Why Hell? - by Steve Gregg (Paperback)

About the Book

Why Hell? is for the serious Christian reader who wants all the data and then to think for oneself about the implications about why a loving God created hell.

Book Synopsis

Most people believe that hell is the final state of the condemned following the final judgment. At the same time, many people cannot comprehend why God created hell for the unsaved. Respected church fathers held a variety of views dating back to the early centuries of the church. This book explains views on why hell exists: unending suffering, the annihilation of the unrepentant, and the rehabilitation of the lost. Most Christians are unaware of the scriptural basis for each of these positions. Why Hell? is meant to educate the interested reader without advocating for any one point of view. The following are some of the book's features:

• Biblical vocabulary of hell and positions held throughout early Christian history
• Positive cases presented on three perspectives: traditionalist, conditionalist, and restorationist
• Critiques of each view
• Helpful charts at the back of the book that summarize and cross-examine the arguments for each view

Steve Gregg provides food for thought for both trained theologians and serious Christian readers who want all the data and then consider for themselves the consequences of three Christian perspectives on hell.

Review Quotes

... a phenomenal job in bringing the reader back to what Scripture says about hell. We have been using Gregg's work in our core curriculum line for years at Covenant Theological Seminary.--Will Ryan, PhD, president, Covenant Theological Seminary, Greenville, North Carolina

Contemporary evangelical debates about hell can easily feel like a vast and shifting maze of arguments and counterarguments. If you feel that way, fear not! Steve Gregg is sure-footed, evenhanded, and clear-sighted. He is the best guide to help you navigate your way through the confusion!--Robin A. Parry [aka Gregory MacDonald], author of The Evangelical Universalist

However disagreeable a topic, hell remains an important, yet debated subject for the Christian. Steve Gregg's clear, informative, and helpful overview of the arguments provides all of us an important service.--Robert K. Johnston, professor of theology and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary

I am grateful that Steve Gregg has entered the arena of discussion on hell. First, Steve is a devoted student of the Bible. Second, Steve openly and fairly presents each position's strengths and weaknesses. Third, Steve's work respects and shows grace to those he quotes regardless of their beliefs. Why Hell? will give you a clear and unbiased perspective on one of Christianity's most sensitive subjects.--Chuck Smith Jr, pastor and Bible teacher, author of There Is a Season and a biography of his father's ministry, Chuck Smith: A Memoir of Grace

Many in the West are unfamiliar with any view of judgment not resulting in some sort of eternal conscious torment for the unbeliever. However, the alternative views of Christian Universalism and Conditional Immortality have also been held by faithful believers throughout church history. Steve Gregg's treatment of this topic opened my eyes to the theological landscape some thirteen years ago, and I'm so grateful.--Braxton Hunter, president, Trinity College of the Bible & Theological Seminary

Steve Gregg has given us a fulfilling commonsense, comprehensive, and fair treatment on the uncomfortable yet thoroughly biblical doctrine of hell. I came to the manuscript as a committed traditionalist, but ended up thoroughly fed with my cage rattled. While my stance has not changed, I found myself significantly, in the words of Elvis Presley, 'All shook up!'--Danny Lehmann, international dean, College of Christian Ministries University of the Nations, Youth With a Mission

Steve Gregg has produced a well-written, scholarly, and judicious survey of three different Christian views concerning the ultimate fate of the wicked. He uniquely summarizes the various arguments for and against each position, using the relevant literature, and offers an unbiased perspective; he even admits uncertainty about which view is most faithful to Scripture. This book should be an ideal starting point for any Christian wishing to explore these matters.--Thomas Talbott, author of The Inescapable Love of God

The doctrine of hell is not as straightforward as many once believed. Steve Gregg's guide to the three main theological positions is both comprehensive and accessible. Evangelicals need to talk about hell, and Gregg has given an admirable model for doing so.--Justin Brierley, former presenter of the Unbelievable? radio show and podcast

Why Hell? is the premier work covering every angle and argument for the three Christian views of hell. Steve Gregg presents an unbiased case for each view while giving its strengths and weaknesses. I pray this book leads to more openminded discussion on the Christian views of hell in the church, resulting in further unity in the body of Christ.--Dr. Matt Mouzakis, professor of biblical studies and theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, Greenville, North Carolina

About the Author

Steve Gregg directs the "Great Commission School," a unique ministry that leads students through the Bible, verse by verse, in nine months, and an evangelistic literature ministry, in McMinnville, Oregon. He also teaches regularly for "Youth With A Mission" schools internationally.