Two Contradictory Places

PART I-HELL The most dreadful place which terrified me was Hell; who made up this horrible word? Not the Renaissance poet Dante, of course; most probably the Catholic Church. My human flesh never burned, it felt the eternal torment of flames and the despicable faces of demons made me scream while they laughed. I cursed them as they fed more coal to a fire that was hotter than Saturn's rings. I writhed as a wounded snake, trying to bite them with my poisoned tongue, " Ah! The sly sinner wants to get away from us!" One demon shouted with a mocking voice. " He was sent to us, now he must be tormented! " And saying so he poked me with his fork... I didn't bleed, there wasn't a drop of blood left! PART II-HEAVEN The sublimest, The sublimest place I had ever imagined couldn't have been none other than Heaven... there I felt at peace without the guilt of sin; the strong smell of roses and jasmines was pure delight, and wearing a long, white gown I approached His throne. I was ready to face and withstand His luminous face; no, I felt no heartbeat or pulse in my wrist... flesh couldn't enter this Holy place, only spirit. As I climbed the thousands stairs flanked by angels, His bright face began to dimmer, taking away my fear. " Son, you were brought here on the account of your good deeds, you are not as spotless as saints who have obeyed my commandments. " The Almighty attested with austerity and fairness. " Return and be completely pure as they are, and I will accept you as them. " And this vision of ponderous thought, made me realize that no one with a spot on his soul can partake of Heaven's glory; imperfection and impurity are not allowed, and while living among the sinners, I must resist and overcome temptations.