Alanabit--Love your "Grand Spanker in the sky" anology. Little Hawk--Because 86 % of the time I'm a non believer, I don't subscribe to Hell or Heaven. The discussion with my cousin must have been on one of my 14% days. I don't see him that often & truth to tell, don't express my ever narrowing disbeliefs in the God he serves so well. Even educated people sometimes stun me with their prejudiced view of agnostics and atheists. In a discussion once I expressed an atheistic view. The person said, "I feel sorry for you--you have no conscience then." He was so wrapped up in his 7 day a week bible studies he'd become a damn moron.

I'm sure Jesus existed and did good things. No doubt there are living Saints today. Of that I have no doubt, but I prefer to think these are simply good unselfish people who give freely of themselves and are motivated from within. The Golden Rule, if lived by each and every person, would sanctify this world.
The old saw about religious conflict causing more wars is & always will be true.

I remember once going to a Church (R.C.) in Ireland and passing by a lifesize sculpture of 6 or 7 people fighting the flames of hell. The agony on their faces is etched in my mind. I was about 8 or 9, seeing this thing ticked me off royally. I had enough sense to know this was propaganda to the enth degree. Anyone seeing that piece of work every Sunday was sure as hell(I joke) going to tow the mark. No sinners in that parish.

L.H.- I think Hell is living a life without ever knowing love. As for your description I thought of the minister in the Mathew Shepard story. His life of hatred qualify (to me) as hell- but he's enjoying his mission. That might be a good question to ask
also-people's views of hell. IMO, Religion has always been used as a tool to keep the populace in line. Ireland is grand example.