The Evolution of Hell: From Ancient Myths to Christian Theology
A detailed representation of the Christian hell was formed not only as a result of internal theological reflections but also under the influence of popular myth-making and literary traditions widespread in antiquity. Initially, in the Old Testament, as noted in one source, hell (Sheol) was perceived primarily not as a place of torment, but as an extreme alienation from God – a place where He is absent forever. The author of the source writes: "When we think of hell, we think figuratively, folklorically of a place of dreadful torment. But the most terrifying aspect of the Old Testament hell, in Sheol, ... is not the torment itself, but the fact that this is a place where God is absent and will never be present..." (source: link txt).The evolution of the conception of hell is also reflected in Christian teaching, where the emphasis shifts from physical punishment to inner torment for the sinful years lived. The Orthodox tradition, as is evident from another cited text, rejects the idea of material tortures in eternity, proposing a different view, where the suffering is primarily the torment of conscience when the sinner is confronted with the unbearable radiance of the Divine Face and heavenly titans (source: link txt).On the other hand, an analytical examination of early Christian tradition reveals the existence of two levels: an established doctrine and more mutable legends. In those narrative parts of the Gospels, reflecting a popular myth-making consciousness, there are borrowings of elements from pre-Christian religious-literary traditions. For instance, one source states: "If the first level is in no way connected with Buddhism (essentially and with other religions), then the second (which includes the narrative parts of the Gospels), reflecting, in his opinion, a popular myth-making consciousness, may serve as a receptor of elements from pre-Christian religious-literary traditions. ... As a result, he recognizes only four possible instances of borrowing — the prophecy of the future savior of the world, temptation by an evil spirit, walking on water, and the multiplication of loaves..." (source: link txt).Thus, the detailed representation of the Christian hell was formed both as a result of a synthesis of original theological ideas, where the key issue remained the absence of God, and of popular notions inherent in the surrounding mythological consciousness. The borrowing of elements from other traditions here can be seen as a characteristic phenomenon of extensive cultural exchange in the ancient world, when common archetypes and images—such as the idea of righteous salvation and corresponding punishment—were imbued with an individual hue within the framework of a specific Christian tradition.