United in their commitment to faithful orthodoxy, scholars on both sides of this controversial doctrine invite you to consider a question central to understanding God's justice: What is the true nature of hell?

Throughout history, most Christians have believed that the lost will endure eternal suffering in hell. In recent decades, however, a growing number of evangelicals have questioned this view and embraced alternatives such as conditional immortality (also called conditionalism or annihilationism).

In this first-of-its-kind volume, respected Christian scholars lay out the case for both sides of the debate and engage in a multidisciplinary dialogue. Proponents of eternal conscious punishment and conditionalism argue from their respective expertise in biblical theology, exegesis, historical theology, systematic theology, philosophy, and pastoral theology. Each scholar then responds directly to his specialist counterpart, allowing readers to thoughtfully evaluate the strengths and nuances of each case.

What you'll find in Concerning Hell:



- Explores this highly debated doctrine with thoughtful clarity and charitable engagement

- Gives voice to the leading advocates for both eternal conscious punishment and conditionalism

- Pairs experts within specific fields to engage with nuanced scholarly evidence and arguments

- Nurtures understanding and mutual respect between diverse theological views

- Equips readers to analyze the evidence and draw informed conclusions



Ultimately, the editors and contributors invite Christians to reconsider assumptions and seek truth in light of Scripture, reason, and the character of God. If you are searching for a comprehensive, scholarly resource on the doctrine of hell that will enrich your learning, research, and theological engagement, Concerning Hell is your essential guide.

About the Contributors

Contributors to this volume are scholars from a variety of fields and include Paul R. Williamson, Glenn A. Peoples, James. R. Wicker, Christopher M. Date, D. Jeffrey Bingham, David Instone-Brewer, Shawn Bawulski, John C. Peckham, R. Zachary Manis, Matthew Flannagan, Chip Bennett, Ralph G. Bowles, and Paul Copan.



Christopher M. Date represents a global movement known as Rethinking Hell. He coedited Rethinking Hell: Readings in Evangelical Conditionalism and A Consuming Passion: Essays on Hell and Immortality in Honor of Edward Fudge. He is adjunct professor of Bible and theology at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary.



Paul Copan (PhD, Marquette University) is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is author or editor of many books, including An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, Is God a Moral Monster?, and Is God a Vindictive Bully?



Foreword by Wesley Huff



Acknowledgments



Abbreviations



Transliterations



1. Introduction: Why Another Book on Hell?

Paul Copan and Christopher M. Date

Part 1: The Case for Eternal Conscious Punishment



2. A Fate Worse than Death: The Punishment of Eternal Wrath

Paul R. Williamson (Biblical Theology)



Conditionalist Response by Glenn A. Peoples



3. Let the Greek Speak: Key Phrases Confirm Eternal Conscious Punishment

James R. Wicker (Exegesis)



Conditionalist Response by Christopher M. Date



4. An Unextinguished Fire: Judgment of the Ungodly in Jewish Intertestamental and Early Christian Literature

D. Jeffrey Bingham (Historical Theology)



Conditionalist Response by David Instone-Brewer and Christopher M. Date



5. Introducing Reconciliationism: A Systematic Account of Eternal Conscious Punishment

Shawn Bawulski (Systematic Theology)



Conditionalist Response byJohn C. Peckham



6. Hell as Eternal Suffering: A Philosophical Appraisal

R. Zachary Manis (Philosophy)



Conditionalist Response by Matthew Flannagan



7. Perdition and Pastoral Theology: How Belief in Eternal Conscious Punishment Sanctifies Disciples of Jesus

Chip Bennett (Pastoral Theology)



Conditionalist Response by Ralph G. Bowles

Part 2: The Case for Conditional Immortality



8. A Matter of Life and Death: How Biblical Theology Supports Conditional Immortality

Glenn A. Peoples (Biblical Theology)



Traditionalist Response by Paul R. Williamson



9. Hidden in Plain Sight: Conditional Immortality in the "Big Three" Traditionalist Proof-Texts

Christopher M.Date (Exegesis)



Traditionalist Response by James R. Wicker



10. The Eschatological Throughline: Conditional Immortality in Intertestamental Judaism,the Apostolic Fathers, and Beyond

David Instone-Brewer and Christopher M. Date



Traditionalist Response by D. Jeffrey Bingham



11. Conditional Immortality: A Brief Systematic Case

John C. Peckham (Systematic Theology)



Traditionalist Response by Shawn Bawulski



12. Annihilationism and the Problem of Hell

Matthew Flannagan (Philosophy)



Traditionalist Response by R. Zachary Manis



13. "The Gift of God is Eternal Life": How Conditional Immortality and Final Justice Shapethe Daily Christian Life

Ralph G. Bowles (Pastoral Theology)



Traditionalist Response by Chip Bennett



14. Conclusion

Paul Copan and Christopher M. Date



Bibliography



Contributors



Author Index



Subject Index



Scripture Index



Ancient Writings Index