(DOWNLOAD) "Hell" by Harold R. Booher # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Hell
- Author : Harold R. Booher
- Release Date : January 08, 2016
- Genre: Bible Studies,Books,Religion & Spirituality,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 232 KB
Description
The first chapter in describing the history of hell shows the support for two historical theological ideas about hell: the destruction (or annihilation) view and the traditional (eternal conscious punishment) view. It also presents some of the graphic imagery of hell depicted by Jewish and Christian believers in the traditional view.
The next chapter describes some ways people attempt to reduce the cognitive dissonance between belief in an orthodox hell and their conscience. Attempts to resolve differences in beliefs about hell is done usually through accepting greater flexibility in scripture interpretation, especially in toning down God's terrible justice. Of course, those who turn Universalist can avoid hell altogether, since no one will ever enter it.
Chapter 3 discusses the three foremost philosophical considerations regarding the reality of hell. These are the immortality of the soul, the relationship of free will to Universalism, and logical issues dealing with an afterlife including paradise, heaven, resurrection on earth, and judgment day. Not all Biblical scholars consider, for example, that the Judeo-Christian soul is immortal. Some note that the immortal soul is a Greek concept, whereas the Biblical view is that "man is a living soul," not having something distinct within him that lives forever.
Chapter 4 covers the results of the author's Bible examination on "What does the Bible actually say about hell?" We find three words translated hell in the KJV English Bible; the Hebrew word sheol, and two Greek words, hades and gehenna. Sheol and hades have the same meaning, while gehenna means something quite different, used primarily by Jesus. There is no specific teaching in the Old Testament on perpetual punishment of the dammed. Sheol usually means the grave or the state of death. The apostles barely mention hell. It plays no role in their doctrine of Christianity. It seems only Christ is permitted to reveal the fearsome descriptions of a place of eternal punishment.
There are certain expressions and special words in the Bible that seem to imply great conscious pain. When connected with the word "fire" it is hard not to imagine extreme, excruciating pain; like burning live flesh. Chapters 5 and 6 apply biblical exegesis to troublesome phrases, words, and one teaching of Jesus that conveys visions of the damned in great torment. But it is at this level of examination that scriptural evidence begins to peel away support for the traditional hell, replacing it with the destruction view.
The story, the rich man and Lazarus, taught by Jesus in Luke, is the sole source depicting the torment of hell in the entire Bible. While this story (some think it literal, others a parable) is used time and time again by Bible teachers and preachers to prove the existence of a traditional hell, the author presents new scholarship on the rich man and Lazarus, deftly illustrating how the very same story turns the traditional hell concept on its head. It turns out this teaching of Jesus on the different afterlives of the rich and the poor is neither literal nor parable, but rather satire. Jesus' purpose is to put the lie to Pharisee teaching by utilizing a ridiculous illustration through satire. Disposing this centerpiece of fearsome, eternal torment for the dammed has a cascading effect on the other unconscionable hell examples of Jesus and Revelation, eliminating them one by one and leaving the reader with the understanding that hell is to be avoided, but is not absurdly inconsistent with justice.
The author concludes not a single word, phrase or story in the Bible convincingly illustrates a basis for orthodox hell. God is a God of love and wishes "that all men might be saved." He is also a God of free will and the insurer of justice. In the end it will be his judgment whether to exercise destruction for those who choose evil.
Author_Bio: Harold R Booher, Ph.D is a freelance writer on issues in philosophy, science and religion. His acclaimed book, "Origins, Icons, and Illusions" opened the door to science/religion discussion of the effects of psychology on the interpretation of scientific findings. Dr. Booher has been a life-long Bible student and has written numerous articles, booklets and books on Christianity, including a "Chronology of the New Testament Gospels" and "Christianity's Lost Dispensations". He lives in Baltimore.
Keywords: Hell, Bible, Christian, Church, Damnation, Fire, Resurrection, Paradise, Eternity, Suffering, Pain, Perpetuity, Hades, Sheol, Gehenna, Destructionism, Immortality, Annihilationism, Torment, Punishment, Judgment.