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Recent years have seen much controversy regarding a unified Christian doctrine of hell: Do we go to heaven or hell when we die? Or do we cease to exist? Are believers and unbelievers ultimately saved by grace in the end?
By focusing on recent theological arguments, Four Views on Hell: Second Edition highlights why the church still needs to wrestle with the doctrine of hell.
In the fair-minded and engaging Counterpoints format, four leading scholars introduce us to the current views on eternal judgment, with particular attention given to the new voices that have entered the debate.
Contributors and views include: Denny Burk - representing a principle of Eternal Conscious Torment
John Stackhouse - representing a principle of Annihilationism (Conditional Immortality)
Robin Parry - representing a principle of Universalism (Ultimate Reconciliation)
Jerry Walls - representing a principle of Purgatory
Preston Sprinkle concludes the discussion by evaluating each view, noting significant points of exchange between the essayists. The interactive nature of the volume allows the reader to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each view and come to an informed conclusion.
List of contents
Introduction
View 1: Eternal Conscious Torment, Denny Burk
View 2: Annihilation (Conditional Immortality), John Stackhouse
View 3: Universalism (Ultimate Reconciliation), Robin Parry
View 4: Purgatory, Jerry Walls
Conclusion
About the author
Denny Burk (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate arm of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
John G. Stackhouse Jr. (PhD, University of Chicago) is the Samuel J. Mikolaski Professor of Religious Studies and Dean of Faculty Development at Crandall University, New Brunswick, Canada.
Robin Parry (PhD, University of Gloucestershire) is an editor at Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Jerry L. Walls (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is scholar in residence and professor of philosophy at Houston Baptist University. He is the author/editor of over twenty books and has published widely in philosophy of religion, ethics, philosophical theology, and apologetics.
Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scholar, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author, who’s written more than a dozen books. He's also the co-founder and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, and the founder and host of the "Theology in the Raw" podcast. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland, and has taught Bible and Theology at Cedarville University (OH), Nottingham University (U.K.), and Eternity Bible College (CA).
Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals.
Summary
Evangelical Christianity has seen a resurgence of interest in eternal judgment. In response, this second edition of Four Views of Hell featuring all new contributors, delivers a thorough presentation of the opposing voices that speak to the current debate.
