Why were medievil people scared of going to hell?

Answer 1

Medieval people were often deeply influenced by religious beliefs that emphasized sin and the consequences of immoral behavior, including the fear of eternal damnation in hell. The Church played a significant role in shaping these fears through sermons, teachings, and vivid depictions of hell in art and literature, which portrayed it as a place of unimaginable suffering. Additionally, the uncertainty of salvation and the belief in purgatory added to their anxiety, as many felt unworthy of God's grace. This fear was further compounded by the societal emphasis on communal morality and the consequences of sin on both personal and communal levels.