The Gaping Maw of Hell

I've had to deal with yet another complaining parent round today saying their child has been having nightmares since Holiday Club.

It was one of the New Daily Songs that caused all the trouble. Apparently the words of "Don't let Hell's Maw Swallow me Whole" were too terrifying. That and the visual representations of Hell's gate, burning with fire and menace, that were projected in 3D onto the overhead projector.  And the way we switched on all the heating even though it was the middle of summer, to simulate the fiery furnaces - infinitely deep or otherwise.

I tried to explain that this is a serious matter. We're not about providing cheap baby-sitting for a week during the summer holidays so hard-pressed parents can have a rest. That's just the bait. We're luring the kids in because we think that Hell is big and scary and death lasts for a very long time. And we feel we have the duty to warn them.  We've tried the opposite in the past - explaining how Jesus is warm and loving, kind and caring. But they just assumed that Jesus was just pretending, like Tony Blair. So we're sticking with the terror.   It may help get things into a better perspective.

So, don't forget.

Do have nightmares.