Four Views on Hell Format: Paperback

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.

 

Stanley N. Gundry (PhD, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) is an author, editor, and theologian with graduate degrees in historical theology. After serving in pastoral ministry, he taught as an adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and as Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught for eleven years. He was a founding board member of Christians for Biblical Equality, serving two terms and later receiving the organization’s Priscilla and Aquila Award along with his wife. He is also a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. Gundry is the author or coauthor of seven books and has contributed numerous articles to a wide range of publications. Beyond theological circles, he is known for his writings on the restoration of the Studebaker Avanti automobile. He and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children. In recognition of his more than forty years of influence in Christian publishing, he received the ECPA Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

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.