Hell. Probably the most controversial aspect of Christian belief. Also probably the biggest stumbling block for non-believers as they consider ChristiHell. Probably the most controversial aspect of Christian belief. Also probably the biggest stumbling block for non-believers as they consider Christianity.
Hell is a terrifying doctrine. It is difficult for us to stomach as Christians - let alone those who don’t share our beliefs. Read one of Jonathan Edwards’ old sermons on the subject - you will be terrified.
At the same time however, the hope of a final, perfect justice reigning is an absolutely beautiful thought. A place of perfect justice is what all people long for in many ways.
But these concepts beg many questions. What is perfect justice? What does perfect justice reigning look like to an infinitely holy, infinitely perfect God? Are sins against a conscience given by an eternal, infinitely holy being, infinitely heinous, and therefore requiring an infinite punishment (1st essay)? Or are sins committed by limited and finite beings to have a limited and finite punishment - ultimately not being given the gift of eternal life except through Christ (2nd essay)? Or - will God’s mercy and grace in Christ surprise everyone in the end and be granted to all - even those who reject him in this life (3rd essay)? Or perhaps there is a way remaining for those after death to choose redemption in Christ (4th essay).
But, even more important to the believer, is - what does Scripture say of these things?
I came upon this book since hearing of Preston Sprinkle’s change of positions on hell after he wrote his defense of the traditional view in his ‘Erasing Hell.’ It fascinated me that, after studying all the arguments and scriptural data, he would change his position, once being such a staunch supporter of the traditional view. Sprinkle now edits this volume and he has selected proponents of each of the views presented that base their theological position squarely on Scripture.
This was a interesting concept for me because most who have advocated differing positions on hell in the past have not based their views on Scripture, but rather have come to it as more of an emotional response (the likes of Rob Bell come to mind here). However in this volume, I have found that the subject is much more complicated than it appears at first glance - and there are advocates of differing views on hell that have good scriptural arguments. While some of the essays were more convincing than others, I did find that Sprinkle’s case for more openness in the debate was compelling after reading these essays.
The four views of hell presented are:
1. The Traditional view of conscious eternal torment 2. The Conditional Immortality view (more commonly referred to as annihilationism) 3. The Christian Universalism view 4. The Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory view
I found this to be a fascinating read. Each of the essays made me think more deeply and brought concepts to my attention that I was unfamiliar with. I would have loved a modern defender of C.S. Lewis’ view of hell, such as Tim Keller, to have contributed in this volume as well - but that view can be found in Lewis’ The Great Divorce or Keller’s Reason for God. I also wanted more. The scope of this volume is naturally limited - but, 200 pages is hardly enough to cover four views and 3 responses to each view. Each argument was packed in so tightly that I seemed to barely get a grasp of it before the essay had ended.
I have yet to buckle down with the Biblical text and wrestle through a study on this doctrine. But I did find this volume a help for getting a sense of the issues at hand. I personally found that this book and the views of hell in it are a welcome alternative for those on the cusp of belief and find Jesus and the gospel satisfyingly beautiful - but who find the traditional view of hell too big of an obstacle to accept Jesus ultimately.
As for myself, I plan to study and read more on the debate between the traditional view and the conditional immortality view - both of which seemed to have the most scriptural support to me. ...more
Read this several years ago. Incredibly bizarre story. Not sure why I picked this one up, but to my surprise it seemed somewhat credible. At the very Read this several years ago. Incredibly bizarre story. Not sure why I picked this one up, but to my surprise it seemed somewhat credible. At the very least an interesting read....more
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