Four Views on Hell (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology) - Softcover

Zondervan; Walvoord, John F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0310212685 ISBN 13: 9780310212683

Publisher: Study Resources, 1996

Synopsis

The doctrine of hell is one of the most difficult and unsavory theological topics. In Four Views on Hell, leading biblical scholars meet this subject head-on, discussing the four primary views on what the Scriptures say about divine punishment.

Is hell to be understood literally as a place of eternal smoke and flames? Or are such images simply metaphors for a real but different form of punishment? Is there such a thing as "conditional immortality," in which God annihilates the souls of the wicked rather than punishing them endlessly? Is there a Purgatory, and if so, how does it fit into the scope of biblical interpretation?

Here, scholars who affirm an inspired Bible, relevant and authoritative for every era, present models they consider most faithful to Scripture:

• Literal – defended by John F. Walvoord
• Metaphorical – defended by William Crockett
• Conditional – defended by Clark Pinnock
• Purgatorial – defended by Zachary Hayes

Each view in turn is presented, respectfully critiqued by the others, and defended. This evenhanded approach is ideal for comparing views in order to form a personal conclusion about one of Christianity’s toughest doctrines.

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

 

About this title

About the Authors

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.

William Crockett is professor of New Testament at Alliance Theological Seminary.

John F. Walvoord was president of Dallas Theological Seminary and author of numerous books on eschatology and theology. He held the A.M. degree from Texas Christian University in philosophy and the ThD degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in Systematic Theology.

Zachary J. Hayes is a retired teacher of theology at the Catholic Theological Union.

Clark H. Pinnockwas professor of theology at McMaster Divinity College.

From the Back Cover

Most contemporary Christians acknowledge the doctrine of hell, but they'd rather not think about how God punishes the wicked. The authors of Four Views on Hell meet this subject head-on with different views on what the Scriptures say. Is hell to be understood literally as a place of eternal smoke and flames? Or are such images simply metaphors for a real but different form of punishment? Is there such a thing as 'conditional immortality, ' in which God annihilates the souls of the wicked rather than punishing them endlessly? Is there a Purgatory, and if so, how does it fit into the picture? The interactive Counterpoints forum allows the reader to see the four views on hell---literal, metaphorical, conditional, and purgatorial---in interaction with each other. Each view in turn is presented, critiqued, and defended. This evenhanded approach is ideal for comparing and contrasting views in order to form a personal conclusion about one of Christianity's key doctrines. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.

Edition details

• Publisher: Study Resources
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0310212685
• ISBN 13: 9780310212683
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192