Why does a loving God allow the reality of Hell?
The Catholic Church teaches that Hell is the state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed. God does not predestine anyone to Hell; rather, God respects human freedom so profoundly that He does not force His love or presence on anyone who obstinately refuses Him. Hell is the tragedy of a creature exercising their free will to permanently reject God's mercy and forgiveness through unrepented mortal sin until the moment of death. The chief punishment of Hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can have life and joy.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1033-1037
- Matthew 25:41
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.