[Diego1618]

Hades not the Dante and Milton picture of the abode of Satan who was never described in Scripture as being in hell at all.

Why do you suppose the "Church" went along with this Fairy Tale? They obviously could read the Greek and know that this was never found in scripture. Was it just to keep the folks on their toes (afraid of their shadows).....in line so to speak..... and to keep the collection plates full at Mass?

After all....during the "Dark Ages" only the clergy and the royalty were literate.........the rest would probably believe anything they were told.

[editor-surveyor]

>> “After all....during the “Dark Ages” only the clergy and the royalty were literate.........the rest would probably believe anything they were told.” <<

Thus Yeshua’s proclamation in his Revelation that he hated the Nicolaitanes. (those that insert themselves between Yeshua and his sheep)

[count-your-change]

There might be many reasons and from the distance of centuries not easily discerned but for a certainty Paul foretold apostates arising from within the church and indeed were already at work, the apostles acting like a bulwark holding back the attack.

Belief in an after life where souls were punished or rewarded was part of many religions around the Mediterranean, particularly the Greeks.