Hell

I've been grappling with this subject for some time now. I've received a comment from Nathaniel, Bruce, and Kevin regarding this issue and thought it would be nice to have an open dialogue in a forum like this. I hope we can all learn and grow through this space. I must say that I've been struggling with the whole concept of hell for the last year or so. I can't help but believe that hell is more a separation from God than an actual place. While I believe everything Christ did on the cross, i.e. atonement for sin, judgment, victory over Satan and death, I also believe that separation from God and His love is, basically, hell. I can't reasonably get my head around an actual place of fire and brimstone where unbelievers burn forever. How could such an eternity come close to actuating any sins a mortal could be guilty of during this lifetime. I can understand, however, that separation from God would mean separation from His favor, protection, order, love, and consistancy among other things. Not having these for all of eternity would be a hell. But can a believer reasonably believe that hell as a place can be justified for anyone other than Satan and his minions? I send this to all of you on my break because I'd like to hear the rebuttal. Additionally, I think it is sadly comical that many Christians get bent out of shape over peripheral concepts such as speaking in tongues, hell, bible translations, and others. The necessities of the faith are pretty basic when you come to think of it. I guess the main reason I am texting this to all of you is because Skyler is beginning to ask these questions and I want to be informed when it comes to answering these questions with my kids. Thanks