[ScottfromNJ]

“He is correct. HELL is the absence of God, for eternity.”

Agreed, and I don’t often agree with the Pope.

“Rev 21:8

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

It is clear that eternal death is described as punishment. Avoid this by accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. “Romans 10:9-10”

[cloudmountain]

“He is correct. HELL is the absence of God, for eternity.”
Agreed, and I don’t often agree with the Pope.
“Rev 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

It is clear that eternal death is described as punishment. Avoid this by accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.
OF COURSE! Why wouldn't we? He wants ONLY what's good for us. He leads us to His Father and to the Holy Spirit.
To spend ETERNITY alone, without our Creator, IS eternal damnation for us.