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The Hell There Is: An Exploration of an Often-Rejected Doctrine of the Church
“Of all the theological errors commonly held today, the most popular is surely the denial of the doctrine of hell.”
—Msgr. Charles Pope
Even self-described Christians question whether God would consign anyone to hell. Msgr. Pope explains this false perception: “If it exists at all, it is largely empty, except perhaps for a few serial killers or genocidal maniacs like Hitler.” People who adopt this belief are ignoring Jesus’s teachings that instruct the exact opposite.
In The Hell There Is, Msgr. Pope defends the doctrine of hell against doubters and skeptics. The reader will learn how God has largely been refashioned and trivialized in much of modern thinking. The God of Scripture has been replaced by the “Jesus I know,” who would never impose demands on anyone. As in the past, those nowadays who invent their own god engage in idolatry. By denying the existence of hell, they choose a false god who is indifferent to their spiritual condition over the true God who makes demands on those He desires to save.
Msgr. Pope argues persuasively why hell plays a central role in God’s plan of salvation, based on a detailed examination of the scriptural evidence. A thorough explication of the teachings of Jesus on hell provides a convincing refutation of commonly heard claims that He never spoke about eternal punishment. Important questions about hell are answered completely based on sources from both Scripture and Tradition, including theologically sound insights from Dante’s Inferno. Through this edifying book, readers will come to better understand, and renew belief in, the doctrine of hell.
—Msgr. Charles Pope
Even self-described Christians question whether God would consign anyone to hell. Msgr. Pope explains this false perception: “If it exists at all, it is largely empty, except perhaps for a few serial killers or genocidal maniacs like Hitler.” People who adopt this belief are ignoring Jesus’s teachings that instruct the exact opposite.
In The Hell There Is, Msgr. Pope defends the doctrine of hell against doubters and skeptics. The reader will learn how God has largely been refashioned and trivialized in much of modern thinking. The God of Scripture has been replaced by the “Jesus I know,” who would never impose demands on anyone. As in the past, those nowadays who invent their own god engage in idolatry. By denying the existence of hell, they choose a false god who is indifferent to their spiritual condition over the true God who makes demands on those He desires to save.
Msgr. Pope argues persuasively why hell plays a central role in God’s plan of salvation, based on a detailed examination of the scriptural evidence. A thorough explication of the teachings of Jesus on hell provides a convincing refutation of commonly heard claims that He never spoke about eternal punishment. Important questions about hell are answered completely based on sources from both Scripture and Tradition, including theologically sound insights from Dante’s Inferno. Through this edifying book, readers will come to better understand, and renew belief in, the doctrine of hell.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2025
21 people want to read
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August 14, 2025
This slender treatment on the doctrine of Hell by Msgr Pope comes with several worthy theological and moral insights, especially on the wrath of God, the eternal quality of Hell, and the error of universalism. Pope also devotes a chapter to Jesus’ own words about Hell and I found it impactful to have them all grouped together and commented on.
My only real critique of this book is that it’s not nearly long enough. At only 145 pages (hardcover) it didn’t feel proportionate either to its price or its subject matter. I was hoping for something substantive and left wanting much more from it. If Pope writes additional volumes on purgatory and Heaven I will definitely be interested, but looking for a higher page count.
Would recommend as a beginner-type book for anyone looking to be reminded of the reality of Hell.
4/5 stars
My only real critique of this book is that it’s not nearly long enough. At only 145 pages (hardcover) it didn’t feel proportionate either to its price or its subject matter. I was hoping for something substantive and left wanting much more from it. If Pope writes additional volumes on purgatory and Heaven I will definitely be interested, but looking for a higher page count.
Would recommend as a beginner-type book for anyone looking to be reminded of the reality of Hell.
4/5 stars
Displaying 1 of 1 review