--- title: What is Hell and How Do I Get There description: What is Hell and How Do I Get There --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2011/08/23/what-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there#) # What is Hell and How Do I Get There Aug 23, 2011 2:31:10 PM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) ![Dore Illustration from the Inferno.](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Gustave_Dore_Inferno25.jpg?width=357&height=447&name=Gustave_Dore_Inferno25.jpg) If you've ever read Dante's [*Inferno*](http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-gifts/Inferno/sku/74490) or Milton's [*Paradise Lost*](http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-books/Paradise-Lost/sku/61182), you're probably familiar with some of the traditional imagery associated with Hell. Parts of hell, like parts of Chicago, are not places you'd actively seek, but there are other places in Hell that look like great spelunking spots rather than locations of eternal suffering. This guide will help you find the path to those pearly gates of Hell. Once inside, you can make it your own adventure. **Three Starting Points** There seem to be three sure trails down to the valley of Sheol but what you'll find is that they're really all connected. If you start at the first one you will eventually get to see the others. You can start with the scenic routes and deny the existence of hell or deny the existence and necessity of God, or you can take the crow's path and seek Hell directly. The one requirement here is that you put on your hiking boots and take the first step. You won't be dragged there; you have to make it on your own two feet. Read more about [how to get to Hell](http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/What-is-Hell-and-How-Do-I-Get-There-/article/356). ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fwhat-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fwhat-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fwhat-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=What%20is%20Hell%20and%20How%20Do%20I%20Get%20There) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fwhat-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fwhat-is-hell-and-how-do-i-get-there%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Profile%203.jpg) ### [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) We welcome guest contributors who graciously volunteer their writing for our readers. Please support our guest writers by visiting their sites, purchasing their work, and leaving comments to thank them for sharing their gifts here on CatholicMom.com. To inquire about serving as a guest contributor, contact editor@CatholicMom.com. ## Related Blog Articles [ Shrines in Surprising Places Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/shrines-in-surprising-places) [ How I Got Lazy and the 5 Ways I Have Recommitted to Real Food and Healthy Eating! 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