What a question from Dennis Prager

Dennis Prager raises a very difficult question in his artice today:
"The death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat raises an interesting and significant question: Is it morally and theologically acceptable to hope anyone goes to hell?"

Here is a red meat theological issue to chew over for the day...

I think we have to say that there is behavior that is worthy of hell, but that apart from the grace of God, we are all guilty of such behavior. The question of Arafat's salvation is a matter for God, but if he is not covered by the grace of God, then I think we have to say that he is in hell.

I think that while we can root for and expect God's justice, we should all hope and pray for God's mercy. If God chooses to save Arafat or damn him, what is that to me? Am I God? Was Arafat a horrible example of a human being? Yes. Was he beyond the grace of God? How can we say that he was?

Hell is a reality, but I don't think it is acceptable to wish anyone end up there; this is against the express will of God in the New Tesament (and, considering Prager is a Jew, I think it is safe to assume that this is not part of his thinking). 2 Pet. 3:9 "The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance".

Any other thoughts out there?