Raising Hell: Christianity's Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire [Kindle Edition]

Julie Ferwerda (Author), Stephen Ferwerda (Editor)

Book Description

Have you ever wondered…do earthly parents love their children more than God loves us? Does God ask you to forgive your enemies—as many times as necessary— when He is not willing to do the same? Is being punished forever for sins committed in a short lifetime really a demonstration of justice? Does everybody get the same fair chance to believe in Jesus before they die? Most of all, if hell is mankind’s worst possible fate, and if God is truly loving, then…

- Why does He fail to mention hell in Genesis as the price for sin?
- Why doesn’t the Old Testament ever speak of hell?
- Why does Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, never once mention hell?
- Why was hell not part of early Church established doctrine?

Dare to question. What have you got to lose? If you’ve ever had doubts or questions about the justification for eternal torment, Raising Hell will open your eyes to a radical new look at God’s love for all mankind—and what the Good News is really about. Picking up where Rob Bell and others leave off, Julie Ferwerda offers compelling evidence as to why she now believes the doctrine of eternal torment is the biggest deception of the modern Church.

What people are saying about Raising Hell...

“Mercy triumphs over judgment…brilliant reminder!” —Saint James

“Ms. Ferwerda dares to believe in a victorious gospel, where God actually wins and Satan loses. The author promises much more than God possibly can or will deliver! If you read this book, you may be putting your soul in danger of eternal hellfire!” —Pastor Todd Doubter

“This book fully explains what was meant by the famous declaration of long ago: ‘Good news of great joy shall be for all the people.’ I love it and will buy it for eleven of my friends!” —A. Fisherman

“Julie has not been to seminary and therefore her message is rife with the ignorant heresies you would expect from a regular lay person with no formal training.”
—Dr. Theo Logian PhD, M.Div., D.Min.

“My opinion? Julie Ferwerda is going straight to hell with Rob Bell!”
—The Church Lady

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing. She has authored several inspirational books and many articles, encouraging people of all ages in their faith journey.

Product Details

• File Size: 1691 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0984357815
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Vagabond Group (June 18, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0056U9JHE
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,483 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Truth shall set you free!" June 22, 2011

By Kenneth Eckerty

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Raising Hell" is a must read for all those who have serious questions concerning the image of God as presented by the church in its "turn or burn" theology that has all but dominated Christian teaching since the days of St. Augustine. If you are not afraid to think "outside the box" and ask questions that will both challenge your faith and prepare you for the "best news" of your Christian life, then this book is for you.

Julie writes with both grace and conviction as she presents a historical and biblically-sound analysis of the doctrine of "hell" as taught by the church for the last 1500 years. As I read her book, I was impressed by her ability to present a difficult subject in an easily understandable way without compromising the systematic approach necessary to tackle such a topic. This is a rare find in Christian writers. Julie clearly has the gift of teaching but delivers the material in a loving and graceful manner. I think of the apostle Paul when he says to "speak the truth in love" which mandate she has clearly followed in the writing of this book.

"Raising hell" is:

1. a book that has substance. This is a not a book of fluff. It is well referenced from both the perspective of church history and the holy scriptures. In addressing the question on whether the concept of "hell" is taught in the Bible, a basic understanding of both biblical Hebrew and Greek is necessary in order for us to begin to unlock the truth, and Julie does a superb job in giving us the tools necessary to aid our search. She presents her evidence clearly and systematically taking care to answer any objection the skeptic or cynic might have.... Her discussion of Old Testament covenants and feasts are particularly enlightening in showing us the consistency of God's Word from Genesis to Revelation as it relates to "The Story" as she describes it. I was VERY pleased to see her tackle the widely accepted teaching of the "immortality of the soul" as it is one of the biggest reasons the church has been led to believe "the lie." Additionally, her research of church history is both accurate and clear in showing us that the concept of "eternal hell" was not always the predominant view of the church.
2. a book that is practical. This is not a lofty treatise meant only for the "intellectually gifted." Julie shows us how she arrived at her conclusions and reveals the methodologies and reasonings used in order that we may "prove all things" ourselves. Truth is meant to be shared and she equips the saints with all the tools necessary to share the Good News with others.
3. a book that has heart. Julie writes with humility in her admission that she does not have all the answers. She shares her own struggles with the subject from both a personal and parental perspective. Like in her previous books, she is not afraid to admit her frailties and speaks from her own experiences. As a parent herself, she paints a beautiful picture of the heart of "the heavenly Parent" and we come away with a new and fresh view of God's love for all His children -- both good and bad.
4. a book that gives life. This is by far the greatest gift she gives to us for she presents the work of our Savior in a way that the modern church simply does not understand. She does not limit the work of Christ, but guiding us through the scriptures, she shows us that Christ fulfills the will of the Father in that "none should perish." Christ came to give us "life and that more abundantly" and "Raising Hell" does not disappoint in bringing us the "Good News" that Christ's life is not simply for a "select few."

In conclusion, I can heartily recommend "Raising Hell" as one of the best books I have read on the subject. Julie leaves no stone unturned in her search to find the truth! It is well-researched, convincing, and gracefully communicated. There are many books out there, and no doubt you will want to do additional study but I can think of no better place to start than here. Be prepared to have your faith challenged, your paradigms shattered, and your heart filled with joy and wonderment at the vastness of God's great love!

Ken Eckerty
savior-of-all.com Read more ›

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Raising Hell is a Proper Title Indeed June 22, 2011

By Cocker Mom 3

Format:Kindle Edition

Raising Hell shows exactly how 'hell' was raised and became a part of the church and written in the Bible. Julie provides the who, what, where, when and how 'hell' became such an part of the church and of the Bible itself. She proves without a doubt when and by whom the doctrine came into being.

As one who grew up in churches that believed in a literal hell I understand where most people are at if they are still in one of those churches. It is hard for anyone to listen to something that is totally different than what they have grown up with but as a christian, we have a duty search out the truth. We have a love for the Lord inside of us that calls us to follow him wherever he leads. Julie has done this as many others have also done. To speak ill of her is to do exactly opposite of what Jesus said to do. Jesus said we are to "Love our enemies".

This book includes:
1. Scriptures that take us step by step through her process of unveiling the Truth.
2. Historical proof with dates naming individuals responsible for the false doctrines implanted into the early church. She also provides Historical proof of the major schools of theology that came into being after 70 A.D. and which one is closest or the same as the original teachings of the disciples day.
3. Cultural lessons on how God spoke with the Hebrews all through the Old Testament.
4. Cultural lessons during the time of Jesus. Pointing out how Jesus taught to the crowds verses how he taught his disciples.
5. Julie answers her own questions as well as those asked by many, many people.

Everyone should read this book. It doesn't matter if you are a skeptic or a friend. Julie has done her homework and has found the truth. No matter what others say against her, she knows the truth.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning: potential life and mood altering substance found within ... June 22, 2011

By Terre the Ex Pastor

Format:Kindle Edition

It isn't often you run across a book which you believe if "viral-ized" has the capacity to change a fixed prevailing condition and mindset. Julie Ferwerda's book "Raising Hell" is such a book. Being a seasoned author; and having now three books and numerous articles to her credit, one might expect such a feat. I was nonetheless astounded as a result of her achievement. I have read several books on the subject but none quite so complete and user friendly. I have read a few books which lean towards the didactic and go to imposing and dreary lengths in scholarly dissection of the Greek and Hebrew which certainly has its place. Other books on the subject seem to approach the subject more from a Heart and feel perspective which is also needful but often lacking in complete and biblical answers. In my opinion, Julie hits a grand slam on this one, hitting on both the mind, heart, and the intuitive. She answers with integrity and prowess questions that have given Christianity a black eye for centuries. At times it reads as if a highly competent investigative journalist was overturning every rock for a critical answer to life and its purpose. Other times, it were as if she had read my mind and put precise words to my analytical query's regarding the seeming hypocrisy of God and his apparent Hell invention. As I read, every page unearthed and overturned my assumptions, which I had founded on the sinking sand of my years of illogical church indoctrination.

At the very LEAST, you will walk away from this book with the very foundations of your theological suppositions regarding Hell and God's love expanded and challenged. At BEST, this book has the capacity to wholly change and reshape your worldview and preconditioning--answering questions that may have plagued your weary heart for years.... This book is a godsend for any thinking Christian who demands answers. It truly has the ability to capsize your presuppositions and set you ablaze with a new heart as you embrace a God of unfathomable love, kindness, and purpose. Bravo Julie!! This ex-Pastor gives you a hundred thumbs up for your scholarship, research, passion and immovable and probing heart. I am a HUGE advocate of this book-- it is probably on my top ten books of all time--don't hesitate buying a copy today with my HIGHEST recommendation.

Terre Woodhead Read more ›

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