Limbo - Not Hell

[Swifty]

I have a theory that I believe fits quite well into the happenings occuring on Lost - But only now I'm half-way through the 2nd Series and after pondering over 'The Hell theory' posted on this site.
I believe that they are all in 'Limbo' - Between Heaven and Hell - Their life(flashbacks) and afterlife - they are trapped in between these two states and are being tested about whether they can learn from their mistakes in their past-lives before venturing onto the next one. Therefore, sadly, I think they are all dead - trust me, this infuriates me just as much as it does u!
The Limbo idea sprouted from the 2nd episode of the 2nd series and really gained justification as the story progressed - all the signs point to this on some level.
In the episode I'm refering to Jack meets the Irish guy (in the hatch) in a flashback whilst out running in the stadium - the Irish guy (now known as demsond) retorts 'See you in another life, Brother.' - I know it seems too obvious and conveying but let me finish...

Everyone there has done something wrong in their life that they regret - or is seen as morally and ethically wrong in the eyes of conventional society - therefore they have to face their fears - face up to what they did wrong. I think their 'wrong doings' are represented by the black smoke (supposed 'security system' as mentioned by frenchie) - black smoke on an elementary level connotes a strong negation - we cant say that the idea of black smoke wants to make us smile now can we?! 'Smoke' is the result of a natural destruction - like death - it's naturally inevitable - and 'black' suggests a similar existense. All the characters so far have been running from it - except for Echo - who stared at it in the face - ever heard the saying 'when you face your fears, they go away.' ???

Also what supports this theory is when charlie begins hallucinating and takes away Aaron - claires baby - because his dreams are telling him he should be baptised otherwise he is in danger (he will be taken) - meaning that he wont go to hell - right??? I think this is the opposite of what happened with The Frechie's baby (Alex) - and now Walt - they were both taken by 'whatever' - because they havent been christened/baptised - and therefore are suseptible to Sin.
I think once the characters succomb to the 'tests' they face, they die. Boon realised about how he felt for shannon and got over it - Shannon began caring about other people besides herself (Saed).
I think 'the others' merely represent 'conflict' between 'parties' in todays world - the possession of land etc - and the result of war... so, they have no idea they are in Limbo because the human demeanour exerxised on the island reflects the behaviour of community and society they knew previously. I think the Hatch fits in with this - representing control. Authorities exist all of the world and they do on the island too - it's the centre of power - affecting people's way of living - it governs. The magnet suggested this physically - as it alters the compasses they utilise - their pathways in life - now in Limbo - facing problems - everything alters and becomes obscure... See what I'm getting at?
I think this sounds a little more convoluted than i intend it too - sorry! But its really quite simple - let me know what you think - i'm going mad not knowing what is actually going on!

[kiaya]

I like your theory. It was well written and well thought out. Certainly plausible.

[Lpspider]

For a first post, quite excelent.

I think this is an excelent combination of theories, as well as several of your own thoughts. Makes for an interesting theory, to say the least.

I particularly like your bit with Aaron and Alex - very cool thoughts, and are probably not far from the truth.

[Eddy]

What is "limbo"?

[Cousin Avi]

Whoa, never thought of that. This would be interesting but would not really leave for a happy ending. Sure they could all go to heaven from the island, but they would be dead.

[Michelle]

havent the producers already dismissed the purgatory theory?

[Golemcc]

"The survivors are dead and/or in Purgatory ? dismissed by J. J. Abrams"

[Blinktwo8]

yea that was gone long ago

[Lux_Mundi]

I guess the season finale really put this theory to bed.