“I have no respect for any human being who believes in hell. I have no respect for any man who preaches it. I have no respect for the man who will pollute the imagination of childhood with that infamous lie. I have no respect for the man who will add to the sorrows of this world with the frightful dogma. I have no respect for any man who endeavors to put that infinite cloud, that infinite shadow, over the heart of humanity.”
— Robert G. Ingersoll
That quote is too elitist for me, particularly the first line. I have great respect for a number of people who are believers, such as my mother. I don't believe Ingersoll actually meant every word of this, especially when you look at the other brilliant things he stated on other subjects.
Christianity and Islam use the concept of hell as a way to keep the ranks in line and the money flowing in. They actually ripped their whole schtick about hell off from Dante. Couldn't even come up with an idea of their own.
I think you will find that the concept, for both christians and other religions came well before Dante.
You never lived with my ex wife. That was " Hell ".
@Davethecave I see #desprado above had the same problem ! Lol
@Davethecave Was born here, retired and now just happily passing time !