There Is No Hell
Embracing a Theology of Unconditional Love
At the Center for Divine Love, our teachings are rooted in the profound belief that God is the absolute, unconditional love that connects all of creation. This perspective fundamentally shapes our understanding of life, death, and divinity, leading us to a conclusion that stands apart from many traditional doctrines: there is no hell. We believe that the concept of eternal damnation is incompatible with the nature of a truly loving God.
A God of Unconditional Love
The cornerstone of our belief system is the unwavering principle that God is love. Not just loving, but the very essence of love itself—unconditional, infinite, and all-encompassing. An eternity of punishment, torment, and separation stands in direct opposition to this core truth. A divine parent would not condemn their child to suffer endlessly for mistakes made during a finite lifetime. Instead, a God of pure love offers endless compassion, forgiveness, and opportunities for correction and return to harmony.
Recognizing the Divine Spark in All
We believe that every person is an individualized expression of God, created in the divine image and likeness. Within each soul, there is an inextinguishable spark of the divine. Because of this inherent divinity, we cannot be eternally separated from our source. The idea of hell suggests that a part of God could be cast away and damned forever, a concept that contradicts the indivisible and whole nature of the divine spirit. Our journey is not about avoiding damnation, but about awakening to the divine truth already within us.
Life as a Journey of Spiritual Growth
From our perspective, life on Earth is a classroom for the soul, a journey designed for learning and growing spiritually. Our experiences, both joyful and challenging, are lessons that help us evolve and more fully express our divine nature. Mistakes are not sins deserving of eternal punishment, but rather missteps or misunderstandings that provide valuable feedback for our growth. A loving universe doesn't punish us for failing a lesson; it provides endless opportunities to learn it.
Redefining Judgment as Natural Law
The teachings of Divine Science offer a new way to understand concepts like sin and judgment. "Sin" is not a moral stain but rather "missing the mark"—acting out of alignment with our true, divine selves. Consequently, "judgment" is not a sentence handed down by an angry deity. It is the impersonal, unerring law of cause and effect. What we send out into the universe returns to us, not as reward or punishment, but as a natural and direct consequence, guiding us back toward love and wisdom.
The Endless Potential for Redemption
A theology that includes a place of eternal damnation closes the door on growth and change. We believe in the infinite potential of every soul to learn, evolve, and choose love. An eternity in hell would negate the power of forgiveness, the possibility of redemption, and the soul’s capacity to return to God. Our faith is one of empowerment, holding that at any moment, we can choose a new path and align ourselves with the divine love that is always available to us.
A Metaphorical Understanding of "Hell"
Many of the biblical terms that have been translated to "hell" over the centuries—such as Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna—had different meanings in their original cultural and linguistic contexts. Often, they referred to the grave, a state of spiritual ignorance, or a metaphor for the profound suffering caused by living a life separated from God's love here on Earth. We interpret these not as literal, fiery destinations, but as powerful symbols of the inner turmoil that comes from living in fear, anger, and separation.
Join a Community of Love and Empowerment
Ultimately, the Center for Divine Love chooses a theology of empowerment over a theology of fear. We invite you to explore a spiritual path centered on love, compassion, and the incredible potential that resides within you. If you are seeking a faith church in St. Louis that is inclusive and welcoming, we encourage you to join our community and discover a God of absolute love.