Questioning Hell?

"Perhaps the fundamental obstacle in embracing the biblical understanding of what happens beyond death, in particular what is traditionally called “hell,” is the rhetorical powers of misguided Christians who have exploited hell to persuade people to escape it." 

So begins the new series Beyond the Abyss by Scot McKnight (author of The Blue Parakeet) which uses the book Razing Hell as a springboard for discussing the Biblical and historical understanding of one of the Scripture's most distressing doctrines.

It seems that over the past few years the discussion over Hell, which at one point seemed a rather non-debatable issue outside of a few details, has gained significant steam with many now challenging the traditional understanding.

Because of the nature of the question, tempers tend to run high on both sides. However it is, for a variety of reasons, an important question especially to many of the younger people in our churches. 

It simply will not do to brush it aside casually. 

We should all, whatever side we take, be willing to examine the evidence and examine ourselves so that we can dialogue about Hell in a way the builds the church rather than tears it down.

That said, we want to hear from you.

Have we missed the Biblical message on Hell?

Are those who hold strongly to this doctrine guilty of heartlessly reveling in the condemnation of a large percentage of humanity, as is often asserted?

Are those who downplay Hell doing so merely on an emotional basis and not because of a responsible reading of the text?

Has the Hell debate itself perhaps started from the wrong presuppositions?

Look forward to hearing your thoughts!

[Looking for a resource to help you consider what the Bible says about hell? Check out Four Views on Hell, Hell Under Fire, and Sense and Nonsense about Heaven and Hell]