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A Lovely Walk Through Hell ~ Emmett Bryant

     In canto 1-5 of Inferno Dante presents himself in a distressed state of mind. He finds himself in a dark wood, drenched with fear. It is not until he sights his "lord" and hero Virgil that he begins to calm down. Virgil then begins to give a tour of Hell acting as Dante's tour guide. While I was reading this I tried imagining what it would be like if God took me on a tour of Hell. Would I be afraid? Would I be saddened? Would I feel sympathetic for the souls suffering in torment there? One thing is for certain, I would have a different perspective of my life goals if, or when, I returned. 

    If I was given a tour through Hell, I think the image would be seared into my mind. There is no chance that I would forget that horrific sight anytime soon. Along with that horrifying image would come a reminder: God does not want anyone to have to suffer in or experience that. He wants everyone to experience His love and presence rather than eternal torment. The way people avoid what they deserve (Hell) is the Gospel. As Christians it is our job and mission of life to share the Gospel with the unbelieving. We have the responsibility to show them God's love and the sacrifice He made so that no one ever has to experience the eternal torment that they deserve. 

    Hell is a very real and very mournful place. Jesus Christ commissioned us to spread the Gospel to all the nations so that Hell would not have to become anyone's reality. Everyone can experience the love and protection of God the Father. So, if I was given a tour of hell, I would surely be motivated to put away the trivial things of life and commit myself to proclaiming God's Word. I would no longer be afraid of what people have to say and think of me and be more afraid for people who do not know the Father or actively choose to reject Him. The Gospel would become my priority. 

I commented on Braylan Stringfellow's post and Ian Blair's post. 

Comments

  1. Abigale BellMarch 15, 2021 at 6:29 PM

    Hi Emmett! You have a very interesting take on the 'Inferno.' I can't say I would like to put myself in Dante's place. I think you're right in saying such an experience would give you a different perspective on life. I look forward to seeing Dante's final reaction to his journey through Hell.

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  2. Jamie PetersMarch 15, 2021 at 7:22 PM

    As much as we can think about putting ourselves in Dante's shoes, I think we have no need to try to visualize it. As Christians, we know the dangers of not believing, thereby allowing us to experience the pain and fear of others going to hell without ever seeing it. As Jesus tells Thomas, "'Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'” (NKJV John 20:29).

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  3. Addison ZandaMarch 15, 2021 at 11:11 PM

    Dante's experience with Hell is definitely a scary sight to see and try to think on. As Christians we should be informed on what Hell is so that it not only gives us a comfort of knowing we'll be in God's arms forever, but to influence those who are deemed that pathway to love them and show them God's love we've experienced.

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