It has become somewhat fashionable in he modern religious world to either metaphorize away the concept of hell or to deny it completely. Even among Latter-day Saints there is some question on this vital matter.
The scriptures affirm the reality of hell as both: (1)
Those who suppose hell to be only a state of mind do so out of an ignorance of the divine decree that all must repent or suffer (D&C 19:15-20).
Many who continue to deny the existence of hell do so out of malicious motives, no doubt to salve their own consciences and remove the fear of justice and retribution from those whom they would entice to join them.
These shall know sooner or later of the reality of such a place.