Who Do Mormons Think is Going to Hell?
Latter-day Saint Beliefs about Outer Darkness and Spirit Prison
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called “Mormons,” have very distinctive beliefs concerning the afterlife.
The word "hell" as used in the scriptures can mean one of two things: spirit prison or outer darkness.
Spirit Prison
In one sense, "hell" refers to spirit prison. Spirit prison is a temporary place for people who:
- Died without a knowledge of the gospel
- Knew about the gospel but were not obedient
In spirit prison, people will have a chance to repent and be cleansed of their sins through Christ's Atonement. They will then be resurrected to a kingdom of heaven. Those who reject Christ's Atonement and choose not to repent will have to suffer for their own sins before being resurrected to the lowest kingdom of heaven.
Outer Darkness
In another sense, "hell" refers to outer darkness. This is the permanent home of Satan and those who have committed the unpardonable sin (see below). Rather than actual physical torment, The Book of Mormon explains that “their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone” [2 Nephi 9:17, emphasis added].
That is, the flame of their conscience consumes them. Punishment in outer darkness is believed to be the personal anguish caused by permanent separation from God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Latter-day prophet Joseph Smith explained that “a man is his own tormentor and his own condemner” in outer darkness.
The Unpardonable Sin
Matthew 12:32 says that “whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” These are the only people who will go to outer darkness. The unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost can only be committed by those who have become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the Holy Ghost, gained a perfect knowledge of the gospel, and then rejected it.
As Joseph Smith explained, “He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it.” Relatively few people commit the unpardonable sin.
Why Do People Go to Hell?
Latter-day Saints believe a loving father would never want to send His children to outer darkness. When individuals choose to reject God and his Spirit, it pains Him but He respects their agency.
In the words of the LDS hymn Know This, That Every Soul Is Free, “God will force no man to heav’n.” People who have rejected heavenly laws would feel extremely uncomfortable in the presence of God, even though living without Him would likewise be painful.
Mormon Beliefs about Heaven
Based on teachings in the Bible and in modern day revelation, Mormons believe that heaven is broadly divided into three kingdoms. These are called the three degrees of glory. The vast majority of people will go to one of these three places, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Contrary to popular belief, Mormons do not believe that all non-Mormons are going to hell. In fact, the only people who will end up in outer darkness are a small number of LDS church members who have committed the unpardonable sin. God is the father of everyone on earth, and wants all of His children to have happiness in one of the three degrees of glory.
Mormon Beliefs About Hell are Different
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