Originally posted by FMF
[1] What actual deterrent effect [and behaviour modification effect] do you think the threat of being tortured for eternity in burning agony has on people who don't think any such thing happens and do not subscribe to the belief system that includes this supposed punishment or fate?
[2] If the threat of being tortured for eternity in burning agony has no det ...[text shortened]... non-believers for eternity in burning agony rather than simply allowing their existence to end?
[1] None. Not many are even paying attention. And by the same token neither does the promise of eternal life have much effect on behavior either. People just keep running away from God.
[2] Their existence does end in eternal separation from the life of God, which is the only life there is. Only God has eternal life to give.
Your terminology, "tortured for eternity in burning agony", is disingenuous and misleading, as well as inflammatory. Even if such a fate as being cast into a lake of fire is true, just how long would it take for a body to be incinerated? And, knowing that pain isn't experienced without a body, why be concerned?
The actual suffering would be, if the soul exists and doesn't die, much worse that physical pain. imo.
If the scriptures are true, and Jesus is who He said He is, then what Jesus said about those in outer darkness gnashing their proverbial teeth is something to be avoided at all costs.
One should be deterred from ignoring God by the threat of what comes after death. No one will be able to say they didn't know or weren't warned because the truth was told even by Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God.