GradeGen

The state of eternal separation from God resulting from freely persisting in serious sin and rejecting God’s merciful love.

Eternal punishment or separation from God; Christians differ over whether and how it exists.

Christians share a hope of life beyond death, but differ over its nature, the timing of judgement and how heaven and hell should be understood.

Separation from God, understood by Christians in different ways, including eternal punishment or the suffering of rejecting God’s love.

Hell is separation from God. Some Christians understand biblical descriptions literally, as a real place of eternal punishment. Others understand them symbolically, as the suffering and loss involved in rejecting God’s love.

A place or state of separation from God, associated with sin and rejection of God.

Purgatory is purification for people already assured of heaven, not a place where God decides between heaven and hell.

In evaluation, weigh competing reasons and reach a justified conclusion. For example, consider both God’s justice and God’s love when discussing hell.

Do not confuse purgatory with hell: Catholic teaching understands purgatory as temporary purification before heaven.