Medieval Civilization: Millennia in Microcosm Week 173

Kenneth Smith argues that Christianity was transformed into a system of psychological conditioning that appeals to humanity’s lowest motives—fear of punishment and hunger for reward—thereby corrupting intrinsic values like love, awe, and moral intelligence into an amoral, mechanical obedience. He contends that the doctrines of Heaven and Hell represent one of the most catastrophic turns in Church history, debasing spirituality itself by replacing inner judgment and intrinsic goodness with intimidation, conformity, and emotional manipulation.

D. Divine Teleology, Heaven and Hell

https://kennethsmithphilosophy.com/end08.php