The emphasis on Hell and damnation that some people get obsessed with (and it does trigger a variety of neurotic or psychotic reactions in the mentally unbalanced) gives some kooky types the idea that they have an opportunity to begin the punishment (permitted to God for the great beyond) here and now. Strange phenomenon, but it does exist among unbalanced types, certain control freaks, sadists, etc. You find similar phenomena among Communists,Nazis, and members of other non-Christian cults or ideologies. It's a psychological syndrome. I can't stand when people present this in a Christian context.
It's a betrayal of the faith, really, is what it is-- a betrayal of the worst kind. Pedophilic priests are committing the same transgression. Surely Christ had these people in mind when he made his "millstones" comment...
E.g., atheists. Over one-hundred million were brutally murdered in the unholy name of atheism in the 20th Century alone.
That total doesn't include aborted children.
I am a very conservative Christian. I have never physically beaten my children--ever. I have never had to do anything more than give any one of them a swift swat on a well-diapered rear with an open hand, and then only two or three times total.
My children are well-behaved, well-adjusted, and cheerful. And they are devout as well.