Well, if it is a serious, respectful conversation, I try to inform them that the concept of Hell was implemented as a control feature, and try to point out the obvious contradictions between a loving God and a God that sends frail, fallible primates to an eternal deep fryer.
On the rare occasions when that has happened, I push the question back to them and ask if they think that I deserve to go to hell. They will often try to avoid the question by saying that it is not their decision and "only god can make that decision". I then ask if they agree that their god would send me to hell for using the 'free will' I have been given to not believe. Watching the cognitive dissonance and grappling for nonsensical excuses is entertainment of the highest order.
That's pretty good because it then means that if you go to hell for any mistakes it is actually good mistake for giving you free will. As god is perfect it their eyes then it causes a paradox.
Ha I suppose you could say to them that if god is perfect and he gave us free will then any mistakes or choices you make in life is on god.if god sends you to hell then it is admitting it's mistake and is not perfect.if god puts you in heaven then you can say there is no justice for evil in the next life so why pray to a god like that. There is also the beneficent and willful god argument other Jesus died for our sins argument. Infact there are so many get out of hell free clauses that you never need fear god's wrath again.
I've laughed a few times when they really get frothy at the mouth. I try my best not to argue though, as they are viewing the world through their own experiences, and I really don't know all they've gone through to come to their current situation.
My question is, what's the punishment? If it's hell, my answer is, I hope so, because I want to be far, far away from where you'll end up in the afterlife.