Second Thoughts about Hell: Understanding What We Believe

As Christians, what should we believe about hell?

Instead of offering a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all answer, Ronald Allen and Robert Cornwall guide the reader through the historical interpretation of hell. They begin with the voices of the Hebrew Bible, extrabiblical, and New Testament texts and the voices of the early, medieval, Reformation, and modern church, pointing out the three main Christian views today—literalism (hell exists, and those there will suffer for eternity), annihilationism (the punishment of hell is limited and leads to the extinction of the sufferer), and universalism (everyone is saved, so hell does not exist). They include multiple contemporary theological positions on hell, such as those of liberation theologians and process theologians. Through describing and explaining these different points of view, Allen and Cornwall allow the reader to decide what view(s) of hell make the most theological and ethical sense to them, and they conclude by offering their personal thoughts on hell.

The book includes a study guide, making it an excellent resource for group study. An online resource designed for pastors who want to design topical and lectionary-based sermon series on hell is available for download.

Ronald J. Allen is Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Gospels and Letters at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has written or edited more than forty books, including A Faith of Your Own: Naming What You Really Believe.

Robert D. Cornwall is a Minister-at-Large for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), theologian, ecumenical and interfaith leader, police chaplain, and author. He has written numerous books and articles, including Called to Bless: Finding Hope by Reclaiming Our Spiritual Roots. He serves as the editor of Sharing the Practice (the journal of the Academy of Parish Clergy).