Now please, I don't wish this to have a wholly religious undertone and I want to make that clear from the outset. Read on and you will understand what I mean for the purpose of this discussion.

I want to ask you, forum readers what you believe Heaven or Hell consist of. These two metaphysical realms of intrigue perplex and instigate debate throughout time and place, and I'd love (within reason and with absolute civility and complete tolerance to your fellow man/woman's religious or non-religious beliefs) to hear what your grasp or idea of what each plane consists of. Do you believe that the depths of Hades has cavernous infernos, lava pits and tortured souls for eternity? Do you believe Heaven to be high in the sky, surrounded by the stars and occupied by those who lived fulsome honest lives adhering to the most moral of values? Perhaps you believe that the existence we serve is actually either the former or the latter? Or maybe you don't believe either exist?

A good friend of mine, upon discussing it one evening came up with a beautifully simplistic grasp on what he believed was heaven or hell. His heaven, was his life as it was then but surrounded by his loved ones, without stress nor illness, nor disease nor famine. To have everything he'd ever wanted - not necessarily material possessions but everything else in between. His vision of hell interestingly, wasn't much different. The same setting, the same universe almost: but without anyone to share it with. When my nephew was five or so, I asked him a similar question. He'd been learning about the idea of heaven and hell at school (ours was a semi-religious upbringing) and his just made me laugh. His idea of heaven was a massive strawberry sponge cake. His idea of hell was the same cake, but not having a mouth. Kids!

I'm not sure where I stand on either side anymore. I'm not a very religious person with regards to any faith, although I certainly respect those that wish to practice a faith and would never claim any kind of enlightened moral high ground. I do believe that all religions as long as they practice peace have a role to play in the continuing social development of the world. But I just don't think I know what either concept looks like in my own mind yet.

Thoughts? And a message to the mods - please feel free to close the thread if it becomes a flaming war, as I wish this discussion to be conducted with the utmost maturity and respect for one another. The subject material is sensitive and I wouldn't want anyone to take offence nor feel offended.