Anyway, the day’s message had a heavy leaning on what I call the ‘hell scare tactic’. This is when well meaning Christians use hell as a means of coercing souls into the Kingdom. It is a way of scaring people with the reality of hell into the kingdom of God.

Now, before you switch me off, please listen. I fully understand this particular way of evangelism stems from good intentions. However, let me present to you the reason why I think it is not the primary way of Christ or Gospel presentation. And why I believe it won’t work in our present apostate culture and society.

The modern or post-modern world (and by the world I mean its people, culture and philosophy) no longer fears ‘the hell speech’. As a matter of fact, our modern world seems to be embracing hell as a ‘cool’ place. The modern or post-modern world doesn’t fear the devil or his antiques. On close observation, it would appear that the world is accepting the devil and hell.

Take for example, the slang terminology ‘wicked cool’ and many other words that depict an acceptance of evil as part of our lives. If you listen to our music nowadays, and watch our movies, you will realize that we sing about going to hell. We talk about going to hell in our movies and all through our shows. The devil, hell, witches, warlocks and demons have become a ‘cool’ thing, and part of our culture. This phenomena has spread to the point that the human race is no longer afraid’ or concerned about hell or even going there. They have an attitude of ‘to hell with hell’.

The enemy has so succeeded in searing the consciences of humans,and there are two perspectives to this. Either he has deceived the modern world that hell is a mythical place not to be afraid of, or the flip side of it. That suggests hell is a place for the tough and strong at heart, who take the bull by the horns and party for all eternity or whatever deception conjured in the minds of many concerning hell.

Be it as it may, the reality is that the human race has included hell as part of its destiny. In fact, the book of Revelation seems to paint a picture of a time in history when there will be a sealing of the sons of the devil. (I am not saying we have got there yet; however the beginnings of such scenarios are here). One thing is for sure. Hell seems to be a destination that many have been duped into believing it’s their sure destiny.

In the light of our present ‘hell accommodating situation’, we as the body of Christ must take up a different yet old approach to evangelism and the saving of souls. It is the ‘way of love’. In the second part of this piece, we will examine that path in greater detail.

About The Author: Sam Kithika is a gifted writer currently working in the banking industry. He has served as a Features Editor and Assistant Editor at a number of publications, and has significant journalistic experience.

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