Podcast: The debate about “hell”: why both sides are missing the point

Submitted by Andrew Perriman on 4 Sep 2018

The popular debate about “hell” has been misconceived. Our narrow theologies of personal salvation have blinded us to the large-scale narratives that give meaning to the language of wrath and judgment in the teaching of Jesus and of those sent out to proclaim his name among the nations.

This first attempt at a podcast is a reworking of The unbiblical doctrine of “hell”. You can find a lot more on the subject here.

Austin | Wed, 09/05/2018 - 14:42 | Permalink

Andrew,

Thanks for doing this podcast. While I’m not sure what I think about your position, hearing you talk through it was more helpful, for me, than reading the posts. I hope you continue to do these podcasts as I think they’ll prove to be beneficial.

Thanks!

Phil L. | Wed, 09/05/2018 - 22:39 | Permalink

Nothing like a light jazz guitar to really set off a discussion about wrath and destruction!

I liked the podcast and the length of it was great, too. I kept imagining the sort of slides or infographics you would have put in the presentation.

Bob MacDonald | Thu, 09/06/2018 - 17:06 | Permalink

I just read the US evangelical statement against social justice. http://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2018/09/05/prominent-eva… (I am wasting my time this morning on such things)

The other day I met a fundamentalist. I had forgotten they existed. I was also translating Nehemiah 13 at the time and I can see how the bias against justice today, gender / race / etc, can be completely misheard and mistaken in a soul that needs to seek and exert power over another. The destruction of Hell in the minds of the weak needs more work from those who have worked their way through the metaphors of transformation in Scripture: circumcision, flood, exile, fire, and baptism. Hell is a distraction. Justice is the goal.

Thanks for the talk. I presume you have heard a bit of Tim Bulkeley’s 5 minute Bible. Tim is right about the length of time for a podcast. Lectures I might set aside an hour for. Great music even 2 hours — like the Bach Organ Mass, but a podcast on a busy day needs to be pithy and hard hitting. I may change my mind in 10 weeks when I have finished my reading and writing of the TNK — 54 chapters to go! Then I will need your reflections in great detail. (I particularly liked your use of Habakkuk 2:15-16).