Hell: Separate Truth from Fiction and Get Your Toughest Questions Answered

by Bill Wiese

In September of 1998, God allowed Bill Wiese to experience the reality of hell. He chronicled his experiences in his New York Times best-selling book, 23 Minutes in Hell, describing a place of never-ending trauma, burning fire, and unquenchable thirst; a place where you are hopelessly lost and without human intervention forever.

In his follow-up book, Hell, Wiese digs even deeper into the topic, providing a complete and ready reference on what hell is really like. Tackling your most common-and most important-questions head-on, he supplements his personal testimony with thorough biblical research and fascinating additional stories.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Christianity, Theology, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a LOT of hell in this book. Seriously, A LOT.

So this guy has a bedtime vision where he goes to hell and suffers for 23 minutes. He's convinced it's a trip from God... I'm convinced - he had a nasty dream after watching too many horror movies. Now he’s an expert and writes books about it. He insists he's never seen a horror movie. (that should tell us there's something wrong with the guy RIGHT THERE. Everybody should at least see THE FRIGHTENERS with Michael J. Fox. Or at last SHAUN OF THE DEAD. Hmmm, Does Aliens Vs. Predators count as a horror movie? It shouldn't really - but if the guy’s NEVER seen a horror movie, that might give him the Heebee Jeebees.)

Hell is one of my favorite topics. More in a judicial sense than horror. the Bible has a fair bit to say about it which takes up most of this book. The author makes a case for the existence of the somewhat historical tradition of hell. He gathers up just about all the verses and chats about them. - That in itself is pretty good - He even does some serious research and shows numerous quotes from historical and current sources on the issue.

I found this bit amusing - He uses Lutzer and MacArthur and Spurgeon. (no prob there). But then he runs to the back of the short bus and quotes some charismatic crazies. Not a good way to drive home a point. Although the book is published by Charisma House publishers. So it's no surprise.
Weirdly enough, he quotes from John Bunyan's Visions of Heaven and Hell (a book that no actual serious scholar credits to the historical John Bunyan).

Thankfully, there is very little in this book about Bill Wiese's 23 minutes in hell adventure. It's mostly a study on all things Biblically HELL. And a rather good one at that. He tries to sort out how demons get to physically abuse mankind for all eternity... but fails. I'm still not convinced. since worms don't die and decompose --- i'm guessing that human bodies will not be falling apart and being dismembered for the remaining awkward eternity (leave that stuff for Muslim's and Hindu's to sort out in their sacred writings. Yes, read up on Allah's tortures and the goddess Kali's brutal nastiness, even Buddhist's have hell-beings and issues of Cosmic horror.)

This author tries to answer a whole lot of questions regarding hell. He generally does pretty good. But fails in the deep theological department. (he should read more Spurgeon and MacArthur and stop hanging around the charismatic looneys)

But for those interested: it's a pretty good book. But it's always better to just read the Bible. Read it slowly.

Okay, one issue he did get me thinking about was the immediate after-life of Abraham's Bosom (paradise?) and the waiting chamber for non-Christian sinners (hades?). Basically Luke 16:19-31.

22“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23and his soul went to the place of the dead.f There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.
24“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

Not exactly heaven and hell. Has the rich man been judged yet? Not sure. Is Lazarus in the New Jerusalem City with Jesus? Don’t think so. I'm thinking there's a waiting place (is it buried in the center of the Earth? Which many Bible verses hint at? Who knows. ) Kind of FLAMEY like the center of the Earth though. I'll look into it more.

Since the author was probably a rich real-estate guy who's a Charismatic with minimal theology - It's safe to question and doubt much that he has to say. But it is cool that he rounded up all the HELL verses in the Bible. But some of those need to be kept in their context as well.
book is a fun resource to have.

Best not to go to Hell. Not even to visit Hellboy or Ghost Rider. (even though that might be cool)

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am normally very suspicious and cynical towards all out of body experiences / visions claimed by born-again believers, none has been engrained in my mind as authentic such as Bill Wiese's vision of Hell. If one has not read the first encounter of the actual vision, they would do well to watch the YouTube presentation which is simply astounding, biblically accurate, and moving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmrTfy...

With that being said, "Hell: Separate Truth from Fiction" is a secondary follow-up book that he wrote to refute the taboos about hell, and all of the fallacious misunderstandings as well. Wiese is not a biblical scholar, to the contrary, I think he is honestly just a lawyer or business man, but he is a serious student of the Scriptures, as he wields the sword of the spirit - which is self evident in the amount of bible verses he has memorized - with tenacity, and quotes hundreds of bible verses as references in this book which he does a great job at explaining the truth, according to the Scriptures, about hell.

This might not be the first book to "run out and buy," but it's definitely worth a gander and read through.

Brent M. McCulley (10/17/13)

[Tim]

Another book by Bill Wiese; just in case there were people in the world that were not scared shitless of the Christian God, we are treated again to the descriptions of Hell and it's just as horrifying as his other travesty, "23 minutes in Hell".
You know, I am of the opinion that Bill Wiese is doing the world a valuable service: He is exposing the dangerous cult of Christianity in a way that an unbeliever could never do.
Allow me to explain; the Christian bible does in fact state that Christ did not come to bring peace, but a sword....to turn brother against brother, mother against son, etc. IF the bible is to be taken literally, then it is crystal clear that the God described in the Christian bible is a monster worthy of our contempt.
If the Christian bible is figurative, then books by this author are completely unnecessary.
If the Christian bible is to be read at times figuratively and at other times literally, then what are the rules governing when do do which?

Alas, there is none, and that is the reason there are hundreds of Christian factions and why they cannot agree.
Bill's book is a recapping of the same of fear induced insanity that causes many to adopt the ready made guilt religion that is Christianity. If you have the ability to think for yourself, avoid this rag.
If you need your beliefs to be gift wrapped and you are susceptible to fear inducing pabulum, then enjoy.
Welcome to the flock; prepare to be fleeced.

[Marc Pugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost interest about 100 pages into this book. I found it to conflict with other more enjoyable reads. The author, like many others, puts forth his own opinions as if they were fact. Some of these opinions weren't really built up or explained. He seemed to want the reader to take him for his word. He needs to research the difference between truth and fiction. Perhaps it got better or I should have focused more while reading but the truth is there is a mountain of other books next to my nightstand that I'd rather dive into right now.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to believe about this book, in general, but I know that from the first time I saw it on a book shelf I wanted to read it to find out for myself. Definitely makes me pray a little harder each night, although the philosophical question is then: does the crooked motivation cancel out? I'll just leave that for the more philosophically minded friends I have, because I sure can't tackle that one.

[Rodeweeks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Turn or burn again... in this day and age *sigh*. However, this was not even the worst - I was fully prepared to struggle through the book (with the lingering and depressing feeling of uncomfortableness) all the while pointing out flaws in the argument to myself and shaking my head at the generalisations being made. Obviously everyone outside the authors brand of Christianity does not understand anything and are exactly the same in their thoughts and opposition to Christianity. Thus I made it to chapter 12 with the title "What makes Christianity unique?", but here I reached the limits of my patience with stupid arguments. When Christians start talking about other religions... I really wish they would first try to learn more about those religions and actually try to understand them. First of all, no matter how many books about other religions you read written by Christian authors - that does not mean you now know anything about them (tip - Billy Graham is the worst source to quote on other religions). Try to at least read some books written by authors of the said religions and, if you can get over your fear of all the perceived demons, go talk with practitioners of the religions and ask the meanings of their practices. Secondly, if you are a theologian or a pastor or some other Christian minister, do not compare your understanding of Christianity with that of a normal practitioner of another religion - they have priests and high learned people in their faith as well. It may surprise you that normal, more ignorant practitioners of Christianity also belief stuff which may lead them to offer their children or kill people because God said so. And don't tell me those people who kill in the name of Christianity and God were not real believers! If you do, surely you should then understand that there is ignorant believers in other religions who does not have a high understanding of their faith. Third, even the higher educated believers and priests of other religions are human - just like all the scandals that focused on high Christian leaders who stole money or touched children inappropriately. Fourth, stop using a Christian dictionary when you interpret the words used by other faiths. There is differences and similarities between Christianity and other religions - acknowledge it, accept it and stop thinking you are the only one who know anything. There is much more to be said, but I think I will stop this rant here. Please people...

[Kevin Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should become the definitive text on the subject of hell. Wiese gives the many "what's and whys" about hell and offers the solution for it's escape. It is easy to read, enormously informative and scripture is abundant and with explanations. Great job Bill! kc

[571czoar Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

571 zoar churcch road
Salemburg NC 283585
Brandon butler
Noith calona
Nc 283585
9109901575
Butlerbrandon017@gmail.com
P.o box office 740

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con una base escritural, excelente!! Bien fundamentado....

[Manuel Beato · Rating 2 out of 5]

26/9/19

[571czoar Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salemburg nc 2835i5 noith Carolina brandon017Gmail.com
Zoar church road

[Denim ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this explanatory book as an addition and answer to so many questions from the first book....

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I agree with all his doctrine but it was an interesting read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

23 Questions About Hell: Everything You Want - And Need - To Know! by Bill Wiese

“Bill Wiese’s story is the most credible I have ever investigated.”
- Sid Roth, host, It’s Supernatural! TV

New York Times best-selling Author, Bill Wiese of 23 Minutes in Hell has published a follow-up called 23 Questions in Hell: Everything You Want - And Need - To Know! Since his first book, many people wrote asking hundreds of questions about hell and eternity. Bill offers Biblical answers to questions like - “Isn’t God Mean for Making Hell?”, “Is the fire in hell real or metaphorical?”, “How does the Christian religion differ from any other?” and twenty more questions. Also, included with the book is a bonus DVD about his visit and experiences in hell. His story is quite amazing.

A few years back my family had the opportunity to work with a traveling ministry called Final Exit. They were a team of volunteers that set up various stages in the life of a teenager on a road to destruction. The goal was to witness and win souls for heaven. Near the end of the program they all had a walk through hell. One of my teenager daughters was among the many teens that worked that scene. Many people would come through and scream or cry. Obviously, hell will be nothing like that scene. If you want to learn more about it, I recommend reading 23 Questions About Hell. Where you spend eternity does matter.

[Wyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book poses what the author thinks are the 23 most asked questions about hell and proceeds to give biblical references that answer those questions. Some of them are very good and when you read the book you should have your favourite bible version handy to look up those references. There were several answers that were provided that looked at aspects of the situation that I had never thought about before, for instance, hell is not "just" separation from God but rather a total lack of God. It is dark because God is light, it is chaos because Jesus is the Prince of Peace and other things like that. Definitely helpful in helping the reader to establish a ground for his own beliefs. Whether you believe that the author caught a glimpse of hell depends of course on your basic belief about life and death. The author keeps mentioning that the descriptions are strictly biblical and not his own opinions. The answers are written in a manner that everyone can understand and many of the questions do pertain to today's lack of belief in a God which includes heaven and hell

[Jean Pierre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book that elaborates on the themes that were touched upon in his first book 23 minutes in hell. This book is great at finding rational ways to evangelize to a society that prides itself in its ability to rationalize everything. I think the author focuses to many pages on why alternate doctrines (not biblically supported) about hell are incorrect but it cause the book to be a bit long winded at the end causing me to lose my interest. Overall this is a good book and a must read for individuals looking to preach the Good News (the gospel of Jesus) and do not know how to deliver his message to the naysayers of the world.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read Bill Wiese's first book "23 minutes in Hell", I wanted to read his second book. This book is good in respect that it will help you answer questions that could be asked on this subject. I also liked that he didn't repeat too much from his first book. He presents questions that were directed to him after people read his first book and if he doesn't know the answer, he will quote other biblical scholars and bible sources to help you come to your own conclusion. I would recommend both of his books to anyone studying the biblical doctrine of Hell.

[Scottie]

This is a great follow up book to Mr. Wiese's first book "23 minutes in Hell". I am on page 101. If there are unbelievers in the world that think this is just a book to scare you, or that Christians are "narrow minded" then you should at least read this with an open mind. There are many answers in it that cover things that anyone could ask. His other book "23 Questions about Hell" is short and concise, very easy to read and answers good questions with scriptural backing. Scaring people about Hell isn't the idea, it's giving people the knowledge to make a choice for eternity.

[Timothy McNeil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never mind that the book isn't really about Hell (excepting the argument that Hell is a real, literal place). Wiese presents a brand of Christian thinking without any regard for critical examination and with an overindulgence in false equivalencies, false dilemmas, and inconsistent representation of the same verses. It is valuable in that it does represent a type of belief, but hardly something with which one who is serious about Faith should be bothered.

[Kcthinker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a binary look at life.

Bill may display his sincerity, his OBE was just an endorsement of want he has been told and what he wants to see what happens.

Bill lack a lot evidence (beyond scripture listing) for me to be 100% or even 3% on board, with his belief.

As of to date, OBE are hallucinations.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you think about your spiritual future. It is an enticing read.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an expansion on the first book of 23 minutes in Hell. Valuable info for those who truly need to know what lies ahead for those who never accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior.

[Lafayette Cates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. The author should've spend more time writing about his experience visiting Hell instead of spending most of his time quoting the Bible. Still very informative though.

[Asnaldo Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

De fácil lectura y aborda varios aspectos relacionados al infierno. Muy bueno!!

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to Strang Book Group for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still skeptical on the validity of his experience...but who am I to judge?