Hello Doves
I would first like to thank Steve Shackleton  for submitting an article on "outer darkness." I am posting it here for you all to consider.
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2017/ss11.htm

In this article the author states that the kingdom of heaven is not a place.
He also states that Outer Darkness is not a place.
When I read in Matthew 11:11-19, we see from our Lord's mouth that of them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least "in" the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist "until now" the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent "take it" by force.
I cannot in all surety agree that the kingdom of heaven is "not" a place.
I have personally known and had conversations with a Biblical theologian and I knew for a surety that he was not a believer. He seeing, saw not, and he hearing, heard not. Paul wrote to us in 1 Corinthians 2:14 concerning "the natural man."
Allow me to quote these passages.
For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is "in" man? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now' we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is "of" God; that we might "know" the things that are freely given to us "of" God. Which things also "we speak," not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth "not" the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, "because" they are spiritually discerned. But he that "is" spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the "mind" of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But' we have the mind of Christ.
( The theologian I knew, seeing, he saw not, and hearing, he heard not. So it is with many Pastors and Teachers, in that they rely upon doctrine of their own understanding, rather than searching the scriptures using the formula the Lord God gave us to use. Isaiah 28:9-14
9) Whom shall he teach knowledge and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? "them" that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Do we as the beloved, the called, and the kept receive an inheritance?
Matthew 25:34 Then shall  the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit "the kingdom" prepared for "you" from the foundation of the world:
The unrighteous shall "not" inherit the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 and flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
What is the kingdom of heaven likened unto? a tangible "thing," that can be possessed. Like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:44
The Lord Jesus Christ  according to his abundant "mercy" hath begotten "us" again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an "inheritance" incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved "in heaven" for you, Who are "kept" by the power of God through "faith" unto salvation "ready to be revealed" in the last time.
The kingdom of heaven "is" a place reserved for us "in heaven" revealed in the last time.

Are your garments washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are they spotless, are they white as snow? For it was the guest invited to the wedding, who was not wearing a wedding garment, that was cast into "outer darkness." Matthew 22:13
The unprofitable servant is also cast into "outer darkness." Matthew 25:30
Matthew 8:11-12 we read also that the children of the kingdom ( The children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Israel) are cast out into outer darkness because of lack of faith. Matthew 8:10.
Has there been an example of outer darkness shown to us in the scriptures of truth?
Outer means:
outside; external, outer most, from without. ( outer man vs inner man)
Exterior, outlying, alien, beyond, without.
Exodus 10:22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a "thick darkness" in all the land of Egypt "three days:" They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. In verse 21 we read that this was even a darkness , which may be felt. THIS darkness was thick and had substance that could be felt, and none moved from what ever place they were in when the thick darkness fell upon them. Imagine...being frozen and suspended, totally blinded, and paralyzed for 3 days.
There was a clear line drawn between Goshen and the land of Egypt. A "wall" of thick darkness that could be felt. One of the 5 senses. The Egyptians were "outside" Goshen in outer darkness.
I know for a surety that I do not want to go to hell, nor do I want to be cast into outer darkness.
Outer darkness is outside the kingdom of heaven. A place reserved as a judgment for those who say Lord, Lord.
1. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
2. Afterward came the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
3. Many will say unto me "in that day," Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
4. And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
5.When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying, Lord, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I love you
God Bless You
KML