“I wonder what he thinks now, and if the temperature down there is higher than he thought it would be.”
The idea of eternal punishment in hell is not reconcilable with the idea of a benevolent God.
Maybe not with your concept of god but it is easily reconcilable with my God.
You wrote:
“The idea of eternal punishment in hell is not reconcilable with the idea of a benevolent God.”
Actually, it is absolutely necessary is God is just.
Sure it is, when you realize that God is free, in the truest sense possible, and that He made you in His image. He made you free. Therefore, if you choose to separate yourself from Him, He's going to honor that choice.
On the other hand, you can repent and enjoy eternal life and all the blessings that go with it.
It's entirely up to you. He did His part.