Heaven, Hell, and Hope
A Biblical and Theological Exploration of Universal Salvation
About
In Heaven, Hell, and Hope, Chris Kugler presents a thorough exploration of "personal eschatology," addressing the complex theological and biblical questions about the eternal fate of human beings. While Scripture suggests the possibility of eternal loss, Kugler argues that its most relevant texts are less definitive than commonly thought.
Kugler contends that a nuanced picture is called for when one considers how theology uses the Bible to develop doctrine. He presents the problems, possibilities, and prospects of the three major views on personal eschatology: damnationism, annihilationism, and universalism.
Heaven, Hell, and Hope is a vital resource for those teaching and preaching on personal eschatology. Designed for classroom use or small-group study, Kugler's analysis will benefit professors, students, pastors, and thoughtful lay readers.
Introduction
1. Preliminaries
Introductory Note
How Theology Works
How Revelation Works
A Historical-Critical Hermeneutic
Conclusion
2. Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish and Christian Traditions
Introduction
Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish Tradition
The Tanakh (Old Testament)
Second Temple Judaism
Personal Eschatology in the Early Christian Tradition
Jesus and the Gospels
Paul
Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles
Revelation
Clearly Universalist Texts?
Unlimited Atonement
Conclusion
3. What May Be Believed?
Weighing the Options
Conclusion
Indexes
Endorsements
"Between one group pronouncing the damnation of most of the world's population and another preaching salvation for everyone, Kugler says, 'Come, let us reason together.' This book boldly enters the 'Hell' conversation, but it does so with patience and thoughtfulness. Ultimately, you won't walk away with easy answers. But the value of Kugler's work is in reminding us that the Holy Bible and Christian theology are about a personal God in relationship with flesh and blood creatures; theology is not a mathematical formula we are trying to get right. This book urges us to recognize that we need more than a concordance to think biblically and theologically about judgment and salvation. Kugler will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable, all in about a hundred pages."
Nijay K. Gupta, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
"Brief, clear, and well worth arguing with, Kugler's book on personal eschatology is a deft intervention into recent discussions. At its heart is a survey of key biblical texts, and on its horizon is an exalted doctrine of God. Even readers who find a different path from here to there will learn much from Kugler's crisp account."
Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors College, Biola University
"What does the New Testament, read within Christian tradition, teach about the possibility of the salvation of all, as well as the possibility of eternal perdition? These are the questions at the center of this important study. Kugler's work is conducted with clarity, charity to all, and a sense of historical and theological accountability to Scripture. A fine contribution, and one important to ongoing consideration and debate about the Last Things."
Thomas Joseph White, OP, Rector Magnificus, Pontificia Università San Tommaso d'Aquino (Angelicum)
The Author
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Chris Kugler
Chris Kugler (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is a research fellow in theology at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Houston, Texas. He previously served as a research associate in theology at Keble College, University of Oxford. Kugler is...
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