2027…

How do you define Hell? Is a state of being? A physical plane of torture and misery? A journey for you to face your sins? Perhaps it is whatever religion you believe says it is. David Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy gives us the Catholic theological view of it. Silent Hill, one of the most influential horror videos games ever created, depicts a mental hell in which everything, especially the enemies, symbolize the darkest parts of the main character. There are so many theories of what happens after death. I believe in many while simultaneously believing in nothing. Everything could just go black. Or I could start over in a different timeline. But when it comes to Hell, if I truly believe in it, it is a nightmare in which you must confront all of your evil doings. No one can escape it, and it’s not just for murderers and rapists. Everyone must go their own Hell, and if you loved yourself the least while among the living, you have a mountain of work ahead of you. 

But what is the endgame? Let’s say you “win” — all fears conquered. Is Heaven next? Paradise? That looks different for everyone too, but not everyone deserves it. Some are left in limbo— a place just outside of Hell where you get to stay and ruminate about every mistake, every failure, every act of unkindness. But who is that reserved for? Who gets to decide that? Is it God? Is it you and your efforts? Who gets the final say on what happens to your soul? If you don’t believe in God, an entity more spiritually powerful than yourself, does your soul rot in Hell for eternity? If there was a second chance, a journey of redemption, would you take it? Do you think you deserve Heaven? Why? 

So many questions…