Perfect Being Theology and Eternal Conscious Torment: Are They Compatible?

Are God and hell, as traditionally conceived, compatible or mutually exclusive ideas? Can a just and loving God consign people to unending punishment? This paper examines and defends the claim that Anselmian Perfect Being Theology (PBT)—which defines God as the greatest possible being—and the doctrine of Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT)—understood as a retributive and everlasting punishment inflicted upon unrepentant sinners—are not only compatible but necessarily interconnected. Thus, while ECT appears to conflict with the notion of a loving and just God, in this paper I argue that such punishment is a necessary consequence of divine perfection, reconciling God’s justice with His love.

With this end in mind, I begin by introducing the research topic, highlighting its relevance, detailing my methodology, and defining key terms. Then, I present the relevant theological and philosophical data, examining biblical and philosophical foundations concerning God’s nature and the nature of hell, as well as the theoretical framework within which I will develop my argument for ECT. Next, I briefly outline the four main views on hell and examine their theological and philosophical strengths and weaknesses, ultimately demonstrating how the ECT model aligns consistently with both Scripture and PBT, while the alternative views fall short of doing so. Afterward, I engage with the most prominent objections to ECT—whether theological, logical, or moral—demonstrating their shortcomings in undermining the ECT view. Finally, I demonstrate the robustness of my position: I explain my own view, defend my main argument regarding PBT and ECT compatibility, address my concerns regarding the doxastic acceptance of alternative views on hell, and articulate my eschatological hope, both theologically and philosophically.