Eternal punishment

Eternal damnation
Hell
Going to hell

Nature

Punishment in the afterlife in some form of hell is a belief in many religions. It is frequently been used as a threat by which to encourage or coerce individuals into some approved pattern of behaviour.

Incidence

Many individuals have been intimidated by descriptions of hell articulated by priesthoods. Offers to "save people from hell" are frequently used as part of the proselytizing process. "Go to hell" is a common curse, though not always intended literally.

A fundamental Protestant church has prepared a map of the USA showing the proportion of people in any State or region who accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. It updates the map and uses it, amongst other purposes, for guiding its mission in saving souls from hell.

Claim

Hell is others (Sartre).

Counter-claim

Dwindling belief in redemption and damnation has led to loss of fear of the eternal consequences of goodness and badness. The loss of that fear has meant that a critical motive has been lost to young people when they decide whether to try to be good citizens or criminals.