The Fire That Consumes:A Biblical and Historical Study of the Doctrine of Final Punishment by Edward W. Fudge

Wholeheartedly recommend this book!by Paul_Woodhouse

Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings

07/17/2009: Edward Fudge has written a compelling, biblical, and comprehensive book on the doctrine of hell. It has helped me in teaching, preaching, and talking with others about this important subject. No one can say they have completely studied the doctrine of hell without interacting with this book.

Paradigm-changingby Armchair_philosopher

Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings

07/16/2009: Edward Fudge dares to believe - and to urge you to believe - that God really is a "consuming fire," just as scripture says. One wouldn't think that was such a controversial (and even revolutionary) idea, but it is.

Fudge's scholarship is first rate. (With the original Foreword having been written by F.F. Bruce, that comes as no surprise.) This book is thorough, scholarly, and challenging. It is not a light read, to be sure, so come to the book with your "thinking cap" on. If you've harbored any doubts about the doctrine of hell as eternal, conscious torment, you should read this book. And if you are thoroughly dedicated to the notion of hell as eternal, conscious torment, you owe it to yourself to allow Fudge to challenge your thinking. You just might find yourself moved to reconsider. And in the end, I think you'll come away more convinced than ever before that God is truly just, astonishingly merciful, and holy beyond compare.

I Also Recommend: Mere Christianity, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity...and Why It Matters, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity.