Concerning Hell - by Paul Copan & Christopher M Date (Paperback)

About the Book

In this first-of-its-kind volume, respected Christian scholars lay out the case for both sides of the debate and engage in a multidisciplinary dialogue. Proponents of eternal conscious punishment and conditionalism argue from their respective expertise in biblical theology, exegesis, historical theology, systematic theology, philosophy, and pastoral theology. Each scholar then responds directly to his specialist counterpart, allowing readers to thoughtfully evaluate the strengths and nuances of each case.

Book Synopsis

United in their commitment to faithful orthodoxy, scholars on both sides of this controversial doctrine invite you to consider a question central to understanding God's justice: What is the true nature of hell?

Throughout history, most Christians have believed that the lost will endure eternal suffering in hell. In recent decades, however, a growing number of evangelicals have questioned this view and embraced alternatives such as conditional immortality (also called conditionalism or annihilationism).

In this first-of-its-kind volume, respected Christian scholars lay out the case for both sides of the debate and engage in a multidisciplinary dialogue. Proponents of eternal conscious punishment and conditionalism argue from their respective expertise in biblical theology, exegesis, historical theology, systematic theology, philosophy, and pastoral theology. Each scholar then responds directly to his specialist counterpart, allowing readers to thoughtfully evaluate the strengths and nuances of each case.

What you'll find in Concerning Hell:

• Explores this highly debated doctrine with thoughtful clarity and charitable engagement
• Gives voice to the leading advocates for both eternal conscious punishment and conditionalism
• Pairs experts within specific fields to engage with nuanced scholarly evidence and arguments
• Nurtures understanding and mutual respect between diverse theological views
• Equips readers to analyze the evidence and draw informed conclusions

Ultimately, the editors and contributors invite Christians to reconsider assumptions and seek truth in light of Scripture, reason, and the character of God. If you are searching for a comprehensive, scholarly resource on the doctrine of hell that will enrich your learning, research, and theological engagement, Concerning Hell is your essential guide.

About the Contributors

Contributors to this volume are scholars from a variety of fields and include Paul R. Williamson, Glenn A. Peoples, James. R. Wicker, Christopher M. Date, D. Jeffrey Bingham, David Instone-Brewer, Shawn Bawulski, John C. Peckham, R. Zachary Manis, Matthew Flannagan, Chip Bennett, Ralph G. Bowles, and Paul Copan.

About the Author

Paul Copan (PhD, Marquette University) is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is author or editor of many books, including An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, Is God a Moral Monster?, and Is God a Vindictive Bully?

Christopher M. Date represents a global movement known as Rethinking Hell. He coedited Rethinking Hell: Readings in Evangelical Conditionalism and A Consuming Passion: Essays on Hell and Immortality in Honor of Edward Fudge. He is adjunct professor of Bible and Theology at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary and head of engineering at Biblingo, which makes software for learning biblical languages.