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What the Hell: How did we get it so wrong? Eternity, grace, and the message of love
What if everything you've ever heard about Hell was wrong?
Have you ever thought about the majority of mankind burning in Hell for all of eternity? Does the Bible teach this? Is this really what God has in store for His creation? What the Hell will show what the Scriptures clearly teach about eternity, Hell, and what happens to those who reject God in this life.
Many Christians teach that Jesus is the only way to Heaven and those who reject Him will be punished for all of eternity. Did Jesus really say that? There is a real God and a real judgment day, but is there really a place of eternal torment?
What the Hell will challenge you to study the subject of eternity and Hell like you never have before. It will make you rethink what you may have been taught from the church. It will force you to examine your faith and encourage you to follow the God who loved you enough to give you life.
Have you ever thought about the majority of mankind burning in Hell for all of eternity? Does the Bible teach this? Is this really what God has in store for His creation? What the Hell will show what the Scriptures clearly teach about eternity, Hell, and what happens to those who reject God in this life.
Many Christians teach that Jesus is the only way to Heaven and those who reject Him will be punished for all of eternity. Did Jesus really say that? There is a real God and a real judgment day, but is there really a place of eternal torment?
What the Hell will challenge you to study the subject of eternity and Hell like you never have before. It will make you rethink what you may have been taught from the church. It will force you to examine your faith and encourage you to follow the God who loved you enough to give you life.
140 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2011
11 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Paul Baer
6 books145 followersI'm a professional thrifter, the father of four children, and an avid runner. I was born and raised in Georgia, and spent time in Oklahoma, California, Connecticut, and then Oregon, as an adult. I'm a graduate of Oregon State University and now reside in North Georgia, raising my family, near family.
My first book, The Earth Bleeds Red, was released in 2013. My second book, The Lights Will Never Fade, came out in Jan '18. I'm currently signed with Evolved Pub for my new contemporary fiction/suspense series, An American Family. Book one was released in Oct '18, and book two is coming on Nov 5th. Clouds Fall Like Fire, a stand-alone novel, is set to be released in March '19. All books are available as an ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
I'm a bit of a free spirit who enjoys working from home, traveling around, looking for treasures to share, and creating worlds that otherwise would not exist. Thrifting and writing are my two passions, and I'm fortunate to be able to do both.
www.JacksonBaer.com
www.twitter.com/JacksonPaulBaer
www.facebook.com/JacksonPaulBaer
www.goodreads.com/JacksonPaulBaer
My first book, The Earth Bleeds Red, was released in 2013. My second book, The Lights Will Never Fade, came out in Jan '18. I'm currently signed with Evolved Pub for my new contemporary fiction/suspense series, An American Family. Book one was released in Oct '18, and book two is coming on Nov 5th. Clouds Fall Like Fire, a stand-alone novel, is set to be released in March '19. All books are available as an ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
I'm a bit of a free spirit who enjoys working from home, traveling around, looking for treasures to share, and creating worlds that otherwise would not exist. Thrifting and writing are my two passions, and I'm fortunate to be able to do both.
www.JacksonBaer.com
www.twitter.com/JacksonPaulBaer
www.facebook.com/JacksonPaulBaer
www.goodreads.com/JacksonPaulBaer
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 17, 2012
Many people will (and have) take(n) issue with this book and the author without fully understanding either. It is important to understand that the object of the book is not to push the reader to believe something that they do not believe, but rather to present a different perspective and evidence so that the reader may make an informed decision if they should choose.
Having said that, I have read the book, and have found that the author poses some very compelling arguments and makes some excellent points. His arguments are based in years of theological study and personal experience, in addition to much prayer and soul searching.
While I cannot say that I agree with every single point in the book, the author has done an excellent job of making his points and his augments in a very logical, and respectful manner, making the reader reconsider the conventions of the Christian religion.
Having said that, I have read the book, and have found that the author poses some very compelling arguments and makes some excellent points. His arguments are based in years of theological study and personal experience, in addition to much prayer and soul searching.
While I cannot say that I agree with every single point in the book, the author has done an excellent job of making his points and his augments in a very logical, and respectful manner, making the reader reconsider the conventions of the Christian religion.
February 14, 2013
There is some valuable content that can be found in this book. Mr. Baer argues against the traditional doctrine of an eternal hell where the wicked reside, consciously, throughout eternity. His primary argument rests on the thesis that the word translated into English as "eternal" is a misinterpretation of the primary Hebrew and Greek words associated with it; that is literally means "age-during" (as in the YLT), an indefinite period of time, but one that has a beginning and an end. His next argument is based on the various other Hebrew and Greek words that are often translated as "hell", particularly if using the KJV, but would have been understood differently by the original audiences. He argues, too, that if the biblical authors truly believed in eternal punishment, then it should be more explicit in the Bible (argument from absence). Based on these points Mr. Baer argues that the idea of an eternal hell is unbiblical.
He also argues that the whole idea of a loving and merciful God suddenly, at the final judgment, punishing and tormenting human beings who reject him is incongruous. He does not reject the idea of a punishment period, but this is in order to allow those who reject God's mercy to pay for their own sins and in the end will be restored to God.
It is clear that Mr. Baer approaches his arguments from a universalist perspective. He discusses briefly, towards the end of this book, a passage in Revelation where he finds the only justification for a non-universalist view of what happens to those who reject God's mercy. Mr. Baer admits he has a problem with accepting Revelation, and provides historical data that some of the Reformer leaders, such as Luther and Calvin, also had some issues with this particular book.
I don't have a major issue with a universalist perspective, per se, but the major problem I see with Mr. Baer's position is that those who reject Jesus (and thus God's mercy) is able to atone for their own sins. This sounds a bit like the Mormon perspective as well as a kind of reincarnation, albeit not in the present world. In defense of Mr. Baer, he does seem to believe that no salvation would be possible at all if Jesus did not die. The difference, in Mr. Baer's theology, between those who place their trust in Jesus vs. those who do not is whether or not they have to suffer the consequences/punishment of their actions.
Another major weakness I see with Mr. Baer's argument, like many other arguments that have been put forth against an eternal hell, is that it is assumed that the only alternative to hell is universalism. Annihilationism is hardly ever considered as a viable alternative. If it is ever mentioned, it is usually dismissed fairly quickly as an unloving act by God, placed into the same bin as eternal torment.
Less serious, but nevertheless a weakness, is that although Mr. Baer argues against a default literalistic reading of much of scripture and for a broad contextual reading, some of his significant support for universalism comes from a very literal and narrow reading of passages that speak of everyone being saved.
In my opinion there are some serious problems of content and logic in this book. However, I do find some valuable points. The most valuable is that it raises the issue of cognitive dissonance about the traditional theology where God is all-loving and merciful, at least during the course of normal human life, but afterwards appears to turn into a vengeful, wrathful, unforgiving God. The book is also valuable in working through some of the linguistic and contextual issues behind passages that are traditionally used to support an eternal hell. Finally, the book is useful in providing an insight into how universalism is supported from the Bible.
He also argues that the whole idea of a loving and merciful God suddenly, at the final judgment, punishing and tormenting human beings who reject him is incongruous. He does not reject the idea of a punishment period, but this is in order to allow those who reject God's mercy to pay for their own sins and in the end will be restored to God.
It is clear that Mr. Baer approaches his arguments from a universalist perspective. He discusses briefly, towards the end of this book, a passage in Revelation where he finds the only justification for a non-universalist view of what happens to those who reject God's mercy. Mr. Baer admits he has a problem with accepting Revelation, and provides historical data that some of the Reformer leaders, such as Luther and Calvin, also had some issues with this particular book.
I don't have a major issue with a universalist perspective, per se, but the major problem I see with Mr. Baer's position is that those who reject Jesus (and thus God's mercy) is able to atone for their own sins. This sounds a bit like the Mormon perspective as well as a kind of reincarnation, albeit not in the present world. In defense of Mr. Baer, he does seem to believe that no salvation would be possible at all if Jesus did not die. The difference, in Mr. Baer's theology, between those who place their trust in Jesus vs. those who do not is whether or not they have to suffer the consequences/punishment of their actions.
Another major weakness I see with Mr. Baer's argument, like many other arguments that have been put forth against an eternal hell, is that it is assumed that the only alternative to hell is universalism. Annihilationism is hardly ever considered as a viable alternative. If it is ever mentioned, it is usually dismissed fairly quickly as an unloving act by God, placed into the same bin as eternal torment.
Less serious, but nevertheless a weakness, is that although Mr. Baer argues against a default literalistic reading of much of scripture and for a broad contextual reading, some of his significant support for universalism comes from a very literal and narrow reading of passages that speak of everyone being saved.
In my opinion there are some serious problems of content and logic in this book. However, I do find some valuable points. The most valuable is that it raises the issue of cognitive dissonance about the traditional theology where God is all-loving and merciful, at least during the course of normal human life, but afterwards appears to turn into a vengeful, wrathful, unforgiving God. The book is also valuable in working through some of the linguistic and contextual issues behind passages that are traditionally used to support an eternal hell. Finally, the book is useful in providing an insight into how universalism is supported from the Bible.
March 9, 2013
Very interesting, a little controversial, makes you think, brings up questions. Don't know if I agree with author or not but enjoyed reading and have things to think and pray about.
June 4, 2013
Such an eye-opener. Well thought out. Lots of interesting information, but a very easy read.
February 21, 2024
The content of this book is good. Raising questions about why Christians believe what we traditionally believe about hell, is one of the most important topics today and there is an argument building and a rise in universalism as well as annihilationism, trinitarianism and inclusivism in the world right now.
My own studies (along with my Pastor) have brought me to the conclusion that hellfire is the love of God burning off the lies that we believe about him until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord and all come to know him and have relationship with him - so obviously, I agreed with a lot of what Jackson said and believe that it would be a beneficial read for anyone debating this topic. He raises important questions and uses logical reasoning, he refers to and respects Scripture, and he admits that he doesn't know it all.
The thing that irked me was the use of the word "punish" or "punishment". I just did a word search and this word occurs 89 times. That's a considerable number in a 140 page document. I don't share Jackson's implied views on the just-punishment of God. I believe that God's justice is demonstrated in his mercy and grace, (1 John 1:9 "Faithful and JUST to forgive; Romans 4:5 God JUSTifies the ungodly etc). So I would challenge the him to look more into what he believes about the character of God: his justice, judgement and wrath in particular. Just as the words "hell" and "eternal" are so often mistranslations of other words, so are the words "justice," "judgement" and "wrath." For example, wrath is translated from the Greek word "orge" from which we get the word "orgasm." This is the fiery love of God - it's not anger or punishment, it's passion! I personally struggle with this word "punishment" and I believe that God does use discipline with his children, but I don't equate discipline and punishment. 1 John 4 says there is no fear of punishment in love. I believe this applies to hell. There is no need to fear that anyone will be punished in hell.
Jackson also referred to the book of Revelation and how "John seems to suggests that people will be left out of the Kingdom of God. This is a sad portion of Scripture for me to read ... I am conflicted ...". I'm grateful for his vulnerable honesty, but I would once again like to challenge him to study the book of Revelation a little deeper. A closer examination of this book reveals that John was actually a universalist! John believed that ALL THE NATIONS would come in.
Revelation 5:13 "Then I heard EVERY creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and ALL that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever.'"
Revelation 15:4 "Who will not fear you, Lord and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. ALL NATIONS will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Revelation 21:25-26 (This is written after the verses that Jackson referred to about people being outside the Kingdom)"On no day will its [New Jerusalem] gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honour of the NATIONS WILL be brought into it."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." This last chapter of Revelation says "Come! Let the one who is thirsty come!" and it is speaking to those who are, at that time, in the lake of fire - the love of God - trying to resist God's love. But all the nations will come in just as chapters 5 and 15 say in advance (the book of Revelation does not use a lineal timeline but a circular one).
In conclusion this book offers a good start for people questioning traditional hell.
I would like to read more of Jackson's books to better ascertain what his writing style is like.
My own studies (along with my Pastor) have brought me to the conclusion that hellfire is the love of God burning off the lies that we believe about him until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord and all come to know him and have relationship with him - so obviously, I agreed with a lot of what Jackson said and believe that it would be a beneficial read for anyone debating this topic. He raises important questions and uses logical reasoning, he refers to and respects Scripture, and he admits that he doesn't know it all.
The thing that irked me was the use of the word "punish" or "punishment". I just did a word search and this word occurs 89 times. That's a considerable number in a 140 page document. I don't share Jackson's implied views on the just-punishment of God. I believe that God's justice is demonstrated in his mercy and grace, (1 John 1:9 "Faithful and JUST to forgive; Romans 4:5 God JUSTifies the ungodly etc). So I would challenge the him to look more into what he believes about the character of God: his justice, judgement and wrath in particular. Just as the words "hell" and "eternal" are so often mistranslations of other words, so are the words "justice," "judgement" and "wrath." For example, wrath is translated from the Greek word "orge" from which we get the word "orgasm." This is the fiery love of God - it's not anger or punishment, it's passion! I personally struggle with this word "punishment" and I believe that God does use discipline with his children, but I don't equate discipline and punishment. 1 John 4 says there is no fear of punishment in love. I believe this applies to hell. There is no need to fear that anyone will be punished in hell.
Jackson also referred to the book of Revelation and how "John seems to suggests that people will be left out of the Kingdom of God. This is a sad portion of Scripture for me to read ... I am conflicted ...". I'm grateful for his vulnerable honesty, but I would once again like to challenge him to study the book of Revelation a little deeper. A closer examination of this book reveals that John was actually a universalist! John believed that ALL THE NATIONS would come in.
Revelation 5:13 "Then I heard EVERY creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and ALL that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever.'"
Revelation 15:4 "Who will not fear you, Lord and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. ALL NATIONS will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Revelation 21:25-26 (This is written after the verses that Jackson referred to about people being outside the Kingdom)"On no day will its [New Jerusalem] gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honour of the NATIONS WILL be brought into it."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." This last chapter of Revelation says "Come! Let the one who is thirsty come!" and it is speaking to those who are, at that time, in the lake of fire - the love of God - trying to resist God's love. But all the nations will come in just as chapters 5 and 15 say in advance (the book of Revelation does not use a lineal timeline but a circular one).
In conclusion this book offers a good start for people questioning traditional hell.
I would like to read more of Jackson's books to better ascertain what his writing style is like.
June 14, 2012
It is a fairly easy read. Like how the author brings out the originally meaning of the words that are in many of today's translations used for hell. I appreciate the author's open mindedness and while stating his thoughts is also open to the idea that he may be wrong and even demonstrate's why that might be with the next to last chapter. I liked it.
July 11, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
It read too much like a text book for me. I didn't really like the "we'll cover that later" aspect.
Not sure how many Christians it will convince. Depends how open they are that some things were changed/interpreted differently from the original writings. He does cover the "God is love" that we are taught as little kids and that some things (like Hell) just don't make sense when you come from that aspect of "God".
It read too much like a text book for me. I didn't really like the "we'll cover that later" aspect.
Not sure how many Christians it will convince. Depends how open they are that some things were changed/interpreted differently from the original writings. He does cover the "God is love" that we are taught as little kids and that some things (like Hell) just don't make sense when you come from that aspect of "God".
November 10, 2018
Thought provoking, yet lacking in footnotes or notes of any kind. There are no outside sources to back up any of his ideas. There were really good questions about the Christian concept of eternal Hell, whether it is Biblical and in alignment with the character of God.
October 11, 2019
Very interesting, a little controversial, makes you think, brings up questions. Don't know if I agree with author or not but enjoyed reading and have things to think and pray about.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews