The current descriptions of hell are laden by medieval church imagery…

The ancient church had “hell” but it wasn’t filled with the imagery of hell that rises later in interpreting certain pasages.
That interpretation is driven by the social location of the time…as is all theology really…

We have to wade through some excesses of our popular presuppositions to face the actual text as it is…

that’s the challenge of hermeneutics…

Bottom line for me:
I still think there’s something wrong when people defend HELL, but get all bent out of shape at the idea of Kingdom as mysteriously NOW, but NOT YET…

It shows the darkness of the human soul that is stingy with blessings and grace but very certain, and self-righteously so, about the intricacies of hell.

sad

That is why I have an issue with the idea of hell being a “place” but I do see it as literal.

Agreed. I also believe in a literal hell.

Others play word games.

And that is exactly my point. Many want to hear the “buzz” words and phrases. Anything less than “Eternal torment and damnation” is immediately dismissed as heresy.

MY issue is that which hell are we talking about and that some stated people with be eternally in Hell when if…

1. Hell as in the Grave: we will all be raised to be judged.
2. Hell as in the abode of the dead: It will be tossed into the Lake of Fire and consumed
3. Hell as in Tartarus where the fallen angels are held in chains: This also will be tossed into the Lake of Fire as it is part of this creation.
4. There is the lake of fire which is eternal and those tossed into it will experience the second death.

To me the best biblical terms are that when one is not in Christ they will face judgement then will be tossed into the LoF and experience the second death. Anything beyond that is speculation and adding to scripture man’s own ideas. To add man’s ideas is when confusion comes into play.

That is why I have an issue with the idea of hell being a “place” but I do see it as literal.

iggy

And just the fact that believers who know the Bible no longer believe the sentence I offered removes any doubt what has happened.

I believe in a literal place many call hell where people who die without Christ go forever and suffer.

Now back that up with scripture and I’ll be happy.

I believe in a literal place many call hell where people who die without Christ go forever and suffer.

Not complicated, unless you can’t in good conscience say that.

If someone was misrepresenting what I believed I would clearly correct it with language everyone could understand.

Rick, being in ministry you should know how impossible this is. In my opinion; Rob owes no explanantion to me or you or anybody else. Because of the public nature of his ministry it is impossible and an unworthy endeavor to respond to every criticism or critique that is leveled. The accountability that is expected (implied or assumed) of me in a church of 200 is overwhelming. I can’t answer all of my critics.

I trust that Rob as people around him that hold him accountable. Additionally he has people who he confides in with theological ideas. I’m certain based on what I’ve heard on Mars Hill podcasts that Rob doesn’t have Carte Blanche. I also don’t believe (based on what I hear from those that attend Mars Hill) that Rob has aligned himself with a bunch of “yes” men and women.

I am a Spirit-lead, Spirit-indwelt Christian

NO YOU’RE NOT!