© 2011 David C. Cook, Colorado
Springs
Francis Chan talks about Hell in this book. While the book
is written from Chan’s point of view, he goes out of his way to give credit to
his researcher, Preston Sprinkle. In fact, the Preface (p.9) attributes the
bulk of the research and facts to Sprinkle. Regardless, this book is timely.
In a day when author after author is giving their take on
what the afterlife will bring, Chan and Sprinkle offer not only an orthodox
view of what Hell is, but also a level-headed one. The first half of the book
focuses strongly on recent writings about Hell, with a pointed apologetic aimed
at Rob Bell’s popular Love Wins.
(I’ll not comment on Bell’s
book specifically because I haven’t read it and don’t know if I’ll get around
to that one or not.) In fact, while if what I’ve read in reviews and responses
to Bell’s book
are true then this is a needed response. However, since it comes across as a
reaction to another’s writing weakens the book to some extent.
Even so, some of the questions that plague Christians are
answered from a Scriptural standpoint:
Ø
Is there really a Hell?
Ø
If there is, what is it like?
Ø
Would a loving God really send somebody to Hell?
Chan even tackles the really tough questions that deal with
what God is like. I have to ask along with the authors: What if God did do
something that I consider unkind, would it make Him less God? (see chapter 6)
The point that I cam away with that seems to keep coming back is that I am not
God. Since I am not God, is it proper for me to impose my standards on Him? I would suggest that often when we do this we
lessen who He is in exchange for exalting our own ethic upon Him.
In the end, I will read at least the last half of the book again
and again, just for the challenge of remembering why I believe what I believe
about God, Love, Justice, Righteousness, and yes, even Hell. (four out of five
reading glasses)
—Benjamin Potter,
May 23, 2012
[This is a review of the Nook version of this book.]
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