Likewise, Satan is the equivalent of the exciting "bad boy" in this metaphor, which apostates are imagined to have foolishly chosen over Jesus, the 'nice guy'. It's then supposed that they deserve eternal torture for having chosen wrong.

LOL.

Have always said "Love me or else," isn't love, it's enslavement. In the bible it's good and right to be afraid of God, who claims to love us. Fear shouldn't be a part of the equation.