The Hotter the Better

Here's a great online article on hell. It speaks to the deep desire we humans have for "fair play" and God's deep desire to offer grace. The author describes "hell on earth," and discusses churches who attempt to "reach out" using hell (remember the Halloween banners for Hell House you saw up in front of that big church on your row?), and also does a beautiful job of describing how he defines and why he believes in hell.

Here are some good quotes to get you going:

"Humanly, we don't like to think that someone will be able to do something 'bad' and not pay for it. We want to believe that no one will ever get away with anything."

"Chronic sinners who perpetuate unremitting evil are judged by God. No one 'gets away with' anything -- but that fact is not the cornerstone or foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"Be careful that you don't get involved in some crusade that creates or assists hells on earth, even if what you are doing is called 'God's work.'"

"The path of God's kingdom of heaven does not require that Christians dangle the feet of the uncommitted over the flames of hell."