Expert: Brenda Martin - 4/18/2007

Question
Does Dante's Inferno contradict the Bible? If it does, in what ways?

Answer
Completely--

A distinction between the body and the soul is nowhere clearly stated in the Scriptures.”—Dictionnaire de la Bible, edited by F. Vigouroux.

“The concept of ‘soul,’ meaning a purely spiritual, immaterial reality, separate from the ‘body,’ . . . does not exist in the Bible.”—Georges Auzou, Professor of Sacred Scripture, Rouen Seminary, France.

The Bible clearly states: “The soul that sinneth, the same shall die.” (Ezek. 18:4, 20, Catholic Douay Bible) Not only does this show that the human soul is not inherently immortal, but it also shows that the punishment for unremitting sin is not torment (whether physical or mental), but death. The Bible further says: “The wage paid by sin is death; the present given by God is eternal life.” (Rom. 6:23, Catholic Jerusalem Bible) Everlasting life or everlasting death—such is the choice God sets before his creatures.—John 3:16, 36; Deut. 30:19, 20.

God is love.” (1 John 4:8) The dogma of eternal torment in hell is a gross misrepresentation of the just and loving God whom true Christians worship. The motivating factor in true worship is love, not morbid fear. (1 John 4:16-19)

Brenda