Evangelical Christians agree that a dreadful destiny awaits those who reject God¡¯s presence now. According to the traditional majority view, that destiny will involve everlasting conscious torment in hell. However, believers are increasingly questioning the traditional view, finding it unbiblical and inconsistent with God¡¯s own character.This internationally acclaimed book investigates the whole teaching of Scripture on the topic of final punishment, and concludes that hell will involve the irreversible destruction of body and soul, leaving room for whatever degree of conscious torment God justly decrees in any individual case. An Evangelical Book Club Selection.
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"Forceful and to the point. Exceptionally even-handed." -- New Oxford Review
About the Author
Edward William Fudge is a Christian theologian, Bible teacher, church leader and practicing attorney. He has a graduate degree in biblical languages and a doctorate in law. His books have been published by InterVarsity Press, Baker Book House and Paternoster Press; his articles by Christianity Today and other periodicals. He maintains an international Internet ministry at www.EdwardFudge.com.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By Babu
Format:Paperback
Edward Fudge presents excellent Biblical and exegetical arguments refuting the long traditional belief and doctrine about hell. The Bible teaches eternal punishment. But what is that eternal punishment? Is it eternal suffering or ultimately eternal destruction or loss of life? Is God's righteous wrath an end in itself or is God's righteous wrath a means to an end? Will a holy God allow sin and sinner to exist eternally in hell? Is eternal suffering necessary to satisfy God's eternal justice? Does the Bible really teach that everyone has an immortal soul? If the wicked will not suffer eternally how do we explain phrases in Scripture such as "unquenchable fire", "eternal fire", " ... where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth forever and ever." How can we logically and Biblically explain such phrases if those who go to hell will not suffer eternally? Edward Fudge Biblically answers these questions in his book "The Fire That Consumes." For those who may be interested I supplement what Edward Fudge says in my essay "The Bible Vs. The Traditional View of Hell" which can be found on my website at www.religionscience.com. In my essay I also answer some vexing problems and questions not answered in Edward Fudge's book. I am an educated and Reformed Baptist who believes in the Biblical doctrine of conditional immortality and the ultimate final annihilation and eternal destruction of the wicked.
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Edward Fudge takes on the traditional view of hell effectively. It has always disturbed me how ministers routinely repudiate any understanding of scripture that is not tied into their traditions. It is not uncommon for ministers to declare that those who do not believe in eternal conscious torment are deceived, deluded or unbelievers destined for hell. Once the sensationalism is taken out of the subject, one must take a look at the scriptures, the context, and the best interpretation of the original language. Fudge is qualified to do this. He speaks candidly about the infusing of Greek philosophy and ideas into the the early Church's understanding of the scriptures and the immortality of the soul, both its pre-birth and post-death states. (Plato believed that the soul was eternal before birth and after birth.) It is common to believe in judgment after death for the deeds done in the body; all major religions have this creed. Scripture does say "He has placed eternity in our hearts." This is a reminder, like conscience that we belong to Him. But to say that the notion or idea of an eternal hell is essential to being a sound believer is a stretch to say the least. Conditionalism is a legitimate alternative, scripturally sound and consistent with both Testaments. Fudge could be wrong on this point; I could be wrong on this point, but at least we are willing to admit that; traditionalists will not concede an inch.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By R. Bailey
Format:Paperback
Fudge is not a Bible rejecting liberal who cannot believe that a loving God could send anyone to hell. Rather, he is a solidly conservative Bible believing scholar who is determined to root his faith and doctrine in Scripture. As such, he makes a very compelling argument from Scripture that the soul is not immortal. He deals, exaustively and effectively, with each of the proof texts that traditionalists use to support the idea that hell is a conscious eternal torment, and brings light to passages that most have only assumed they understand. The author is fair enough to point out where his own arguments are weak. But after thoroughly reading this book, and then looking at several systematic theologies and explanations which support the traditional view, I now find that the traditional view is the one that is lacking support.
For those who dare to undertake an honest look at what they thought was an "established" Biblical fact, and be shaken in their long held belief, I highly recommend this book. But for those who are content to simply believe what they have always heard, I recommend that they stay away.
For those who dare to undertake an honest look at what they thought was an "established" Biblical fact, and be shaken in their long held belief, I highly recommend this book. But for those who are content to simply believe what they have always heard, I recommend that they stay away.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE MOST COMPELLING RECENT CASE FOR THE "CONDITIONALIST"...
Edward William Fudge (born 1944) is a theologian and lawyer (and former Church of Christ minister), who has written/contributed to books such as Hell: A Final Word, Two Views of... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steven H. Propp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Important tool
This book was referred to me by my good friend Richard Halversen. It really explains God's final judgment in great detail. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Charles S. Pugh
5.0 out of 5 stars
A truly merciful God
At last! A logical and systematic approach to this subject that the general church has neglected--well done, Edward. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mark Grant Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of the...
I purchased this book because I wished to know the origin and history of the movement of certain erronous doctriness into the Christian movement; the doctrines of the immortality... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Edwin A Noyes M.D. MPH
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb review of this subject
This writer examines the various view on what happens when we die and where we will spend eternity. He gives great explanations for each view and then explains what he believes is... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Glenn Genoway
2.0 out of 5 stars
A HARD SUBJECT, BUT THE BIBLE GIVES WARNINGS
This issue is getting some attention lately in books and the internet. but it's
not new. I once had a book about a debate on this very subject that was done
c.1840. Read more
not new. I once had a book about a debate on this very subject that was done
c.1840. Read more
Published 13 months ago by AL
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great (Although Not Flawless) Exposition of What The Bible Teaches...
This book is a must have for any serious examination on what the Bible really teaches about final judgment. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Djcool955555
3.0 out of 5 stars
From a sinner's perspective
I listened to his presentation because I have always had a great deal of respect for Ed Fudge. I understand how loving Christians would have a hard time accepting eternal torment... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Rod Keen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Big Read but Worth The Effort
This is a subject that may not grab the attention of Christians or non Christians. The latter are not likley to believe in the Biblical doctrine of final punishment at all, whilst... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mr. G. M. Mackley
1.0 out of 5 stars
3rd edition renders earlier versions obsolete
Now that the 3rd edition has been "Fully Updated, Revised, and Expanded," caveat emptor---let the buyer beware---about buying an outdated publication.
Published 22 months ago by M. Clemens
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