For many, the idea of heaven and hell has been ingrained since childhood—do good, and you’ll be rewarded with eternal bliss; do wrong, and you’ll face everlasting punishment. But what if hell was never real to begin with? According to retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong, the concept of hell is nothing more than a human invention designed to control people through fear.
A Man of Faith, A Voice of Dissent
Bishop Spong, who served as a priest and later as a bishop for over four decades, has never shied away from challenging traditional Christian beliefs. Now retired, he continues to share his controversial perspectives through books, lectures, and interviews. One of his most talked-about claims? That hell was fabricated by religious institutions as a means of social control.
“Religion is always in the control business,” Spong once said in an interview. “If you create a fiery place where people are punished for eternity, you keep them obedient, fearful, and dependent on the church.”
A Historical Perspective: Where Did Hell Come From?
Spong’s argument isn’t without historical backing. Many scholars have pointed out that the concept of hell as a place of torment evolved over time rather than being a consistent belief from the beginning of Christianity.
- Ancient Judaism: The early Jewish texts did not describe hell as a place of fire and suffering. Instead, they referenced Sheol, a shadowy, neutral underworld where all souls went after death.
- Greek Influence: The imagery of fire and punishment likely came from Hellenistic traditions, particularly Hades, which was depicted as both a place of darkness and torment.
- Christian Doctrine Development: Over centuries, the church expanded on these ideas, incorporating elements of divine justice and eternal damnation—especially useful for reinforcing moral and social order.
The concept of hell became more elaborate over time, particularly during the Middle Ages, when it was used in sermons to frighten congregations into submission. Dante’s Inferno (part of The Divine Comedy) further popularized the terrifying vision of hell, deeply embedding it into Western religious consciousness.
Why Would the Church Create Hell?
According to Spong, hell was crafted as a psychological tool to maintain religious authority. He believes that making people fearful of eternal suffering allowed religious institutions to dictate behavior, demand obedience, and discourage dissent.
“The church doesn’t want people to grow up,” Spong stated. “It prefers to keep them in a childlike state, where they feel dependent on religious leaders for guidance and salvation.”
This claim aligns with how many religious traditions emphasize “being born again”—a concept that, according to Spong, reinforces the idea that believers must be “re-taught” by the church, ensuring their loyalty and compliance.
Not Just Hell—Spong Questions Other Core Christian Beliefs
Bishop Spong’s ideas don’t stop at hell. Over the years, he has challenged several core Christian doctrines, including:
- The Bible’s Literal Accuracy: He argues that the Bible was written decades after Jesus’ death by people who never met him and in a language he never spoke.
- Religious Exclusivity: He rejects the idea that Christianity is the only true path to God, believing that all religions are human interpretations of the divine.
- The Church’s Role in Social Oppression: Spong has long advocated for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and racial equality within religious institutions.
The Backlash and His Legacy
Unsurprisingly, Spong’s views have made him a controversial figure. Many religious leaders and conservative Christians condemn his teachings as heretical, accusing him of undermining the faith. However, his supporters see him as a progressive thinker who challenges outdated dogmas and pushes for a more inclusive and rational approach to spirituality.
Whether people agree or disagree with him, one thing is certain—Bishop Spong has forced a conversation about the true origins of religious beliefs and whether they serve a higher purpose or simply reinforce institutional power.
Final Thoughts: Fear or Faith?
If hell is a human invention, what does that mean for religious belief as a whole? Does morality require fear-based consequences, or can people be good without the looming threat of eternal punishment?
Spong’s ideas encourage people to move beyond fear-driven faith and embrace personal responsibility, compassion, and growth—not because of the promise of heaven or the threat of hell, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
Whether or not hell exists, the question remains: is faith more powerful when it’s built on fear, or when it’s built on love?