User blog comment:BeholderofStuff/Pure Evil Removal Proposal: The Devil (theology)/@comment-2059440-20190830004936/@comment-2059440-20190830024211

yes, the concept of Hell as a fiery pit of endless suffering for sinners is largely a medieval device - in older texts it is more akin to "separation from God" and so on.. in original texts the Devil is often seen as a dark judge or a spirit that God allows to do evil to test humanity.

the satyr-type Devil with pithfork etc was to demonize the "pagan" world and hence heavier focus on graphic depictions of torture and endless suffering for those who would not convert.

it's.. complicated.