I'm no Bible scholar, but I was raised Baptist, and I mean the strict kind, and although I'm ore an athiest than anything, my father's ancestors were Jewish and I almost converted and still consider myself, on some level culturally Jewish.

I've also read many religious texts including the Bible, Torah, Quran, etc. And am well versed, through education etc. in research.

All that said, I agree with Mr. Pam. I think, that hell is more of a man-made interpretation. It's a handy little way to keep folks in line. A promise of Heaven for doing good is nice, but it's not nearly as effective as scaring the living hell (pardon the pun) out of someone. It's just easier to motivate people though fear than it is a distant reward.