By REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Don't go to hell! Yet, we all hear people wishing other people to hell. We even use the word “hell” in our conversation such as, “He's as funny as hell.” However, from everything I know, hell is not a fun place. Even people(non Christians) who consider suicide would be far better to continue living in the agony of this life rather than commit suicide and enter hell. Hell is far worse than any circumstances in which anyone is now living. Jesus said it was a place of gnashing of teeth and constant wailing.

Hell has physical consequences. No more calling 911. No more seeing the doctor when a rash flares up. No more favorite restaurants. No more creature comforts. No more refreshing showers. No more great sex. If it's physical and you enjoy it, it will be no more.

Cancer will run its course. Nothing to ease the pain of headaches.

Hell also has its social consequences. No more family gatherings. No more coming home for Thanksgiving. No longer fun with bowling partners or card players. The boys will no longer get together for the Saturday afternoon game.

No more around the Christmas Tree. If it involves special people in your life and you enjoy it, no more. In fact, everything will be just the opposite.

The most despicable acts between human beings will be happening all around you. Prostitutes will be doing it right before your eyes. You'll see murder the whole eternal day and night. People will be cursing one another. No one will enjoy the sin that maybe they enjoyed on earth. The only reward anyone will get for their display of sin will be the agony of never being released from it.

Hell has its mental consequences. If you end up there, you'll never ever have another positive thought about anyone or anything. You will be tortured in your mind about the conscious decision you made that ended you up in hell. You will have migraine on top of migraine. No wonder drugs available.

You will be a basket case and know full well that you are a basket case. On earth basket cases are the last to know.

Hell promises everything its name implies: HELL. Because of that, we ministers of the Word of God don't like to talk about hell very much if at all. I've been told by Bible researchers that Jesus actually talked more about hell than heaven. You see, hell isn't exactly a seeker-sensitive pulpit topic. A better topic is how to win friends, how to make a million, how to be blessed.

My Fayette and Clayton friends, like it or lump it, hell stands as a testament of the integrity of a real God. Serving him and believing in him and living in the light of his standards have some consequences. They are eternal.

So, what do you think? Think I'm nuts? I just don't want to be a roasted nut.

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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