The doctrine of hell presents the most intractable version of the problem of evil, for though it might be argued that ordinary pain and evil can somehow be compensated for by the course of future experience, the pain and suffering of hell leads nowhere. This work develops an understanding of hell that is common to a broad variety of religious perspectives, and argues that the usual understandings of hell are incapable of solving the problem of hell. Kvanvig first argues that the traditional understanding of hell found in Christianity suffers from moral and epistemological inadequacies. Historically, these shortcomings lead to alternatives to the traditional doctrine of hell, such as universalism, annihilationism, or the second chance doctrine. Kvanvig shows, however, that the typical alternatives to the traditional understanding are inadequate as well. He argues that both the traditional understanding and the typical alternatives fail to solve the problem of hell because they share the common flaw of being constructed on a retributive model of hell. Kvanvig then develops a philosophical account of hell which does not depend on a retributive model and argues that it is adequate on both philosophical and theological grounds.
Reviews
'He presents a tidy and closely worked argument in support of a concept of hell as 'an afterlife journey toward annihilation ... What we are offered is an impressive case for the coherence of a revised doctrine of hell ... I hope, ... that our readers will grapple with his subtle and widely ranging discussion, which is far richer than my terse summary can reveal.' Expository Times
'Those who are not squeamish will find much worth thinking about in this tough-minded and toughly-argued book.' Paul Helm, King's College, London, Theology. Sept/Oct 1994
'The book, rich in argument and thought-provoking, is highly recommended for all those with an interest in soteriology and eschatology.' Richard Schniertshauer, The Month, November 1994
'He presents a tidy and closely worked argument in support of a concept of hell as 'an afterlife journey toward annihiliation', from which escape is possible. What we are offered is an impressive case for the coherence of a revised doctrine of hell. Whether it corresponds with reality is a separate question which is not addressed. I hope, however, that our readers will grapple with his subtle and widely ranging discussion, which is far richer than my terse summary can reveal.' The Expository Times, Volume 105, July 1994
'Those who are not squeamish will find much worth thinking about in this tough-minded and toughly-argued book.' Paul Helm, King's College, London, Theology
' The book, rich in argument and thought-provoking, is highly recommended for all those with an interest in soteriology and eschatology.' Richard Schniertshauer, The Month, November 1994
Kvanvig's book is well written and is packed with many other interesting... The book amply demnostrates that the topic of hell is philosophically rich and worthy of sustained reflection. It will also be an important stimulus for further work on the subject. * International Journal for Philosophy of Religion *



Book Information
ISBN 9780195084870
Author Jonathan L. Kvanvig
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 422g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 159mm * 19mm