The Four-Letter Word Edited Out of Church Life

It is misunderstood, neglected, ignored, redacted, deleted, and hated! The doctrine of Hell is naturally unpalatable to the unconverted but has become equally unpalatable to much of the visible church, including many who deem themselves to be evangelical. Jesus is still regarded as the one who saves, but it is forgotten what he saves from! It is a doctrine so unwanted and offensive that it is cut out of church teaching, like an editorial cut-out of a swear word in the media. Yet, not that long ago, it was universally accepted dogma, reflecting the emphatic manner in which the Lord Jesus addressed the subject, giving more attention to Hell than to any other subject!

Concise yet comprehensive, this book inspires a new generation of Christians to embrace and proclaim the doctrine in its fulness, in imitation of Jesus and his gospel. Extremely thought provoking, it is a must-read for all seminary students and prospective pastors. Equally suitable as an evangelistic tool, the unconverted are repeatedly entreated to take refuge in Jesus and escape the most terrible destination in all of creation. Do not delete this four-letter word from your church life!

Allan J. Macdonald is a Baptist preacher who lives in northern Scotland. The author of A Jolly Folly? The Propriety of the Christian Endorsement of Christmas, by the same publisher, he is married to Jane and they have seven children.