A Hell of a Problem

God loves diversity (i.e., snowflakes; flora, fauna, etc.) therefore it should not surprise us that Christianity is also a religion of great diversity encompassing many differing beliefs and convictions. Wikipedia says there are approximately 38,000 different Christian denominations!

I have come to believe divergent doctrinal perspectives (within a biblical framework) are not only acceptable—they are healthy and beneficial. They enable us to learn from each other and to develop richer love and stronger patience. Nevertheless, as I have grown older I have come to have serious philosophical difficulties with certain fundamental doctrines of traditional Christianity because I believe that reason is often in profound conflict with them. 

One of the most serious examples of this conflict is the doctrine of hell. As Gordon MacDonald says, Hell is “a hell of a problem.” It seems to me that most Christians have misunderstood (or ignored) the implications of a loving God sending billions of people (most of mankind?) to a place of conscious never ending torment. Reconciling the horrors of an eternal hell with the doctrine of a benevolent God is not just difficult, in my opinion, it is impossible.

The majority of Christians believe hell is a place of eternal divine retribution. As I have thought about this idea and looked at the pertinent Scripture I have come to believe a reasonable and biblically sound case can be made that hell is a temporary place designed for human (and angelic?) rehabilitation. Hell exits! It would be very wise to avoid it! But it well may not exist for the commonly accepted purpose or the usually assumed duration.

The Bible has many verses that seem to indicate that the saving work of Christ will result in the redemption of the entire cosmos. Here are just a few of them:

Rom. 5:18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

1Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Col. 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus Christ) and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Phil. 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him (Jesus Christ) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Eph. 1:9 And he (God) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

If these verses (and many others like them) mean what they seem to say then hell can not be a place of eternal retribution.

Now there ARE other verses which (seem) to say that hell is both retributive and eternal and most theologians interpret “my” verses in the light of “their” verses. My suggestion is that “their” verses be interpreted in the light of mine!

When it comes down to an eternal retributive or a temporary rehabilitative position on hell which position do you think…

has the strongest view of God’s love?

portrays the greatest victory over evil?

lifts the atoning work of Jesus Christ to the highest level?

makes grace the most amazing?

inspires the greatest worship and love of God?

presents the less confusing picture of God’s wrath?

inspires the most hope in the human heart?

I think the answer is obvious.