Granted all the problems with 'hell' and the original words translated into the English word 'hell' in the Bible, and its various beliefs built upon those words (like
ECT), we still have the universal law of karma, which holds that all actions naturally have consequences, and this law holds in all worlds wherever consciousness and actions exist. I know this discussion is within a so called 'biblical' context,...but there is always more than what a limited canon of religious writings can reveal or include. In this case, 'universalism', 'conditional immortality' or a more sadistic form of 'eternal punishment' can be supported by various 'proof-texts' among its believers, since the English word-forms can be variously translated, approved or rejected on grounds provided for by the translator, so it falls back to a subjective belief or preference of one's own 'epistemology' and 'eschatology'. Even still an diligent student of truth will always be researching and re-evaluating his knowledge or position on any subject or particular, and be willing and open to change, modify or expand on that,
as one learns more.
Besides an application of 'textual criticism', the concept of
ECT (eternal conscious torment) can be challenged on principle alone, both morally and philosophically....which we've covered elsewhere. 'Conditional immortality' or 'Universalism' or some variation thereby, trumps over ECT in many ways, since thru it all, the justice and mercy of 'God' ever holds by a Deity who is Love, and governs all by his eternal wisdom, upholding forever his eternal WILL. - in this light, Infinite Love and its eternal will, is
all-supreme, whether any souls can refuse the divine will and suffer an eternal extinction (final death) or have their will ultimately surrender to the divine will, by way of irresistible surrender. (note that in both cases the soul merges back into 'God' and the primordial elements or OverSoul of creation...whether that entity is still a functioning soul-unit, or if its been disintegrated).
So,...anyway you consider the potentials and possibilities, the divine love and will....
ultimately triumphs in the cosmos, even if 'parts' of the totality are disintegrated or forfeit their life-potential. There is much more here to consider in the
eschatology of souls and of a whole cosmos, where 'God' who is infinite LOVE is by virtue of its own nature and will...the ultimate ruling power and presence in the
cosmos. When you consider the infinity of love, its eternal power and will....it alone is all-supreme, absolute, ultimate, all-transcending. What is absolute will always be absolute in its nature and constitution, while all that is relative or changing exists only by virture of that Absolute reality which upholds/maintains all existence.
opcorn: