Amount Quote by George H. Smith
“The belief in eternal torment, still subscribed to by fundamentalist Christian denominations, undoubtedly ranks as the most vicious and reprehensible doctrine of classical Christianity. It has resulted in an incalculable amount of psychological torture, especially among children where it is employed as a terror tactic to prompt obedience.”
About This Quote
Eternal torment doctrine inflicts severe psychological harm, especially on children, by using fear to enforce obedience.
In simple terms: Hell doctrine causes mental suffering.
Key Takeaway
Reject fear‑based belief systems.
Themes
religion
psychology
ethics
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church teachings
- parental guidance
- educational curricula
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
theodicy
spiritual terror
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fear an effective moral motivator?
- What alternatives promote ethical behavior without trauma?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue it deters immoral behavior.
![“The negative way [of describing God] is a cardboard prop of Christianity to conceal its unknowable God. When this prop collapses, theistic agnosticism emerges, complete with its package of contradictions and non-sensical utterances.” quote by George H. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86f/george-h-smith-20207_agnosticism_the-negative-way-of-describing-god-is-a_433133.jpg)
