The Doxastic Problem

Abstract

Unlike the problem of justice and the problem of love, which aim to reveal some inner tension or implicit contradiction between the doctrine of hell and other parts of orthodox theism, there is a different kind of problem that stems from individual and collective belief in the doctrine: this the author terms the doxastic problem of hell. The general problem here is that thoroughgoing belief in hell seems prima facie incompatible with other beliefs, actions, and attitudes that are fundamental to the Christian faith. This chapter develops the problem in numerous forms, addressing various difficulties that arise concerning moral and religious motivation, love for God and neighbor, freedom, coercion, and despair. What these problems seem to demonstrate, individually and collectively, is that belief in hell is unedifying and perhaps even epistemically self-defeating. An adequate solution to the problem of hell, therefore, must somehow address these issues.