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Questions & Answers

Hell

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Our Lord and the Faith › Hell

The question

I was recently discussing with someone the concept of hell. They seemed convinced that hell is not a place. They mentioned that hell is being with God and not enjoying it (because one despises God) rather than an actual place of suffering. Is there any proof to suggest heaven and hell are both actual places that are distinct and separate rather than two different mindsets in one place?

The answer

The actual physical presence of hell is unknown. What we know is that it is likened to fire, brimstone, torments, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. Likewise, there is no way to actually illustrate the beauty and the glory of heaven with earthly words. Christ in
all His glory is in the midst. So, heaven—the New Jerusalem is likened to the beauty of crystal, jasper, pearls, ornate gems, etc., and radiant light where the sun no longer exists because God is our source of light.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

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Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1891 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.