There are obviously so many channels from which one can learn about the concept of the afterlife. Many world religions teach the concept of a painful afterlife, often deriving the idea of a painful condition due to a life of immoral living and/or the stultification of God. I have treated the idea of the portal … Continue reading Thoughts about Hell from Jesus Himself.
The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 03
Judgment and the New Heaven and Earth For centuries there have been those who have found it theologically unbearable to embrace the traditional Christian teaching about hell, divine punishment, and the wrath of God, resorting as a consequence either to universalism or to annihilationism for doctrinal consolation. John himself portrays the judgment of God in … Continue reading The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 03
“Gates of Hell” and Another Look at Matt. 16:18 & Rev. 9:1-11
Although I am not an expert on English translations of the Bible, there are a couple of well known examples where the King James translators truly got it wrong in their rendering of a particular verse or phrase. What is especially ironic is when a contemporary preacher, study group, or translator who otherwise would … Continue reading “Gates of Hell” and Another Look at Matt. 16:18 & Rev. 9:1-11
Bono, the Bellwether of Cultural Theology
American talk show commentator and journalist Charlie Rose recently interviewed Bono (on Public Broadcasting Service, May 2013), lead composer and singer for the band U2 (22 Grammy Awards). The lengthy interview and conversation touched on many topics and issues, with one segment focused on the religious impetus for Bono’s life and music. In this context … Continue reading Bono, the Bellwether of Cultural Theology
Reflections on Hell, Location of the Dead, and Other Easy Questions
I was asked to speak briefly on these issues to a group of Christians following a Wednesday evening meal at the Oliver Creek Church of Christ, in Arlington, TN. It is VERY informal and brief. These comments are certainly not polished or extensive. There has been more interest in the topic of Hell in recent … Continue reading Reflections on Hell, Location of the Dead, and Other Easy Questions
Gates to Hell, Fiery Sermons, and the Book of Revelation
I have pointed out earlier in this blog and now in my recent commentary (Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible) that many Graeco-Roman pagans also believed in postmortem punishment in the afterlife. You might not be aware, however, that they actually believed they had discovered some of the entrance portals to Hell, Hades, and the … Continue reading Gates to Hell, Fiery Sermons, and the Book of Revelation
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 