Hope, Hell, and Rob Bell, Part 1
Lately, a controversy has been erupting in certain parts of the blogosphere, Facebook statuses (stati?), podcasts, etc. regarding the contents of a book that has yet to be released. Despite the lack of actual content to judge, judgment of the anticipated content has been given out quite liberally by many.
While this two-part episode isn’t so much about Rob Bell or his book or his orthodoxy or lack thereof, the controversy did cause us to once again explore areas of Ultimate Reconciliation vs. Annihilation vs. Eternal Conscious Torment in a lake of fire.
Many view the lack of a belief in Eternal Conscious Torment to be a diminishing of who God is, a disregard for “the clear teaching of Scripture”, and flat-out heresy (apparently worthy of said lake of fire). But Ray and Steve talk about the many verses in scripture that talk about reconciliation, discuss what the word translated as “hell” really was in the words of Jesus and in the ears of his listeners, and talk about whether or not any of the three views of eternity mentioned above can be solidly held to without ignoring other passages.
Watch for part 2 to come out in a few days, but in the meantime, enjoy the first half of the discussion!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:52 — 53.9MB) | Embed
March 9th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Talk about a quick turn around. I request this topic three days ago, three days later im listening to it. Thanks guys!
March 10th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Hey guys! Hi from Alaska! This was a humdinger! I was shaking my head in agreement as you were conversing about this subject! Yes, been there, done that, but the lights are on now. But there was some deeper things brought out, and I appreciated it. One of the things that’s obvious when we are trying to figure out “what to believe” is how Jesus said, “be careful therefore, how you listen”. I think that’s the issue. Are we listening to Him, through the Holy Spirit, or are we just looking for a way to confirm with a teaching we have already swallowed?
Also, glad to hear you have discovered Brad Jersak. He is a great guy and I enjoyed knowing him and his wife.
I look forward to Part two! Blessings!
Heather