[Torie]

I doubt most Catholics (at least in the United States) believe there is a hell, but I could be wrong. When I was in law school, back before rocks cooled, a friend of mine went to the University of Michigan library (3 million books then), and searched in the catalog for books that discussed hell and what it was like. The most recent book on the subject was published in 1909.

In any event, motivating through wielding the stick of hell, in order to inspire fear, to coerce changes in belief and behavior, is simply ineffectual in the present age. You might not like it, but that is my take.

[murphE]

in order to inspire fear, to coerce changes in belief and behavior, is simply ineffectual in the present age. You might not like it, but that is my take.

It's not to inspire fear, it's to tell the truth. But sometimes the truth can be scary. That is the mission of the Church, that is what SALVATION means, not going to hell.

[AlguyA]

"When I was in law school, back before rocks cooled, a friend of mine went to the University of Michigan library (3 million books then), and searched in the catalog for books that discussed hell and what it was like. The most recent book on the subject was published in 1909."

"In any event, motivating through wielding the stick of hell, in order to inspire fear, to coerce changes in belief and behavior, is simply ineffectual in the present age."

Bit of a contradiction, here, isn't there?

On the one hand, you rightly point out hell simply is discussed or considered anymore. On the other hand, you state 'the stick of hell' is 'ineffectual' in this present age.

How can we know if its ineffectual if, as you point out, it is never really tried?

[jwalsh07]

I doubt most Catholics (at least in the United States) believe there is a hell, but I could be wrong.

I think you're wrong here. Hell is an etenity without God's grace. I think most practicing Catholics believe that to their core.

[kstewskis]

When I was in law school, back before rocks cooled,

Not agreeing with you, but am appreciating the honest discussion...and your humor :)

carry on...