Religions > Bible > The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of theDoctrine of Final Punishment
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Religions > Bible |
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"Noahs Dove" |
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09 Jan 2008 04:54:48 PM |
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The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of theDoctrine of Final Punishment |
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
366. The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created
immediately by God -- it is not "produced" by the parents -- and also
that it is IMMORTAL : it does not perish when it separates from the
body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final
Resurrection [cf. Pope Pius XII -Humani Generis-; Pope Paul VI CPG 8;
Lateran Council V (1513)].
Arguments against natural immortality
Conditionalists commonly argue that the doctrine of natural (or
innate) immortality stems not from Hebrew thought, as presented in the
Bible, but rather from Greek philosophy and the teachings of Plato in
particular.
It is further noted that St. Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:15-16 that
"God ... alone is immortal," while in 2 Timothy 1:10 he writes that
immortality only comes to human beings as a gift through the gospel.
The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of the
Doctrine of Final Punishment
The best book on the subject!
Absolutely incredible! This book answers the traditionalists, defends
Conditionalism with the best arguments I have found. This book cannot
be refuted in my estimation, a great book!
Published on May 14, 2002 by John Grove
Great book! Scripturally sound. Shows God's justice as fair.,
November 26, 2007
By
His Grace and Truth "His Grace and Truth" (Indiana) - See all my
reviews
Mr. Fudge's book is eye opening. I had believed the traditional view
of hell for over 20 years. Now I can't believe how unscriptural it is.
The conditionalist view fits perfectly. The technical name is called
"Conditional Immortality" and Mr. Fudge does an excellent job stating
the case. The forward is by the great evangelical scholar F.F. Bruce.
The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) (not eternal torment.) The
eternal fire was made for the devil (Matt 25:41) so unbelievers die
there, not live forever. The fire is eternal, not what is thrown into
it. The punishment is death. Capital Punishment. Don't think death is
a punishment, try telling that to someone on death row.
Fudge does an excellent job showing how this is the case. Eternal
punishment is death forever. The loss of their life. Don't we view the
death penalty as the greatest of all societies punishments? Why,
because it removes the possibility of life anymore. The same is true
of the lost on judgment day. This is when the death will occur, argues
Fudge.
You see, only believers live forever (John 6:51, 8:51). Only believers
get immortality (Romans 2:7). Immortality is part and parcel with the
gospel (2 Tim 1:10). Unbelievers die the second death (Rev. 20:15).
Jesus said they are "destroyed" (His words) in hell, not live forever
(Matthew 10:28). Even if Matthew 10:28 were the only verse that proves
the soul of the unsaved will be destroyed (and there are more), we
would have to accept it based upon the authority of the Son of God.
Thankfully, Fudge shows many more.
Another excellent point he makes, `Gnashing of teeth' in scripture is
always an idiom for anger! (Psalm 37:12, Acts 7:54). The list goes on
and on. Fudge does a much better job that I have here. He is also an
attorney.
At the root of this all is the churches acceptance of the greek
teaching of the immortality of all souls. This is completely
unbiblical. If all are born with immortality, then why do people have
to seek it (Romans 2:7 says clearly we are to "seek" it.) Only
believers put on immortality at the resurrection (1 Cor 15:53-54).
Immortality is only gotten through the gospel (2 Tim 1:10 clearly
states this.) Jesus offer to live forever (John 6:51) would be
meaningless if innate immortality were true. Only God is immortal (1
Tim 6:16) and immortality is his gift to those seek it, who seek His
Son. (Rom 2:7)
Mr. Fudge also covers all the "what about these...." Scriptures. Too
much for this space. Get this book for your pastor too!
Or for a similar powerful book on Amazon, purchase The Resurrection
and Immortality by William West and look at the later chapters. Also,
do a search for Samuele Bacchiocchi, (yes it is spelled correctly
here) and get his book on the resurrection.
The traditional doctrine of hell besmirches the character of God.
Jesus said the wicked will be destroyed (Matt 10:28) , so did Paul
(Philippians 3:19) and James (James 4:12). As an evangelical, I am
glad to now know the correct scriptural teaching on this. And while I
am not a Seventh Day Adventist, they have this doctrine 100% correct.
So do many other evangelicals.
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Worth the read..., November 19, 2007
By
Joseph Cipriani "Christian Literature" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all
my reviews
Do the wicked suffer in hell for eternity? This is a question that
seems to divide the Christian community. Edward Fudge does an adequate
job of presenting what is called the `conditionalist' view that the
lost do not suffer in hell for eternity. The book is well worth the
read regardless of which teaching you have come to accept.
For myself, I came to the understanding that the dead do not suffer
for eternity long before I ever read this book. All one has to do is
read John 3:16; the most well known verse in all Christianity.
For God so loved the world that whoever shall believe in Him shall not
perish but shall have everlasting life.
The question is simple. What part of perish does one not understand?
After all Jesus is God. He has been with God from the beginning. He
was at creation and an active part in creation. All judgment has been
given to Him. If anyone is going to know what happens to the lost, it
would be Jesus. Jesus said the lost will perish - which means to die
or come to an end. Since Jesus is God, He cannot lie. End of story.
You are certainly free to choose to believe what you want, but for me
there is nothing more. Mr. Fudge's book simply expands on what the
rest of the Bible says on the subject. The Bible certainly describes
the fire that consumes as an `eternal fire'. The two questions one has
to answer are: (1) Does the fire being eternal mean that the lost
suffer for eternity? (Hint: Burning bush). (2) Do the lost suffer for
eternity or is the effects of judgment eternal? This book helps
address these questions from a Biblical viewpoint.
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Superb Book on Final Punishment!, January 13, 2007
By
Garett M. Dulin (Culpeper, Va.) - See all my reviews
This book is a historical and biblical look at hell. Not only does the
author exegete scripture impeccably, he explains how traditionalists
got their start; namely Plato's heavy influence on early Christianity
that states that the soul is innately immortal. Fudge uses the old
testament and new testament evenly to demonstrate that the unsaved are
eternally destroyed in the fires of hell, not tormented.
One thing the book does not explain is the parable of Luke 16. Also, I
think the author is a bit wordy when a concise explanation would do.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who's even remotely
interested in the subject of hell. Eternal torment is slander against
God's character and even more important...is unbiblical. For more
reading on the subject, check out the following web site: [...]
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
A Solid Biblical and Historical Study, November 10, 2006
By
R. Bailey (Rogers, AR United States) - See all my reviews
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.
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The Fire That Consumes, March 10, 2006
By
H. Westbrook - See all my reviews
I am enjoying the book very much. It is easy to read and understand.
Not to technical for the average Bible student.The book is very
comprehensive and makes arguments without being dogmatic. Very fair,
though obviously biased to a conclusion.I would highly recommend this
book for anyone interested in this subject.
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A Very Plausible Interpretation, November 14, 2005
By
Hakim J. Hazim - See all my reviews
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.
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Read Fully Before You Judge!, September 20, 2003
By
"bgrnathan" (Farmington, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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.
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For more information on this subject goto :
http://www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/5862/hell2.html
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| User: "Noahs Dove" |
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| Title: Re: The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of theDoctrine of Final Punishment |
09 Jan 2008 05:01:38 PM |
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The Fire That Consumes
The Fire that Consumes examines the tradition which says God will
keep the wicked alive forever in unending torment. This exhaustive
volume examines every biblical text on the subject and shows that hell
involves the everlasting, total destruction of both body and soul. It
also traces the development of the traditional view of unending
conscious torment, from the early church fathers to the 20th century.
An alternate selection of the Evangelical Book Club, this study has
been acclaimed by scholars worldwide. Contains a foreword by the late
Professor F. F. Bruce of Manchester, England.
TO ORDER the original edition of this groundbreaking book (500 pages),
click here.
TO READ a brief summary of the biblical material discussed in The Fire
That Consumes, click here.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT
THE FIRE THAT CONSUMES
COLIN BROWN, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.: "A very
strong case for rethinking the notion of the eternal torment of all
the lost."
F. F. BRUCE (Deceased), University of Manchester, England: "While this
subject is one on which there is no unanimity among evangelical
Christians, it is at the same time one on which they have often
engaged in fierce polemic. What is called for, rather, is the
fellowship of patient Bible study, the fruit of which Mr. Fudge
presents here."
LYNN MITCHELL, University of Houston, Texas: "One of the most
important books produced by conservative evangelicals in the 20th
century."
JOHN W. WENHAM (Deceased), Oxford, England: "The author is biblical,
reverent and fair, showing soundness and independence of judgment. He
makes his main points with force and persuasiveness."
CLARK H. PINNOCK, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario: "I
know of no book which answers this powerful case."
W. WARD GASQUE, Eastern College, Philadelphia: "An important and
thought-provoking book that gives careful attention to the actual
words of Scripture."
DALE MOODY (Deceased), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Louisville, Ky: "I know of no biblical passage which, interpreted
rightly and in context, conflicts with the conclusions of this book."
THOMAS H. OLBRICHT (Retired), Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif:
"Evidence for the common assumption that the wicked will suffer
eternal conscious torment may not be as conclusive as assumed."
JOHN F. WALVOORD (Retired), Dallas Theological Seminary: "The most
extensive study [of the subject] in recent years . . . commendably
brings into the discussion many items that are often overlooked." (Dr.
Walvoord expressly disagrees with the conclusions of this book.)
GEORGE LEONARD GOSS, former editor, Evangelical Book Club: "A thorough
and convincing exposition."
NEW OXFORD REVIEW: "Exceptionally evenhanded, forceful and to the
point."
MISSION JOURNAL: "A formidable scriptural argument which defenders of
the popular view will be hard pressed to meet."
EVANGELICAL BOOK CLUB: "A thoughtful case for an opinion that deserves
a hearing."
RESURRECTION MAGAZINE: "The definitive work on conditional
immortality."
ADVENT CHRISTIAN WITNESS: "A work of impeccable scholarship and
pleasing readability."
CHURCH OF ENGLAND NEWSPAPER: "Essential reading for anyone interested
in the subject."
L.E. Froom claims that conditional immortality was generally accepted
in the early church until its thinkers tried to wed Plato's doctrine
of the immortality of the soul to the teaching of the Bible." [The
Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, Herald Pub., 1966]. Biblically
speaking, human beings are not immortal. God alone has immortality (I
Tim. 6:16); well doers seek immortality (Rom. 2:7); immortality is
brought to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:10); those in Christ
will put on immortality (I Cor. 15:54), so that they now partake of
the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
Conditionalists commonly argue that the doctrine of natural (or
innate) immortality stems not from Hebrew thought, as presented in the
Bible, but rather from Greek philosophy and the teachings of Plato in
particular.
It is further noted that St. Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:15-16 that
"God ... alone is immortal," while in 2 Timothy 1:10 he writes that
immortality only comes to human beings as a gift through the gospel.
Ancient Beliefs
Plato Comes to Church
It is the last half of the second century in North Africa--Alexandria,
Egypt, to be exact--the "Mecca" of intellectualism and contemporary
thinking in the Christian world of the early church era.
The writings of church father Athenagoras (A.D. 127-190) of Alexandria
is the first clue that a departure from the Scripture's holistic view
of man is on the theological horizon.
Born in Athens, Athenagoras was trained in pagan Greek learning and
the philosophy of Plato before he became a Christian. And becoming a
Christian did not invalidate his former views. He was the first
ecclesiastical writer to publicly embrace the immortality of the soul.
Without referencing the Scriptures, Athenagoras advanced his views
directly from Plato's philosophical construct. His theology "is
strongly tinged with Platonism" ("Athenagoras," Encyclopedia
Brittannica, 11th ed., p. 831).
Combine Plato With Christian Doctrine
Athenagoras skillfully argued in his writings that Platonic philosophy
was essentially embraced by Christianity. Therefore, it was congruent
for Athenagoras to interweave both. "Athenagoras frequently combined
the beliefs of the Greek poets and philosophers, particularly Plato,
with the doctrines of Christianity" (Encyclopedia Americana [2001],
vol. 2, p. 605).
According to professor of historical theology Dr. LeRoy Froom,
Athenagoras' "main premise was that God's purpose in creating man was
that he should live--that the divine purpose of man's existence is
existence itself. And God's purpose, he contended, cannot be defeated.
It must be accomplished. It is therefore impossible for man to cease
to exist" (Dr. LeRoy E. Froom, The Conditionalist Faith of our Fathers
[Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Assoc., 1965], vol.1,
p. 931).
The fruitage of this argument was a "compulsory immortality" for all.
With regard to the wicked, Athenagoras reasoned, they must live
forever in eternal misery; and they must exist eternally because the
primary reason God made man is for the purpose of living.
Tertullian Advances the Theory
While Athenagoras launched publicly the immortal soul, a younger
contemporary, Tertullian of Carthage (A.D. 160-240), pursued and
amplified it. He was the first of the church fathers to write in
Latin, soon to be the official language of the medieval church. Prior
to his conversion at age of 40, Tertullian received a Greco-Roman
education in Rome.
According to Froom, "it was Tertullian who first affirmed that
torments of the lost will be co-equal and co-exist with the happiness
of the saved." (Ibid., vol. 1, p. 950.)
Tertullian's propositions needed other modifications: "He [Tertullian]
confessedly altered the sense of Scripture and the meaning of words,
so as to interpret 'death' as eternal misery and 'destruction' and
'consume' as pain and anguish. 'Hell' became perpetually dying, but
never dead" (Ibid., vol. 1, p. 951).
Without hesitation, Tertullian referred directly to Plato in his
writings. Plato's primary theme, "every soul is immortal," became
Tertullian's unwavering platform (Tertullian, On the Resurrection,
chap.3, quoted in ANF, vol.3, p. 547).
These church fathers followed suit by including Tertullian's
propositions in their public preaching and writing: Minucius Felix,
Cyprian of Carthage, Ambrose of Milan, John Chryosostom and Jerome
(translator of the Bible into the Latin Vulgate).
No Attempt to Support With Scripture
Did they follow blindly? Were these leaders naive? Dr. Froom observes:
"It is to be particularly noted that all Christian Fathers who use
this 'immortal soul' phrase or thought were not only familiar with but
likewise in accord with this position in the writing of Plato. And it
is also to be observed that none of such early Christian writers ever
sought for support for this doctrine by primary appeal to Scripture,
but had recourse instead to arguments similar to those used by
Plato" (Dr. LeRoy E. Froom, Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers
[1965], vol. 1, p. 954).
Search for the Immortal Soul, Daniel Knauft, pp. 49-51
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