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Hell: The Dogma of Hell, Illustrated by Facts Taken from Profane and Sacred History
The eminent French theologian, Fr. F.X. Schouppe, S.J., (Purgatory—Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints), has written here a similar book on the subject of Hell. While the basic Catholic doctrines on Hell are reviewed, he mainly recounts numerous true stories that reinforce belief in Hell and the eternity of its horrors. The subject of Hell is frightening but the purpose of this work is not sensationalistic or to terrify, but rather to present lucidly to readers the reality of Hell and to instill in them a firm dread of the loss of Heaven.We trust that reading this short volume will motivate many in their faith, bring others back to God and help people truly desire Salvation.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1882
167 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
F.X. Schouppe
23 books14 followersFather François Xavier Schouppe, S.J. was an eminent theologian of the nineteenth century.
Abbé François-Xavier Schnuppe (1824-1904), fils d'agriculteur, fit ses études au collège d'Alost (Rhétorique 1841). Entré dans la Compagnie en 1841, professeur de dogmatique au scolasticat de Louvain (1856-1863), puis au séminaire de Liège (1863-1871) où il est aussi chargé du cours d’Ecriture Sainte. Il enseigne la religion à Saint-Michel (1871-1888) où il public de nombreux ouvrages religieux. Il part enseigner la théologie au Grand Séminaire de Kurséong, puis il sera directeur spirituel du Grand Séminaire de Darjeeling (Hymalaya).
Abbé François-Xavier Schnuppe (1824-1904), fils d'agriculteur, fit ses études au collège d'Alost (Rhétorique 1841). Entré dans la Compagnie en 1841, professeur de dogmatique au scolasticat de Louvain (1856-1863), puis au séminaire de Liège (1863-1871) où il est aussi chargé du cours d’Ecriture Sainte. Il enseigne la religion à Saint-Michel (1871-1888) où il public de nombreux ouvrages religieux. Il part enseigner la théologie au Grand Séminaire de Kurséong, puis il sera directeur spirituel du Grand Séminaire de Darjeeling (Hymalaya).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 3, 2025
When BIlll Waterson's Calvin, AKA Spaceman Spiff, lands his spaceship smack dab atop an alien life form which, curiously, resembles slabs of beef liver, he knows he's landed in a land of monstrous humanoids!
Calvin HATES having liver for dinner, you see. So his subconscious displays this meat as being a gateway to the Land of the Undead.
In just such a way, last night, browsing through local obituaries of cynical, embittered supply managers I knew in the 1970's, I briefly and regrettably descended to Hell.
Well, I thought suddenly of Father Schouppe's book and snapped myself out of it...
Yikes.
Don't go there, friends - as I often say to neighbours on a sunny summer day.
No, don't belabour yourself with the problem of escaping hell.
But Father Schouppe's not one to pull punches! So he clobbers these thoughts using mythical and factual stories of divine retribution for a life of evil.
These are spooky stories so be forewarned!
For the bottom line is there's no Rest for the Wicked.
Calvin HATES having liver for dinner, you see. So his subconscious displays this meat as being a gateway to the Land of the Undead.
In just such a way, last night, browsing through local obituaries of cynical, embittered supply managers I knew in the 1970's, I briefly and regrettably descended to Hell.
Well, I thought suddenly of Father Schouppe's book and snapped myself out of it...
Yikes.
Don't go there, friends - as I often say to neighbours on a sunny summer day.
No, don't belabour yourself with the problem of escaping hell.
But Father Schouppe's not one to pull punches! So he clobbers these thoughts using mythical and factual stories of divine retribution for a life of evil.
These are spooky stories so be forewarned!
For the bottom line is there's no Rest for the Wicked.
May 10, 2022
“Life is short—and death is sure;
The hour of death—remains obscure.
A soul you have—and only one;
If that be lost, all hope is gone.
Waste not your time—while time shall last—
For after death ’tis ever past.
The all-seeing God your Judge will be—
Or heaven or hell, your destiny.
All earthly things will fleet away
Eternity shall ever stay.”
Everyone should read this book. Even if you believe there is a Hell. It is good to have its horror, as well as its certainty, reinforced. It is thanks to my friend, Aaron's review, I heard about this book. Thanks Aaron! Only 99 cents on kindle and worth every penny. After all, what is your soul worth?
28 years ago today my only brother died. I pray all the time he is with Jesus...
The hour of death—remains obscure.
A soul you have—and only one;
If that be lost, all hope is gone.
Waste not your time—while time shall last—
For after death ’tis ever past.
The all-seeing God your Judge will be—
Or heaven or hell, your destiny.
All earthly things will fleet away
Eternity shall ever stay.”
Everyone should read this book. Even if you believe there is a Hell. It is good to have its horror, as well as its certainty, reinforced. It is thanks to my friend, Aaron's review, I heard about this book. Thanks Aaron! Only 99 cents on kindle and worth every penny. After all, what is your soul worth?
28 years ago today my only brother died. I pray all the time he is with Jesus...
October 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
This small book by a French Jesuit theologian, out 1883 and here with three appendixes added in 1989, concentrates on showing how much avoiding Hell is worth it. I don’t think it will convince any non-believer or unsure to change their minds, so thatwise it’s not a successful tool, but it still has some interesting stories of various ways people have been visited by the dead-in-Hell, have become convinced to change their ways by thoughts of Hell or being temporarily dead, and so on.
Stories are told: saints and ordinary people (some sinners, some not) have been visited by the dead, or have witnessed a recently-dead person come briefly alive to deliver a message, or witness those who have been believed to be dead come back alive to tell about it, or a dying person experiences hell-pains while dying. Or people see or are shown visions of Hell. Sometimes it is the story of a person themselves briefly dying (coma?), or being buried-as-dead but saved from the grave by their knockings.
The ones who have died can be sinners, or delayers of baptism or confession (sometimes have given insincere confessions), atheists, and those who outwardly seemed pious but hid a sin or two.
There’s stories of sights of Hell, the ‘always, always’’never, never’ shouts, the shouting of regrets of having so easily given up a road to salvation. Sometimes just contemplation of a fireplace, or intense thoughts of Hell have inspired seeking of goodness, penance, and austerities trying to avoid it (here the story of Christina The Astonishing is given, and all her crazy ways of penance and austerities, and living in trees etc. The Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds song about her is pretty good, too.). There were also a few stories of destruction by fire of buildings and some train accidents from the 19th century – so many charred bodies piled up, of bodies perishing in water (ships, trains, crumbling buildings), and the most heartbreaking one was of a circus fire with animals trapped in cages, nowhere to go… the suffering of animals-stories always give me the ‘want to unread’ moment, and a reason to drop half a star from my rating, at *least*.
The main part of the book ends quite suddenly, which also can be seen as a small weakness; I guess the author thought a smooth ending wasn’t necessary, so I’m a bit glad that the appendixes were added. Of the appendixes, Sr Josefa Menendez’ Hell-description were quite spooky, the Fatima story was familiar to me (but poor kids must’ve been so terrified after what they saw), and the rich man and Lazarus story and someone’s reflections on it was probably the weakest appendix of the three, but a little meditation on the story might be worth it for the reader.
So: the book may have its weaknesses, but most of the time I felt there were few dull spots in the stories.
This small book by a French Jesuit theologian, out 1883 and here with three appendixes added in 1989, concentrates on showing how much avoiding Hell is worth it. I don’t think it will convince any non-believer or unsure to change their minds, so thatwise it’s not a successful tool, but it still has some interesting stories of various ways people have been visited by the dead-in-Hell, have become convinced to change their ways by thoughts of Hell or being temporarily dead, and so on.
Stories are told: saints and ordinary people (some sinners, some not) have been visited by the dead, or have witnessed a recently-dead person come briefly alive to deliver a message, or witness those who have been believed to be dead come back alive to tell about it, or a dying person experiences hell-pains while dying. Or people see or are shown visions of Hell. Sometimes it is the story of a person themselves briefly dying (coma?), or being buried-as-dead but saved from the grave by their knockings.
The ones who have died can be sinners, or delayers of baptism or confession (sometimes have given insincere confessions), atheists, and those who outwardly seemed pious but hid a sin or two.
There’s stories of sights of Hell, the ‘always, always’’never, never’ shouts, the shouting of regrets of having so easily given up a road to salvation. Sometimes just contemplation of a fireplace, or intense thoughts of Hell have inspired seeking of goodness, penance, and austerities trying to avoid it (here the story of Christina The Astonishing is given, and all her crazy ways of penance and austerities, and living in trees etc. The Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds song about her is pretty good, too.). There were also a few stories of destruction by fire of buildings and some train accidents from the 19th century – so many charred bodies piled up, of bodies perishing in water (ships, trains, crumbling buildings), and the most heartbreaking one was of a circus fire with animals trapped in cages, nowhere to go… the suffering of animals-stories always give me the ‘want to unread’ moment, and a reason to drop half a star from my rating, at *least*.
The main part of the book ends quite suddenly, which also can be seen as a small weakness; I guess the author thought a smooth ending wasn’t necessary, so I’m a bit glad that the appendixes were added. Of the appendixes, Sr Josefa Menendez’ Hell-description were quite spooky, the Fatima story was familiar to me (but poor kids must’ve been so terrified after what they saw), and the rich man and Lazarus story and someone’s reflections on it was probably the weakest appendix of the three, but a little meditation on the story might be worth it for the reader.
So: the book may have its weaknesses, but most of the time I felt there were few dull spots in the stories.
September 13, 2018
Does Hell really exist?
How often the question has been asked. So many believe in the existence of Heaven and hope to go there when they die, but no one wants to dwell on the dogma of Hell. If there is Heaven, and there is also a Hell. If you believe in Christ you cannot ignore this terrifying truth, for as Fr. F.X. Schouppe declares in his opening paragraph:
“We are sure of it as of the existence of God, the existence of the sun. Nothing, in fact, is more clearly revealed than the dogma of Hell, and Jesus Christ proclaims it as many as fifteen times in the Gospel.”
Yes, many still laugh at or deny the existence of Hell. In answer to this, Fr. Schouppe in his opening chapter lays out all the questions and arguments against the existence of Hell put forward by the scoffers and answers them succinctly one by one to where it is plain to see a person has more to gain by believing in Hell than not. I shall try and paraphrase the questions and answers so as not to give the whole book away:
1) “I do not believe in it” ~ You personal disbelief cannot and does not suddenly make Hell vanish. “Should a thief be so foolish as to deny that there is no prison? Would the prison thereby cease to exist if he did not believe in it? And would the thief not enter in to it?”
2) “You say that the future life is a problem and Hell a 'perhaps'” ~ Fr. Schouppe argues this is futile proposition as Revelation has shown there is a Hell. And, for argument sake, let's say that the existence of Hell is only a 'perhaps' Fr. Schouppe declares “ … would he not be the silliest of men who, upon such a 'perhaps', should expose himself to the punishment of an everlasting fire?”
3) “You say that no one returned from beyond the grave to tell us about Hell”. This is where Fr. Schouppe's book comes in – there have indeed been visitations from Hell and witness accounts recorded, which are given in the next chapters:
Chapter II: The Manifestations of Hell
Chapter III: Apparitions of the Damned
Since this book was published before some famous modern-day apparitions and revelations of Hell occurred, Tan Publishers have included the following accounts in the Appendix of this edition (ISBN: 978-0-89555-900-5):
Appendix I: Sr. Josefa Menendez' Description of Hell. Sr. Josefa was a mystic who was favored with apparitions of Christ, Our Lady, and also had visions of the devil. She was also allowed to see and suffer the torments of Hell for the salvation of sinners, and she gives a very grim account of what she saw.
Appendix II: The Children of Fatima see Hell. Famous apparition which occurred in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal. The vision terrified the children so much that they will willing to suffer whatever it took to save sinners from going there.
Appendix III: The Parable of Dives and Lazarus – proof from Our Lord's mouth about the existence of Hell as told in this parable.
The next chapters of the book feature salutary reflections on Hell:
Chapter IV: The Denial of Hell is Foolish Bravado
Chapter V: The Awakening of the Ungodly Soul in Hell
Chapter VI: Truth of Hell
Chapter VII: Pains of Hell
Chapter VIII: A Salutary Fear of Hell
Chapter IX: The Thought of Hell
After seeing all of this, you might be tempted to think that the Catholic Church likes to 'fear-monger' believers into obedience, but on the contrary. I was surprised at how small the book was in comparison to his other book “Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and the Legends of the Saints” - in that he has more accounts and reflections on Purgatory than Hell. In fact, I found Fr. Schouppe's book on Purgatory much more chilling than Hell! (I also recommend it for your reading list.) The fact there seems to be fewer recorded accounts of apparitions from Hell is evidence that Heaven itself prefers not to reveal too much on that place of woe as God does not want us terrified into submission. It would be much better if we turned to Him with full confidence, love, and trust in His Mercy, but if the salutary fear of Hell will help keep us miserable sinners from ending up there for all Eternity, then God will send a few warnings, and according to this book by Fr. Schouppe, He has. Also, Heaven does not send as many apparitions from Hell because it is almost futile to do so … that the near lack of damned apparitions is almost frightening in its own right and actually is more successful in gaining our attention – the more apparitions, the less mankind pays attention. Also, the mortal sinner is aware deep in their own heart they have left the path and it is up to them to change. This 'fearful silence' on Hell is explained in the parable of Dives and Lazarus according to Appendix III of the book.
The only thing I found disappointing on this edition of Fr. Schouppe's book on Hell is that Tan Publishers didn't include an account of St. John Bosco's famous dream of Hell. St. John Bosco had over 150 prophetic dreams about the foundation of his order and the spiritual state of the children he taught, and Hell was among the his dreams. Perhaps Tan Publishers decided not to include it as the dream was more allegorical in nature about the punishments and the means on which how to avoid Hell, but it is still terrifying all the same. If children could be so easily led down the path to Hell, what can we poor adults expect? It is a harrowing warning! You can read St. John Bosco's dream about Hell in the book “The Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco: From Saint Job Bosco's Biographical Memoirs”, also published by Tan. That book is also a must read.
Despite its slender size, Fr. Schouppe's book “The Dogma of Hell” deserves the full five stars.
E.A. Bucchianeri, author of Vocation of a Gadfly
How often the question has been asked. So many believe in the existence of Heaven and hope to go there when they die, but no one wants to dwell on the dogma of Hell. If there is Heaven, and there is also a Hell. If you believe in Christ you cannot ignore this terrifying truth, for as Fr. F.X. Schouppe declares in his opening paragraph:
“We are sure of it as of the existence of God, the existence of the sun. Nothing, in fact, is more clearly revealed than the dogma of Hell, and Jesus Christ proclaims it as many as fifteen times in the Gospel.”
Yes, many still laugh at or deny the existence of Hell. In answer to this, Fr. Schouppe in his opening chapter lays out all the questions and arguments against the existence of Hell put forward by the scoffers and answers them succinctly one by one to where it is plain to see a person has more to gain by believing in Hell than not. I shall try and paraphrase the questions and answers so as not to give the whole book away:
1) “I do not believe in it” ~ You personal disbelief cannot and does not suddenly make Hell vanish. “Should a thief be so foolish as to deny that there is no prison? Would the prison thereby cease to exist if he did not believe in it? And would the thief not enter in to it?”
2) “You say that the future life is a problem and Hell a 'perhaps'” ~ Fr. Schouppe argues this is futile proposition as Revelation has shown there is a Hell. And, for argument sake, let's say that the existence of Hell is only a 'perhaps' Fr. Schouppe declares “ … would he not be the silliest of men who, upon such a 'perhaps', should expose himself to the punishment of an everlasting fire?”
3) “You say that no one returned from beyond the grave to tell us about Hell”. This is where Fr. Schouppe's book comes in – there have indeed been visitations from Hell and witness accounts recorded, which are given in the next chapters:
Chapter II: The Manifestations of Hell
Chapter III: Apparitions of the Damned
Since this book was published before some famous modern-day apparitions and revelations of Hell occurred, Tan Publishers have included the following accounts in the Appendix of this edition (ISBN: 978-0-89555-900-5):
Appendix I: Sr. Josefa Menendez' Description of Hell. Sr. Josefa was a mystic who was favored with apparitions of Christ, Our Lady, and also had visions of the devil. She was also allowed to see and suffer the torments of Hell for the salvation of sinners, and she gives a very grim account of what she saw.
Appendix II: The Children of Fatima see Hell. Famous apparition which occurred in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal. The vision terrified the children so much that they will willing to suffer whatever it took to save sinners from going there.
Appendix III: The Parable of Dives and Lazarus – proof from Our Lord's mouth about the existence of Hell as told in this parable.
The next chapters of the book feature salutary reflections on Hell:
Chapter IV: The Denial of Hell is Foolish Bravado
Chapter V: The Awakening of the Ungodly Soul in Hell
Chapter VI: Truth of Hell
Chapter VII: Pains of Hell
Chapter VIII: A Salutary Fear of Hell
Chapter IX: The Thought of Hell
After seeing all of this, you might be tempted to think that the Catholic Church likes to 'fear-monger' believers into obedience, but on the contrary. I was surprised at how small the book was in comparison to his other book “Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and the Legends of the Saints” - in that he has more accounts and reflections on Purgatory than Hell. In fact, I found Fr. Schouppe's book on Purgatory much more chilling than Hell! (I also recommend it for your reading list.) The fact there seems to be fewer recorded accounts of apparitions from Hell is evidence that Heaven itself prefers not to reveal too much on that place of woe as God does not want us terrified into submission. It would be much better if we turned to Him with full confidence, love, and trust in His Mercy, but if the salutary fear of Hell will help keep us miserable sinners from ending up there for all Eternity, then God will send a few warnings, and according to this book by Fr. Schouppe, He has. Also, Heaven does not send as many apparitions from Hell because it is almost futile to do so … that the near lack of damned apparitions is almost frightening in its own right and actually is more successful in gaining our attention – the more apparitions, the less mankind pays attention. Also, the mortal sinner is aware deep in their own heart they have left the path and it is up to them to change. This 'fearful silence' on Hell is explained in the parable of Dives and Lazarus according to Appendix III of the book.
The only thing I found disappointing on this edition of Fr. Schouppe's book on Hell is that Tan Publishers didn't include an account of St. John Bosco's famous dream of Hell. St. John Bosco had over 150 prophetic dreams about the foundation of his order and the spiritual state of the children he taught, and Hell was among the his dreams. Perhaps Tan Publishers decided not to include it as the dream was more allegorical in nature about the punishments and the means on which how to avoid Hell, but it is still terrifying all the same. If children could be so easily led down the path to Hell, what can we poor adults expect? It is a harrowing warning! You can read St. John Bosco's dream about Hell in the book “The Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco: From Saint Job Bosco's Biographical Memoirs”, also published by Tan. That book is also a must read.
Despite its slender size, Fr. Schouppe's book “The Dogma of Hell” deserves the full five stars.
E.A. Bucchianeri, author of Vocation of a Gadfly
October 18, 2023
Fantastic examination of the most terrible and most horrendous reality of the dark abyss written by French theologian Father F. X. Schouppe, S.J. and published in 1883. By not only biblical verses and Catholic doctrine, the Jesuit priest utilizes accounts and stories from the saints and the blessed such as St. Francis Xavier, St. Antonious, Blessed Richard of St. Ann, St. Teresa of Avila, and more. This work isn’t meant to frighten (although, the retelling of each personal account is direct), but to teach; to remind readers of the harsh reality — this one book just being another mindful example out of constant reminders by God throughout history, in His brimming mercy, from sending Moses and the prophets to sending His only Son; to His Church and her sacraments and bringing forth Sacred Scripture; and to the very rare (yet large) apparitions and manifestations throughout the years. Excellent book that remains an important work. But to claim it as “an important work” is frankly too strong of an understatement.
November 4, 2019
All I can say is wow! How can I describe this book? Every person on earth needs to read this book. We have been given so many chances to live our lives as God wants us to. There have been many instances of people who have been given visions of Hell. There should be no excuse for us to not live our lives in a way which is pleasing to our Lord. It saddens me of how in my past I have taken my faith and God’s love for me for granted. I’m also saddened because of the reformation so many of our separated Christian brothers are overly assured of their salvation.
My Lord, My God, have mercy on us poor sinners and remove the scales from our eyes to see our sin.
My Lord, My God, have mercy on us poor sinners and remove the scales from our eyes to see our sin.
October 27, 2023
I wish this had been a bigger book. The subject matter was rather deep and serious. Set your eyes solely on Heaven! Don't give in into the temptations of the devil and his minions. Be steadfast, firm and resolute in your faith! Guard yourself against the evils of the world. Ask Our Blessed Mother to cover you in Her Mantle!
March 8, 2022
I will never look at mortal sin the same way. Stay close to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and avoid sin. Hell is real, so set your sights on Heaven. If you doubt there is an afterlife, read this book.
September 10, 2019
Interesting collection of stories of those who returned after death to warn others that hell was real and it wasn't hard to get in to. I think it would make a nice stocking stuffer for just about everyone.
January 28, 2015
Really makes you think. Excellent. Short and concise.
April 21, 2020
Father Schouppe does an amazing job of laying out an articulate and orthodox view of hell. This is not so much a polemical or theological book, but rather one that encourages readers to engage with the fact that Hell exists and is a place of eternal fire. Father Schouppe presents to the reader visions of Hell which come from trustworthy sources such as saints and other Catholic figures. I would highly recommend this book for its intelligent yet easily accessible style. This book has inspired me tremendously.
October 22, 2024
The book "The Dogma of Hell" is a collection of stories about people who claim to have returned from the dead to warn others about the reality of Hell. The author, a French priest from the 1880s, doesn't focus on Catholic dogma but instead presents supernatural experiences as evidence of Hell's existence.
The book offers a more realistic portrayal of Hell and damnation, which awakened the author's consciousness to the potential fate of the soul. The author appreciates the book's honesty and believes it would make a great gift for almost everyone.
The book offers a more realistic portrayal of Hell and damnation, which awakened the author's consciousness to the potential fate of the soul. The author appreciates the book's honesty and believes it would make a great gift for almost everyone.
March 23, 2020
Fr. Schwoppe, the author has given us a vivid vision of the reality, purpose and horrors of Hell. He has used biblical passages like Luke 16:19-31, historic disasters, visions, prophecies, paranormal events, and theological documents to achieve this. The result is raw and hard-hitting. One will be hard pressed to find another book that lays out the reality and concept of Hell like this book. It is not for the squeamish. Fr. Schwoppe also includes numerous accounts of Hell, including those of Sr. Josefa Menendez and The Children of Fatima.
October 7, 2024
Quite terrifying...scared the hell outta me, literally. This book gave me a lot of anxiety, but I think it's also important to note God's mercy and the author doesn't do that at all. (Except for mentioning confession, but he didn't mention it as the beautiful grace it is. He made it seem very daunting and difficult.) I did very much enjoy the stories of the saints and I think the book definitely got the point across. Hell is real...and Hell is waiting.
May 8, 2020
This book is a must-read. I keep a copy in my personal library. The version I recommend, at
488 pages, is here:
https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Illustrat...
Highly recommended.
488 pages, is here:
https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Illustrat...
Highly recommended.
May 28, 2019
An enlightening and frightening book to read.
This book should be read by atheists, believers, and nonbelievers. It gives one an insight into what may be next and understanding divine justice.
This book should be read by atheists, believers, and nonbelievers. It gives one an insight into what may be next and understanding divine justice.
March 31, 2020
Harrowing account of what is to befall souls who abandon God. Gives many stories and instances of apparitions of hell as well as scriptural and catechismal insights. Should be required reading for Catholics.
December 31, 2023
Historical accounts of Hell.
This book contained a more realistic picture of Hell and dam nation. Its awakened my consciousness to what and does happen to the soul. I liked its candor.
This book contained a more realistic picture of Hell and dam nation. Its awakened my consciousness to what and does happen to the soul. I liked its candor.
March 14, 2024
At times a bit fantastical but a sobering reminder of the heinousness of our sins and the eternal consequences of them.
“In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.” —Sirach 7:36
“In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.” —Sirach 7:36
December 2, 2024
+1 star because some parts were amusing and eternal torment being described in vivid detail is a pretty effective fear tactic
“a woman went to hell because she dressed immodestly” is insane. Disturbing
“a woman went to hell because she dressed immodestly” is insane. Disturbing
June 4, 2019
Powerful. Disturbing. Necessary.
April 16, 2022
Short and disturbing accounts of Hell, the "always and never."
Probably not a good read for scrupulous persons, though undoubtedly edifying to others.
Probably not a good read for scrupulous persons, though undoubtedly edifying to others.
May 16, 2023
Thought provoking
One may discount greatly the veracity of these stories, but if you have a soul, you will be touched by them.
One may discount greatly the veracity of these stories, but if you have a soul, you will be touched by them.
April 8, 2025
I found the first half of the book like a story told to scare children. The 2nd half cited more examples and rationale. I wouldn’t recommend this dated book as one that describes hell but it does try and scare the hell out of you
January 10, 2023
Written by a French priest in the 1880’s. Not so much an explanation of the Catholic dogma of Hell, but more accounts of supernatural experiences as proofs of Hell.
June 15, 2025
Idk, I read this book about Hell cause I thought it could be interesting, but found it a bit repetitive more focused on fear of the afterlife then ‘hell’ itself.
It mostly shares old stories, apparitions, and visions about souls in hell and dying people describing ‘hell’. (Just very superficially) It’s strictly Catholic fear-mongering.
Women are portrayed especially harshly, the idea of a “good woman” is patriarchal, and most are deemed indecent and damned, which highlights a lot of sexism in organized religion. What’s new?
The condemned include sinners, atheists, those who delayed baptism or confession, gave insincere confessions, or appeared pious while hiding sins. (Blah blah)
Overall, I didn’t learn anything new about hell, just the usual lakes of fire, thirst, torture, screaming, ugly demons, and the whole shabang. It remains largely open to individual interpretation.
It mostly shares old stories, apparitions, and visions about souls in hell and dying people describing ‘hell’. (Just very superficially) It’s strictly Catholic fear-mongering.
Women are portrayed especially harshly, the idea of a “good woman” is patriarchal, and most are deemed indecent and damned, which highlights a lot of sexism in organized religion. What’s new?
The condemned include sinners, atheists, those who delayed baptism or confession, gave insincere confessions, or appeared pious while hiding sins. (Blah blah)
Overall, I didn’t learn anything new about hell, just the usual lakes of fire, thirst, torture, screaming, ugly demons, and the whole shabang. It remains largely open to individual interpretation.
December 29, 2016
A compelling read I almost couldn't put down.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews