C.S. Lewis (Problem of pain) chapter 8, Hell

Chapter 8: Hell

The Big Idea: Lewis refutes objections to the doctrine of Hell

-“I am not going to try to prove the doctrine tolerable. Let us make no mistake; it

is not tolerable. But I think the doctrine can be shown to be moral, by a

critique of the objections ordinarily made, or felt, against it.” (121)

1)      How can pain that does not lead to repentance be beneficial?

1.      Hell then is positive retribution for sin

2.      of the confirmed wicked sinner: “Can you really desire that such a man, remaining what he is, should be confirmed forever in his present happiness—should continue for all eternity, to be perfectly convinced that the laugh is on his side? And if you cannot regard this as tolerable, is it only your wickedness—only spite—that prevents you from doing so? Or do you find that the conflict between Justice and Mercy, which has sometimes seemed to you such an outmoded piece of theology, now actually at work in your own mind, and feeling very much as if it came to you from above, not from below?” (123)

2)      Is there not a disproportion between transitory sin and eternal damnation

1.      sin in part spoils the whole

2.      we may be given a thousand chances to do right and will reject everyone

3)      Are not the frightful images of hell just that, images meant to scare, and not reflective of the reality?

1.      True that they are images, but there is a concrete reason these images are chosen

2.      They are meant to reflect that which is unspeakably horrible because Hell is.

3.      Hell is spoken of as a place of punishing pain, destruction (not annihilation), and privation of good—don’t overstate one at the expense of the others

                              4. Lewis’ view of Hell emphasizes the privation

-“They enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded, and are therefore self-enslaved: just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free.” (130)

thanks to Preacherwin.wordpress.com for compiling this online:

http://preacherwin.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/cs-lewis-the-problem-of-pain-outline/