Hell is an afterlife destination in religion and mythology where bad souls are subjected to severe torment, including torture, as permanent punishment after death. The place of such punishment is called Hell. Punishment in hell can take many forms, including fire, ice, darkness, and other discomforts or tortures. The severity of the punishment depends on how evil the person was during their life on Earth. Religious texts include descriptions of Hell that are used by priests and pastors to encourage good behavior and to provide guidance for living a holy life. People have been trying to explain the nature of hell for thousands of years. Some believe it is a physical place while others think it is a state of being. Still others claim that hell is not even part of God's mind but rather a consequence of human actions. No one really knows what hell is or doesn't be because they've never talked with anyone who has gone there yet. The idea of hell has been present in almost all major religions at some point in time. It is one of the most controversial topics in theology but also one of the most discussed in religious circles. In Christianity, Hell is the final destination for the souls of those who did not accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.