The Road to Hell: Everlasting Torment or Annihilation?

by David Pawson

The author affirms the reality of death and eternal punishment and uses biblical texts to prove his point.

Genres: Theology, Christian

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Kaitlyn]

I just skimmed it. This one was more of an study than a testimony, which was nice for the diversity of format. It will be good to supplement pure experience with data for the Encountering Eternity tent.

[Vu Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book for christian

[Fiery · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Road to Hell: Everlasting Torment or Annihilation?" is a good explanation of all Jesus' sayings about hell (including those in Revelation). I learned some new points that I've never heard, that hell is a final destination of torment that is still prepared and that most (if not all) of the sayings of Jesus about hell are directed as warnings to believers in God.
The book is mostly concerned on the question: "What will hell be like, everlasting torment or annihilation?". Today we really need an answer to that question, because concept about annihilation sounds really convenient for anyone who believes in God of love, who can't in his love throw any man in hell to be tormented forever.

Regarding explanation about hell, I was a little disappointed that there is no Old Testament background about Hades (which I found is used 63 times with Strong's index H7585 in KJV). Indeed, David Pawson mentions that Hades and Hell are two different places, but at least we need that background, because both places seems to be related. For example, one of the cases where Hades is mentioned is where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram went down alive in Hades. So, even if we look only in the New Testament we will see that epistle of Judas gives a strong warning and includes that OT case as "perished in the gainsaying of Core".

Finally, I give 4 stars (out of 5), because the book starts with the conclusions and ends with the explanations of each Bible text. This makes it hard for reading and following. In addition, no excerpts of the Bible texts are included. This is very inconvenient, because I read on a Kindle and I can't open two books simultaneously. I read authors explanation to open my Bible next to his book, but that just can't be done with eBook readers, yet.

I read the Kindle edition. ASIN: B004W4M6LQ

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the end of the day I remain unconvinced that his thesis is true. This does not mean I am an annhihilationist. It seems like scripture is simply unclear about hell. Even though it would not be difficult to be clear.

Something I would've like to see is a brief historical survey on hell. Also, his angle about Jesus teaching on hell primarily (perhaps exclusively) to his disciples is likely to be less significant than he makes it out to be. Since when do Christians look at who Jesus is speaking to in order to decide to whom something should be preached? Individual gospels were written to specific groups and the four intended audiences were all likely to have been churches/believers.

Regardless, as an introductory text on hell, there's nothing wrong with this book.
Side note, I didn't read, much less do, the Bible studies at the end of the book.

[Philip · Rating 1 out of 5]

David Pawson doesn't engage in any of the strongest arguments for Conditional Immortality (also known as annihilationism) and doesn't seem to realise the scriptural case as presented by Fudge and Stott. The argument he presents isn't even close to a main CI argument and many of the traditional conclusions he makes are jumps from Revelation into Jesus teaching which is far less clear than made out. Those looking into this discussion should read Two Views on Hell or The Fire that consumes by Edward Fudge.

I greatly respect Pawson's teaching and writing but this book is not an in depth insight into the scriptural view of judgement and death.

[Mrs Vanessa Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Challenge!

This is a hugely contentious issue for us in our time. As always, David Pawson is meticulous in his analysis of the Bible on this topic. I recommend it, not because it is an easy read, but because we need Biblical truth expounded in these days. I will have to read the entire volume again - it is meaty! The passages for analysis in the second half are particularly absorbing.

[Asnaldo Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

He leído varios libros de este autor y ninguno decepciona, este tampoco lo hace... David presenta claros argumentos que prueban la existencia de un lugar eterno de tormento y como lejos de contradecir el carácter de Dios lo ratifica

[James Heunis · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book left my spirit feeling fearful of "placing one foot wrong" and ending up in hell. It did provide many accurate facts about hell as a reality for the unsaved, but I think it does harm to the faith and assurance of any genuine believer reading it. His message to Christians empties the cross of it's finished work and seems to deprive God of much of the glory that he deserves from achieving the redemption and final salvation of man. The object of our faith should not be anchored in our own self-efforts but rather on the merits of Christ and his righteousness alone.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several great insights in here. He agrees that "once saved, always saved" doesn't make sense, and from there it opens the door to talk with pagans about hell if we posture ourselves as also being in danger of ending up there if we fall away ... a non-arrogant posturing that is necessary.

[Jeanine van Putten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een zeer leerzaam boek, en in tegenstelling tot wat de titel doet denken juist ook positief!