IIIIITHE1IIIII on 31 January 2013
To make a point.
Hell symbolizes the ultimate punishment for the ultimate sin. If the length of your "hell visit" could be measured, then so could the importance of following God.
I can't think of a more effective way of encouraging people to follow a religion than telling them that eternal pain and suffering is the alternative. Well, except adding that an eternal reward will be given to you if you follow it.
