DBH's latest classic.

Witty, erudite and above all convincing. Even if it won't convince everyone, the logical force of his argument (that if God is good, and if goodness means what we think it means, then eternal conscious torment is not on the cards) will make many people sit up and listen.

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A perfectly crafted argument, but exactly what you expect

I doubt they anyone going into this has any misgivings about what the author believes, or where the conclusion will lead.

He does a brilliant job of laying out a (nearly) watertight argument against the idea of hell as a place of eternal torment, or eternal separation from God, or even as some sort of metaphorical description of annihilation.

It still does not escape from the fact that Jesus talks in metaphors of eternal fire, and of gnashing teeth and all the rest, but the author addresses this very reasonably and honestly - and as you’d expect lands on the side that this is metaphor, or mistranslation etc.

I personally feel convinced, but I expect that’s because I innately believed the premise going in.

Regardless, a genuinely spectacular book, well read, and incredibly useful. Would highly recommend.

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Really tough going but well worth it

We desperately need a book like this
The Cof E abolished the doctrine of a physical hell of torment, though a sermon of John Donne’s is harder to deal with when he suggests that the real punishment would be abandonment by God after death; so a well argued theology with insights borrowed from other disciplines is necessary in order to help avoid slick sentimentality and accusations of ‘cheap grace.’
This is very challenging stuff and there are places where the author seems to have swallowed a dictionary, and for someone as averse to dogma as sharp seems to be, he’s occasionally less than humble himself, but all in an essentially good cause.
With as much shallow and self-righteous biblicism around in not churches, these lines of ordered and scholarly thinking and meditations are like gold dust.
The reading is superb: Deric Perkins reads this and other theology with real clarity and understanding, which is really just as well in this case, but thanks a bunch

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant and persuasive

Not an easy subject to be tackling, but DBH’s arguments are compelling and seem irrefutable. I have considered myself a ‘hopeful universalist’ for some time, but this book gives me more confidence, with sound theological, philosophical and historical backing, to ‘come out’ as a universalist. If you’re intrigued, on the fence, set against or already on side, this is a book definitely worth reading. DBH writes with his usual exquisite selection of words-I’ve-never-heard, but also with a fresh level of humour I’ve not previously noticed in his work. Well read for the audio also.

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4 people found this helpful

A brilliant book exposing the absurdity of Hell.

This is a brilliant book which covers a subject which has long interested me - the concept of God creating Hell for the eternal torment of “sinners” and unbelievers. The author demolishes this brick by brick and exposes the sheer nastiness of a churches propagating this sadistic and psychopathic concept. As with Purgatory, it was a means of keeping the faithful in line through terror and, with Purgatory, a good means of revenue for Popes who, laughingly, had the power to reduce your time spent there….oh, for a fee, of course. Really, the essence of this book is pure common sense and compassion but also backed up by the most exhaustive research. A tremendous achievement.

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Speaks with authority

Great book for those who, while still in the grips of orthodox paradigms, are yet humble enough to seek a better and more accurate understanding of scripture with regards to the topic at hand. To those already free from juvenile misconceptions of religion, this book provides a collection of arguments carefully referenced in scripture and thus could be used for formulating sermons. To those afflicted by personal fears and losses related to the topic, this book might provide solace and comfort so you can rest assured all is, and shall be well.

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Hyperbolic totally coherent argument for universal ism

Hart writes in an engaging way. He clearly has a deep grasp of Scripture and philosophy and wields both swords with aplomb!
Hyperbolic is used in a complimentary way.

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This book changed my mind

I wasn't a universalist. I listened to the arguments. Now I am a universalist. So I guess the book did its job. DBH raises many issues I hadn't thought of and this book certainly makes you confront the absurdity of eternal punishment. Well worth the effort.... even if ultimately, you don't agree with his conclusions. But the case he makes is compelling!

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Good argument against Hell

I felt I heard an excellent and concise argument against Hell. Although the book was on universal salvation. I am not sure the case for universal salvation is as strong in the book and further reading on my part may be required. I feel basing a presumption on all shall be saved was only God will be all in all is a large theological jump.

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An unflinching powerhouse. Wonderful.

I can't put into words what this book means to me. I found it life-changing. An inescapably coherent, demolition of a lifelong stronghold. Thanks for your efforts David Bentley Heart.

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