Yes, its interesting that most of the imagery Jesus used when talking about hell came from extra-biblical discussions amongst rabbis and teachers between the 2 testaments. Our Christian thinking is mostly informed by Catholic teaching that is also extra-biblical.

I think the former is more honest because they were genuinely searching for the truth (which might be why Jesus used it). The church, on the other hand, has clearly been using theology as a form of control and what better way to exert control than fear. Disgustingly it also used fear to extort money such as through indulgences.