Second Thoughts about Hell
Understanding What We Believe
- Theology
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
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 to help preachers engage the notion of hell in the pulpit is available at www.wjkbooks.com/Hell. The resource includes a general orientation to the subject and suggestions for sermon series based on biblical texts and topics.
Endorsements (6)
“Anyone who has had second thoughts about hell will appreciate Ronald J. Allen and Robert D. Cornwall’s efforts in this book to help us understand better what we believe about this and why. They have done their homework (on a vast literature), written clearly and succinctly (on difficult associated concepts), and treated a full range of views charitably and yet without avoiding the critical questions from other perspectives. If Second Thoughts about Hell does not prod you to change your mind, it will at least equip those with pastoral and teaching responsibilities to engage and also facilitate important conversations about a Christian doctrine with deep roots in the theological tradition.”
“When people say, ‘Go to hell,’ few know more than it is not a nice placen. What happens after we die? Is hell real? What does it have to do with God? In clear, simple language, Allen and Cornwall faithfully review what the Bible and theologians through the ages have said, opening a surprising range of possibilities for readers to consider. No study is more helpful than this for both preachers and laypeople in seeking answers.”
“Allen and Cornwall describe historical and contemporary understandings of the afterlife, deftly demonstrating how social/cultural contexts inadvertently invite the church to embrace one understanding over another. But this volume is not simply an academic, ivory tower exploration. The authors know that what we believe about last things, about heaven and hell, strongly inform our understandings of the mission of the church, the purposes of worship and preaching, and the ways we provide care and hope to our congregations and wider communities. It is a very important conversation. (Or we might say a hell of a conversation.)”
“What an informative, readable, and well-conceived book! Allen and Cornwall offer brief summaries of how biblical writers, early Christians, major theologians, and contemporary scholars think about hell. And they do so in a lively way. Allen and Cornwall even reveal their own views at the end. This is a great book for small group discussions!”
“Second Thoughts about Hell is an informative, thought-provoking, and accessible read. Tackling a topic many avoid, this book explores the concept of hell through historical, biblical, Protestant, and modern lenses. Ideal for study groups and faith communities, it includes a comprehensive study guide that encourages deeper reflection and discussion. A valuable resource for anyone wanting to engage seriously with one of theology’s most challenging subjects.”
“In Second Thoughts about Hell , authors Allen and Cornwall guide readers on a journey of understandings of hell in the Bible, the history of the church, and more recent theological reflection. They helpfully summarize the major views of hell today, from a literal hell to universal salvation, advocating for an understanding of hell that supports rather than undermines a life-affirming, hope-filled depiction of God and the human future. Readers will appreciate the book’s clarity and the authenticity with which the authors share, but do not impose, their own beliefs. A study guide for small groups and web-accessible suggestions for both topical and lectionary-based sermon series accompany the book.”
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