Hell / How to Avoid Hell
About this book
The eminent French theologian, Fr. F. X. Schouppe, SJ., author of Purgatory—Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints, has written here a similar-type book, though much smaller, on the subject of Hell. Whereas he does review the basic Catholic doctrine on Hell, in this book he mainly recounts numerous true stories that reinforce belief in Hell and the eternity of its horrors. These stories are frightening—how could they be otherwise—and they are obviously intended to be by the writer. For his purpose is to awaken in his readers a profound realization of the reality of Hell and to create in them a firm purpose of mind and heart not to go there. To the many who are not motivated to be good by the love of God, the fear of Hell is a legitimate and usually efficacious and salutary motive—especially so when one considers Hell as exemplified in these true stories.Because this edition of Hell is expanded, with a new preface, three new appendices, and a Part II, called How to Avoid Hell, by Thomas A. Nelson, the impact of the book is much stronger than that of the original, which was written over 100 years ago, and which, nonetheless, is here printed complete and unabridged.The ultimate purpose of this book is, not to scare people, but to help them avoid damnation by reminding them of the reality and eternity of Hell and its incomprehensible sufferings and to demonstrate most forcefully that it is the certain fate of unrepentant mortal sinners to go there. Hell and How to Avoid Hell in combination in this one volume form a profoundly moving, fast-paced, thorough and overpowering presentation of Hell and how to avoid it that is destined to quicken many in their faith, to bring others back to God, and to help people find salvation.