The threat of Hell was so important to christianity that there are many depictions of the horrible punishments and tortures that supposedly happen in hell. Obviously, the christian that painted this triptych didn't think that Hell is just a separation from God. To him Hell was a bizarre and terrible place that was to be avoided at all costs and that God actively consigns souls to horrible punishments like what is depicted here, forever.
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I can't help but be reminded of the Zoroastrian text The Book of Arda Viraf. Zoroastrians believed that you are punished in hell for specific sins in life and that those punishments fit the sin. While many christians still hold to that kind of vision of Hell, I doubt that it can be backed up by scripture.
I just don't understand why they consider it "just" to be punished infinitely for finite crimes.
If hell existed I would be forced to agree that backgammon would be played there. Hellishly boring game!
Chris,
I didn't notice that, but they sure are playing backgammon. LOL!
I was under the impression that this scene was what the gamblers endure in Hell. I've never thought of backgammon as a gambling game. Hmmmm.
I guess Backgammon is a gambling game in some cases.
Shows that I'm not a gambler.
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