Author and radio talk show host Steve Gregg appears to have an ability to be envied – presenting data from opposing theological views with equal parts skill and eloquence (as anyone that has encountered his work Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary would quickly recognize). Gregg uses his ability in All You Want to Know about Hell to present three common views of the doctrine of Hell in a style both readable and understandable. During the introductory material Gregg also presents peripheral issues that help build a strong foundation for the subsequent discussion.

To be specific, Gregg begins by discussing the various beliefs that have been expressed through the years where people have rejected a traditional understanding of hell on grounds that range from “there is no God so heaven and hell are a myth,” to denying the existence of hell because “eternal punishment seems more like the actions of a sadist rather than a loving and just God.” Of course, many that hold the historical position on ultimate judgement and punishment face the problem of finding a harmonization between the perceived chasm between love and justice. Gregg also takes the time to discuss the various words often translated as “hell” in the Scriptures, a translational peculiarity into which the King James Version often lapses, which can present difficulties in hermeneutics and exegesis when examining the doctrine of hell. Along with the translation of the words associated with hell, there are also translational considerations of the words used to indicate the eternal nature of hell. Of the introductory material, some of the most interesting considerations came with the discussion of the beliefs of the early church leaders. Some of those leaders expressing what might be considered the traditional view of hell, but other leaders also espousing a conditional view, and even others that pointed to the ultimate restoration of all things to God.

This leads naturally into the actual heart of the work, a discussion of three competing views of the doctrine of hell. The first view could be called Traditionalism, what most would understand as a life lived, a death experienced, a judgment faced, and an eternity experienced. The second view discussed is referred to as Conditionalism because up to the point of death the teaching follows closely to the traditional view, but after death and a subsequent waiting period those judged as guilty are obliterated; hence, the secondary designation of Annihilationism. The third view discussed sees hell more as a period of reflection and repentance from which God will eventually redeem everyone when they finally become convicted of their sins – Universalism or Restorationism. It is during the discussion of these three viewpoints that Gregg shines as he not only presents the case for each individual view convincingly, but also presents a rebuttal to each view with the same attention to detail and conviction.

Overall, a fine review of three theological positions taken regarding the doctrine of hell. Well written and obviously well researched. Strongly recommended for those desiring a more advanced understanding of the positions regarding hell, but should be read with caution by those without firm theological foundations as each position is presented so convincingly the reader could experience more confusion than clarity.

Some quotes:

“All three views seek to explain God’s ultimate purpose in judging the lost, and to identify from Scripture what ultimate solution to the problem of sin is the best that divine wisdom and benevolence can accomplish” (8).

“The gospel is the good tidings of the reign of the righteous King Jesus. The message that the church is commissioned to preach has never been about hell, but about Christ” (62).

“Too often, even Christian preachers and teachers have become accustomed to using the term “hell” carelessly, without indicating which place they have in mind” (71; re: the various Hebrew/Greek words translated as hell).

“The traditional doctrine of hell should not be abandoned lightly, regardless how unpopular it may become for Christians to stand firmly by it” (142). ( )

Some pastors preach every Sunday about pending punishment in hell, Meatloaf loved to sing about it, even came Back from Hell in 1993. Bobby Conway, in his reaction to Rob Bell‘s Love Wins, Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die (2011) accused preachers of being closet universalists, stating everyone will go to heaven, believer or not. Many books were written on a single view of hell (without ever having been there). Steve Gregg dared to write a book that dives into the three most popular views on hell, while remaining undecided (yet) about which one is right. Though All You Want to Know About Hell has a pretentious title, it’s up to reader to delve in each position, do the cross-examinations and re-read the numerous Bible quotes in context. Unfortunately, that requires balancing, since many quotes are ambiguous, in favor to at least two paradigms. Surprisingly all three had their followers during the first centuries of Christianity, until the so-called traditional view became the one endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church. Until modern times however, all three have their defenders. In the Bible you will not find a specific chapter on the topic, Jesus Christ spent no sermon on it, neither did Paul. And so, it takes a lot of grabbing verses, (Greek) philosophy, pick and choose from possible translations of Hebrew and Greek words and interpretations, while one may loose sight of the consequences or the practical applications. Is the view man-centered or God-centered? How to explain ‘hell’ to your neighbor? Who will benefit from eternal punishment or a total destruction?
traditional view: hell is a place of eternal torment, without repentance. You either choose Christ before you die, otherwise will be tormented eternally.
annihilationist (or the conditionalist) view: the damned will simply be put out of existence forever, eventually after a period in hell.
restorationist view: all human sinners will in the end be reconciled to God.
I admired Gregg’s position in this: delivering in-depth research and challenging his readers. Too many presented their views as written in stone without any room to think, reflect and discuss. Let this book spark good conversations among believers and with non-believers. ( )

I really enjoyed this one. I asked for a review copy because I had previously devoured Steve Gregg’s Revelation: Four Views. This guy is an engrossing writer who gets right to the heart of the matter. While Gregg doesn’t entirely mask his own opinion, he does manage to fairly represent several alternative views with these books, and this time around he gives voice to the following opinions about hell:

Traditionalists, who stick with the common view of everlasting conscious torment.
Conditionalists, who argue for annihilation of the sinful. “The wages of sin is death.”
Restorationalists, who insist that hell is a place of rehabilitation. Everyone will eventually find their way to heaven.

Universalists, at least those who reason that for God to be victorious no one could find themselves in hell, are not strongly represented in the book. Hell is too real in scripture to dismiss.

It’s important to emphasize that all three views are solidly founded in scripture. Lots and lots of scriptural references are provided for each view, and all views have thoughtful, scholarly supporters.

We’d all like to know the ultimate truth about hell, but I just don’t think the scriptures are in total harmony in this matter. That’s where this study led me, though I doubt that’s where Gregg meant to lead. The more I study topics like this, the harder it is to believe in Biblical Inerrancy. I remain baffled as to why otherwise thoughtful Bible scholars rage against the obvious … that doctrinal differences in the Bible are a natural result of differing opinions among the Bible’s writers.

Nevertheless, this is a book to make you think, and to make you appreciate the richness of the Bible even as it examines the most frightening topic known to man. ( )