Now that we have looked at each of the three views in brief, we can begin to compare and contrast them. One of the best aids to do so is the above diagram by Ronnie Demler of rethinkinghell.com. I hope you will find it as useful as I have. Here is a brief explanation to help navigate it.
Each point is a placeholder for a view with a description of the nature of the 'fire of hell'. Traditionalism thinks the fire causes suffering, Conditionalists think it is destruction, and Universalists think it purifies.
Written on each line connecting each point is a shared belief of the two in contrast with the view that is opposite. In contrast to Traditionalism, the other two believe that suffering will end and that evil will be eradicated. In contrast to Universalism, the other two believe that the judgement is final and the punishment is eternal. In contrast to Conditionalism, the other two believe in universal immortality.
In the centre we see what God will do with evil according to each view. It will be restrained, converted, or destroyed accordingly.
There are also a few nuanced views with arrows coming from Traditionalism and Conditionalism which I have touched on in part. Each will need a full blog post in the future.
- Partial Conditionalism is the belief that human beings will be destroyed but that Satan beings will be tormented forever.
- Dehumanization is a growing view held by N. T. Wright and others who think human beings will become mere 'creatures' and no longer bear the image of God. A sort of 'un-creation'.
- Reconciliationism holds that sin will cease and torment will end yet the lost will never enter the new Creation/Heaven.
- Separationsim I have written about a lot. It holds that people choose hell apart from God.
No comments:
Post a Comment