Why Hell?: Three Christian Views Critically Examined

by Steve Gregg

Most people believe that hell is the final state of the condemned following the final judgment. At the same time, many people cannot comprehend why God created hell for the unsaved. Respected church fathers held a variety of views dating back to the early centuries of the church. This book explains views on why hell unending suffering, the annihilation of the unrepentant, and the rehabilitation of the lost. Most Christians are unaware of the scriptural basis for each of these positions. Why Hell? is meant to educate the interested reader without advocating for any one point of view. The following are some of the book's

Biblical vocabulary of hell and positions held throughout early Christian historyPositive cases presented on three traditionalist, conditionalist, and restorationistCritiques of each viewHelpful charts at the back of the book that summarize and cross-examine the arguments for each viewSteve Gregg provides food for thought for both trained theologians and serious Christian readers who want all the data and then consider for themselves the consequences of three Christian perspectives on hell.

Genres: Theology, Christian

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Craig Vasiliev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking book. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
What I like the most is that you are given facts as well as opinions on this subject. None of these are given in a manner that leaves the impression that the author is trying to sway you in one way or another. You are simply given things to contemplate here. Leaving your final opinion on this topic to be yours and yours alone. Using the information that was provided for you here.

[Timothy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstandingly written with as honest an attempt to convey each perspective as I could imagine. As well as he tries to shield it, in the end I believe I can see where his true sympathies lie. Then again perhaps that is me reading into it my own digested views. That would only make it more beautiful. I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a well written concise summary of all current evangelical views on hell and the age(s) to come.

[Steve Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the same book as his other one (All you want to know about hell) which has way more ratings.

This book will now be my go-to for explaining the case for and against the 3 most popolar doctrines of hell. Eternal torment, annihilation and restoration. I was already leaning towards, but am now more convinced of restorationism.

The author does an excellent job of presenting the facts in an unbiased manner and sources all the top scholars opinions along the way.

[Jon Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregg discusses three views of hell: traditional (eternal suffering), annihilation, and Restoration (aka Evangelical Universalism). Gregg discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each view without clearly declaring which view he holds to. Though he works to be fair to all views, the agenda of the book seems to be (1) to take away confidence in the eternal suffering view and (2) to give more support & recognition to annihilation and restoration views.

Overall, it's a helpful book in understanding different perspectives on key texts on this topic.

[Joseph McClaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does a great job of giving fair and compelling arguments for all three sides. Can obviously tell where he leans, but he stays objective as possible. Entertaining and informative book.

[Francis Szarejko · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author thinks he is a theologian but he is really full of crap. Don't spend your money on this book.