The Dark Side of Destiny: Hell Re-Examined

by J. Gregory Crofford

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2013

Overview

Discussion of hell is hotter than ever. Yet for all the attention the topic has drawn, there are few resources that provide an overview of the major points in dispute without becoming bogged down in detail. The Dark Side of Destiny: Hell Re-examined is an excellent primer, yet goes beyond a mere description of options. J. Gregory Crofford weighs various views of hell in the light of Scripture and finds them wanting. In the end, he champions a neglected view of last things that responds better to the preponderance of biblical evidence and safeguards the character of God as equitable, holy, and loving.

With probing discussion questions at the end of short chapters, The Dark Side of Destiny is ideal for Bible studies, Sunday school classes, or small groups.

With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Overviews theories of hell without becoming bogged down
• Introduces readers to an alternative view of eternal punishment
• Upholds the holiness and love of God

Contents

• The God of Fair Play
• Our Loving and Holy God
• Boack on Your Heads!
• Are There Second Chances after Death?
• What Are We Anyway?
• The Bright Side of Destiny: Resurrection, Reward, and Immortality
• The Dark Side of Destiny: Resurrection, Punishment, and Destruction
• Answering Objections

Top Highlights

“God’s role in it keep too many believers from embracing a close relationship with a seemingly sadistic God.” (Page xiv)

“The two forms that this post mortem (after death) second chance viewpoint takes are purgatory and universalism.” (Page 23)

“While Bell dances deftly around the edges of universalism—the idea that all will eventually be admitted to God’s eternal kingdom—he is silent about an alternative that rings truer with the whole message of the Bible.” (Page xiii)

“Likewise, the danger of the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory is that it may give false hope of a last chance to make things right.” (Page 25)

“It is endless separation from God, unending, conscious punishment for all who reject God during their lifetime, no matter the nature of their offenses. Is that what the Christian God is like?” (Pages 4–5)

Praise for the Print Edition

His reasoning is biblical, sound, and compelling.

—Edward William Fudge, author, The Fire That Consumes

Product Details

• Title: The Dark Side of Destiny: Hell Re-Examined
• Author: J. Gregory Crofford
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 80
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Hell › Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781625642813, 9781498268356, 9781630870829, 1625642814, 1498268358, 163087082X
• Resource ID: LLS:DARKSIDEDESTINY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:11:22Z

About J. Gregory Crofford

J. Gregory Crofford is a veteran missionary with the Church of the Nazarene, serving as a theological educator and educational administrator. Currently he is coordinator for education and clergy development on the Africa region. Past positions include director of the Institut Théologique Nazaréen (2009–2013), director of the Séminaire Théologique Nazaréen d'Haïti (2004–2005), missionary to Côte d’Ivoire and Benin (1994-2003) and pastor in Sedalia, Missouri (1989–1993). Crofford is an ordained Nazarene elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a member of the Wesleyan Theological Society.