The
story of pre-history in the
oral history of the
Roman Catholic Church, goes something like this:
- Before the Earth was made, there was only God and angels. The most glorious angel became envious of God and asked to be made like Him. God said no. The angel took his case to the other angels and, having won one third of them to his side, tried to change God's mind. When that didn't work a war ensued and the third were cut off from God as punishment.
This story has many details that aren't relevant here, but note the classical description of
Hell not as a place of torment, but as being cut off from
communion.
[someone please add versions from additional religions...]