A Christian apologist cautions believers about preachers who provide depictions or photographs of hell. According to him, the Bible does not mention any visual representation of hell.
Photographs of Hell
Cliffe Knechtle, in one of his interviews, emphasized the importance for Christians to be discerning about the sources they listen to. This caution extends to preachers who promote specific visual depictions or descriptions of hell.
He said, “The Bible does not give us a photograph of hell.”
The interviewer sought confirmation regarding the minister’s statement. He asked, “It’s not a burning place?”
Cliffe answered, “Well, Jesus talks about it as fire. But it also talks about outer darkness. So, how do you have fire and outer darkness at the same time? I think He’s speaking metaphorically.”
He explained, “Jesus uses metaphor all the time. It’s symbolic language to make a point to speak truth.”
Cliffe proceeded to provide examples where Jesus utilized metaphors in His teachings.
“I’m the light of the world. No, Jesus is not claiming to be a 100-watt lightbulb. I am the door. No, he’s not claiming to be two pieces of plywood slapped together.”
“He continuously uses metaphor to point to truth. But it’s truth that is not quite as physical as I would like it to be. And I think that’s part of what hell will be,” he said.
Furthermore, Cliffe proceeded to define what hell signifies.
He said, “Hell is separation from God. I’ve chosen to live my life separate from Him. And He says, ‘Fine Cliffe, you chose to live your life separate from Me. You’ll spend eternity separate from Me.”
Cliffe added, “Hell is not a spot. It’s a separation from God. See, the Bible sufficiently vague about it that I really don’t know. We got to be honest, it doesn’t specifically picture it graphically.”
The apologist then encouraged believers to read the Bible and discover for themselves that it does not provide a physical description of hell.
