“Don’t know how you square that notion of no hell with the Biblical teaching. Your assertion of “billions of souls burning in a physical fire for eternity” is noted—and some teachers certainly look at that as a metaphor,”
You’ere getting into dangerous territory. Either there is strict Biblical teaching, or there is metaphorical interpretation of it. And if hell is open to metaphorical interpretation, what isn’t, or who is to say what is or isn’t?
I’ve addressed that. You need to study the Bible; it is very apparent from this post you are not aware of the genres of literature in the Scripture.
Either/or?
No third choice?
What is this 'strict' about? You sound like a believer of man made teachings. Open, read and believe The Word for yourself or continue being without knowledge. After all, it's your individual destiny that is in jeopardy - no one else will be held accountable for it. It's your personal choice to make.
Actually considering it's eternity vs 50,70,90 yrs here it should be the #1 priority now. It's not rocket science to recognize that either. How anyone could have even a thought for tomorrow without eternity being settled today is beyond me. Today is the day of salvation.