Hell: A Final Word

I was already a believer it conditional immortality. I read the book 'Hell Know', and loved the arguments and biblical presentation in that 300+ page work. But found it a little condescending. I have a family member who was raised with the traditional view of hell. After hight school, a close friend of his, who was not walking with the Lord, died tragically on his motorcycle after a night of heavy drinking. Sad to say even years later, he finds it difficult to worship or love the God who is torturing his friend in Hell. While no atheist, he just does not want much to do with a God who would do that. I wanted to find something less condescending for the sake of his family as I hope they read it as well. Fudge presents his findings with meekness. Unfortunately, a little too meek. I didn't think my nephew would read a 500 pg work so ordered this as a 'light' version. I have to confess I'm disappointed. If I were a reader of Fudge's previous work and wanted to know more about his process and story, I think I would appreciate this work. But I had not read is other works. As an introduction to conditional immortality, he does not jump right into it, but saves that for the end. He starts with a brief story of his life, and his major work, "The Fire that Consumes." It was a quick read, and perhaps I overly skimmed. I just didn't think he had any wit, and didn't present things in a convincing way. As I read the reviews, I realize I'm a minority in this opinion. Perhaps if you are new to this theology, you may find it eye opening. I'm not new to it, so found it weak. I was just hoping for a more powerful and convincing presentation. I probably should have purchased one of his other works. I Don't want to discourage anyone from ordering. But I realized I should have ordered one of his previous works. At the end of the day, I think I'm going to give my nephew my copy of 'Hell Know' by Dirk Warren because his presentation is more convincing. If only sharp wit and meekness could be found in one work.

This is basically a primer of Fudge’s lengthy study “The Fire That Consumes.” And he does an excellent job of building his argument based on scripture rather than tradition and a philosophy that began with Plato. I highly recommend it for the curious Bible student. It will give anyone interested a way to answer those who ask “How can anyone worship a God who condemns all unbelievers to the same eternal torture as He does satan?” Fudge’s case for annihilationism offers a Biblical response from our just a compassionate Lord.

Easy reading of a summation of his former works on the subject of hell.. A theologian that has done his homework on the subject and argues from scripture with a conviction that is credible and shakes the tree of what most have come to accept on the subject. Through study and reexamination I conclude that the integrity and character of God has found it's proper place in glorification.

This is a well-written, concise thesis on the fate of those who reject the Lord Jesus. The traditional view of hell is that people thrown into it are doomed to suffer torture for eternity. Like many others, I have long wondered if this view was in keeping with the character of God. I also wondered how the saved would be able to enjoy the eternal blessings promised by the Lord, while simultaneously knowing there are people in agonizing torment 24 hours a day. Edward Fudge challenges the traditional views of hell and punishment by comparing all the biblical contexts dealing with the fate of the lost, and by allowing the bible itself to define the terms used in these contexts. What emerges is a very different picture that rings of truth rather than medieval superstition. If readers are interested in his more in-depth research on the topic, I recommend reading Mr. Fudge's ground-breaking book, "The Fire that Consumes."

This information is so obvious, I don't know how I managed to miss it all my life. Even if you don't buy the book, please watch the movie, Hell and Mr. Fudge...it explains enough. That movie is why I bought the book. It changed my life and my entire view on Christianity...for the better...and more truthful. Just give it a chance!

Most Christians believe what they believe because of "traditionalism" and they assume those before them and those in the pulpit have done an open minded thorough Bible study of the issues they teach. THAT'S NOT TRUE. - - Few take the time like Edward Fudge to do a thorough and unrestrained RESEARCH.This issue effects how we see God. The weight of scriptures (over 80 verses) tell us that man is not immortal and that Hell will be a place of destruction and perishing - NOT eternal torture. Only two controversial passages in Matthew and Revelation give a hint that Hell 'might' allow the traditionalists view. However, the tremendous weight shows that John 3:16 (perish) and Romans 6:23 (death) mean exactly that.Read this and ask yourself if you agree with Fudge that the traditional view of Hell is a TERRIBLE misrepresentation of God's CHARACTER.

This little book is fantastic! Concise and readable. You get Fudge's life story AND his arguments for his view of hell. Then, if you want more, you can watch the movie "Hell and Mr. Fudge" with the requisite foreknowledge. Or you can see Fudge himself quickly go thru his arguements on-line for free at a live one-hour lecture at the Lanier Theological Library website. Then, if you gotta do it all, you hitch up your pants and try to wade thru his humongus tome "Hell, The Fire That Consumes". Good luck with that.

I read "Two Views of Hell" A Biblical & Theological Dialogue by Edward William Fudge and Robert A. Peterson and wasn't completely convinced. You see, I have spent my entire Christian life believing the traditional view, but Mr. Fudge through his excellent debate with Mr. Peterson and then, his book, "Hell, A Final Word", and especially his study of the Old Testament has me convinced. Complete annihilation of the unsaved, the wicked, Satan and his evil is real, yes, the "Final Word". May God grant us the time to win as many as will believe on His Son and receive the reward of eternal life with Him.

To read my review see, ‘’A Fire That Consumes.’’ I highly recommend this book as the writing is small in both books and the subject is dense. In fact, had this book been published sooner I would probably not have bothered with the first one.

This is an important book as it presents a Biblically sound view of the future of believers and unbelievers after the judgement. It also corrects some terrible misconceptions about the nature of God's character.

Very thorough and scriptural analysis of the topic

A superb introductory book that presents the case for conditional immortality, popularly know as 'Annihilationism'. This is not a comprehensive book on the subject and so you may still have a number of questions. So if that is you, you will need to read the premier book on the subject by Fudge called 'The Fire that Consumes'. I don't think it's possible to finish it and not be a conditionist.This is, however, a great place to start and will certainly make it hard to remain a believer in the Augustinian idea of eternal conscious torment.

A brilliant treatise on a subject everybody thinks they know what its all about