solely as a figure of love and peace.
This misconception overlooks the essential truth of the Gospel as articulated nearly a century ago by theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, who criticized the diluted Christian message that omits the necessity of God’s judgment and the reality of sin and its consequences. Hell, therefore, is not a mere tool of fear or a myth created by the Church; it is a cornerstone of divine justice. It promises that no wrong, no matter how obscured or protected, will go unpunished—be it in this life through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross or in the eternal life to come.
For victims of injustice and oppression, the doctrine of Hell serves not as a cause for fear but as a beacon of hope. It affirms God’s unwavering commitment to justice—that every act of sin against His creation will ultimately be addressed. In a world rife with sin and evil, the truth of Hell underscores the profound seriousness with which God approaches sin and the redemption He offers to those who choose His path. Through this understanding, we grasp the full measure of God’s love and justice, reassuring us that ultimately, “everything sad will come untrue.”
Faith Facts
- Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell slams BBC’s “appalling lack of religious literacy” at Religion Media Centre briefing.
- Former BBC Head of Religion Michael Wakelin agrees remedy lies in embedding religious understanding across all BBC output, not more faith programs.
- Religion remains vital for millions’ belonging, values, purpose, and identity in Britain, demanding media accountability.
The Archbishop of York courageously highlighted the BBC’s failure to grasp faith’s role in society, echoing Biblical calls to proclaim truth boldly. As a former BBC religion leader, Wakelin affirms strong specialist programs persist but broader institutional ignorance undermines them.
From news to dramas, BBC must reflect religion’s global influence and moral goods, honoring Christian heritage that shaped Britain’s freedoms. This literacy fosters workplaces accommodating believers and combats misinformation’s spiritual void.
“religion is still a huge influence in the world”
“The BBC doesn’t need a larger religious broadcasting department. It needs greater religious literacy across the corporation”
“religion is a vital part of how millions and millions of people in Britain today get their belonging, their values, their purpose, their identity.”
Stand firm for faith in media—pray for BBC renewal and support outlets upholding Biblical truth.
Faith Facts
- British court denies Ukraine’s extradition of UOC supporter Artem Dmytruk, accused of torture by SBU.
- Dmytruk, Ukrainian MP and UOC subdeacon, opposed 2024 law banning UOC over alleged ROC ties.
- UOC declared independence from ROC in 2022, rejecting Russia’s military actions amid government crackdown.
A British court upheld religious liberty by rejecting Ukraine’s request to extradite Artem Dmytruk, a defender of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church facing trumped-up charges.
Dmytruk, the sole parliamentary voice against banning the UOC, lost his security and fled after SBU threats, echoing biblical calls to protect the faithful from oppression.
Despite forming a defense unit against Russia, President Zelensky’s regime pursues him, highlighting assaults on Christian autonomy.
SBU faces accusations of assassinating dissidents, mirroring FSB tactics while denying involvement.
Robert Amsterdam, representing Dmytruk and UOC, stated: “This ruling is a decisive win that recognises the lengths to which the Ukrainian government will go to silence political opposition, particularly as it relates to its violations of religious freedom.”
Amsterdam added: “Mr Dmytruk has not only condemned the Russian invasion, but actively took up arms in March 2022 when he formed a territorial defence unit in defence of his city against Russia. This has not stopped the administration of President Zelensky from seeking to forcibly return Mr Dmytruk over what are clearly trumped-up charges.”
Defend faith and freedom: Pray for persecuted believers and support champions of religious liberty worldwide.
Faith Facts
- The BBC’s Royal Charter expires in 2027, prompting a consultation on enhancing religious content across dramas and discussions.
- Religion supplies vital purpose, identity, and values for millions of Britons, demanding robust public broadcasting.
- Faith-based media acts as a bulwark against polarization, prejudice, and societal chaos, promoting cohesion.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, acting leader of the Church of England, condemns the BBC’s appalling lack of religious literacy.
He calls for faith to permeate the broadcaster’s entire output, not just token programs like Songs of Praise.
This call comes amid a government review of its future.
“My concern is much more about the place of religion across the whole output of the BBC, rather than simply seeing it as religious broadcasting in that rather more narrow definition. So I note with sadness and some distress the sometimes appalling lack of religious literacy in so much of the BBC.”
“I know it’s a hard thing to fight for – religious broadcasting and public service broadcasting – but I believe it is a precious bulwark against polarisation, intolerance, prejudice, chaos. The fact is that religion is a vital part of how millions and millions of people in Britain today get their belonging, their values, their purpose, their identity.”
“Religious broadcasting increasingly becomes the poor and underfunded relative in a BBC which I believe needs to be reminded of its core business.”
As patriots grounded in biblical truth, urge leaders to restore faith-honoring media, safeguarding our Christian heritage and freedoms.
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