Eliminating Satan and Hell
Overview
In this volume, V. Donald Emmel—a university pastor at San Jose State—describes his theories regarding Satan and hell, painting a picture that differs from the traditional understanding of eternal punishment. Emmel’s approach is intended to reassure those “who have been taught to fear the myths of Satan and hell.” He argues that, through misunderstandings and mistranslations, many see God as a cranky and punishing creator. Believing that the idea of hell and punishment is no longer valid in modern theology, Emmel points to “today’s scientific knowledge” in an attempt to debunk what he considers the “myths” of Satan and hell.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Takes an alternative stance on the validity of hell and Satan
- Discusses the origins of Satan and hell, their limitations, and their place in today’s world
- Redefines the conversation surrounding hell and strips it of intimidation and control
- The Basics of Myth and Scriptural Formation
- Life and Death in Ancient Myths
- An Alternative Hebrew Community
- Hebrew Myths of Systemic Evil
- Hebrew Myths of Life, Death, and Sheol
- Yahweh: Punitive or Compassionate?
- Israel, a Monarchy or Servant?
- Persian Myths and the Introduction of Satan
- The Cradle for Apocalyptic Myths
- Greek Myths of Tartarus and Hades
- Search for a Different Understanding
- Jewish Apocalyptic Myths
- Daniel and the Oral Law
- Jewish Sectarian Groups
- First-Century Political Conflict
- Paul on Satan, Sin, Hell, and Related Concepts
- Satan in the Gospels
- Hell in the Gospels
- The Nature of the Creator-God
- An Unsettled Christendom
- Postscript
Emmel’s book offers an indispensable survey of the emergence of the concepts of Satan and hell as they appear in the writings of both the Old and New Testaments. By locating their origin in the myths that constructed the social and religious world of antiquity, Emmel discloses the contextual limitations of these mythical realities in their historical life-situation, and at the same time, their theological irrelevance for the world of today.
—Herman C. Waetjen, professor emeritus, San Francisco Theological Seminary, CA
Don Emmel is waging a long-overdue battle against the devil and his lair. His research shows how original Hebrew teachings changed when they were translated into Greek and then Latin, and how, once entrenched into doctrine, a complete reversal of Jesus’s theology came to be standard Christian orthodoxy. Emmel thinks it’s time to correct the record. You will agree with him as you close the book.
—Jack Batson, retired high school teacher, CA
Drawing on a wonderful pastoral sense and thorough scholarship, Emmel has helped free us from ideas of hell and Satan used to intimidate and control; and in the process has given a vision of a compassionate, loving God you and I can believe in.
—Jonathan Eastman, pastor, Presbyterian Church of Saint Helena, CA
- Title: Eliminating Satan and Hell: Affirming a Compassionate Creator-God
- Author: V. Donald Emmel
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2013
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 198
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Devil › Biblical teaching; Saṭan (The Hebrew word)
- ISBNs: 9781625644114, 9781498268806, 9781630872434
- Resource ID: LLS:LMNTNGSTNHLL
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-08-17T23:55:51Z
Reviews
5 ratings
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Wes Sharp
7/27/2020
David Perez II
9/1/2016
Glenn
2/29/2016
I will never buy the book. That is my prerogative. As it should be everybody's, for every person has the right to choose what to put in their library, with their money. Short of immoral publications, I'd say, "have at it!" None of us has to purchase anything in Logos. I for one will continue to happily use what I have and will in the future purchase many more items from this most excellent company.
Paul Burkhart
6/16/2014
Good gracious, people. Agree or not. Why is it the responsibility of Logos to be a gatekeeper for you? If you think the very center of your doctrine and faith is the doctrine of hell--if it is THAT central to you--then do your research before buying any book on the topic. If you just want your own opinions and thoughts regurgitated to you, why use Logos to study the Bible at all? You apparently know all you need to know about this topic; why should you need to buy any new books on hell anyway? I for one am I overjoyed to see more diversity in the Logos library. I've long been frustrated about the seemingly myopic limitations and lack of diversity in the Logos selections. I don't need to spend money on books that are just going to tell me what I already believe. I need books that are going to show me new perspectives, and the reasoning behind those perspectives, regardless of whether or not I end up agreeing with them. This is why we study the Bible. Why are so many Evangelicals so scared of books they disagree with? This is to our detriment and shame. I am gladly pre-ordering this book.
JoshInRI
5/15/2014
One more example of offal that Logos is offering as a "bookstore". Sad really. Even sadder..the Logos people below defending this litter. I may borrow this from a library one day (afterall keeping up with recent heresy is occasionally important) but I would never actually pay for it or pollute my Logos books with this.
Jeremy Korell
5/6/2014
“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:10–21, NIV)
Gregory D. Earle
5/3/2014
Has anyone actually read this book? I do like being prepared so that may be ready to "give an answer", especially with the barrage of "new theology" attacks that come so frequently.
Robert Geiss
5/1/2014
“All Scripture is inspired by God,” and the Bible’s truth and accuracy has stood the test of time. Why would Logos want to publish a book, the avowed purpose of which is to “challenge the myths” in it, because “our conclusions about hell and Satan must not conflict with the basic science that we know today?” History has shown that it is science that has been forced to change over the centuries, ever bringing it more and more in agreement with what the Bible has said all along.Donald Jendrey
5/1/2014
Ancient teachings about Satan are no longer relevant in today's "enlightented" world. Neither are the "Ten Words." How can you run a modern "enlightened" economy without discarding, "Thou shalt not steal"? (or covet?) What would our child psycologists do if we started obeying the commandments on adultery? etc., etc. How is that modern "enlightened" god working out for you? Tickles the ears, doesn't it? For a while, anyway. Maranatha, PLEASE Lord Yeshua.
David Achorn
4/30/2014
I'm glad Logos decided to include the book. I'm a happy pre-order customer.
