Connection Timed Out: Is Hell Real and Who Is There?
Dear Parents and Families,
The topic of hell and who is there can be scary for middle school youth. Therefore, this Edge Night carefully and sensitively addressed this topic and provided facts that reminded the youth of their role in determining their eternal life. A fun, active game played in relative darkness broke the ice and prepared for the teaching. Following the teaching, a Core member provided your son or daughter a Response Card to fill out anonymously, and the answers from the youth cards guided the small group discussion. This Edge Night’s prayer experience was an Examination of Conscience based on Matthew 25 and the seven vices with their opposing virtues. Tying our judgment to works of mercy, your child’s Weekly Challenge is to perform an act of kindness.
Main Ideas:
- Hell is eternal life without God in a state of perpetual suffering separated forever from goodness, beauty, joy, and love.
- God does not “send” anyone to hell, just as God does not force anyone to love Him. Our eternal life is a result of how we use our free will during our earthly life.
- A sinful, selfish life will develop a soul unable to recognize love at the final judgment. Caring for our neighbors reminds us of our dependence on others and God and keeps us on the path to heaven.
Catechism Reference
“God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want ‘any to perish, but all to come to repentance’.” (CCC 1037)
Scripture Reference
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me’. ” (Matthew 25:40)
Family Reflection Questions
- What is a mortal sin? (If we are unsure, where can we look to find the answers according to what our faith teaches?)
- How can our family better care for our neighbors?
- Do you have anything you still want to talk about regarding the topic of this Edge Night?