March 24, 2025

#43: What's the Deal with Hell?

45 minutes

Are there different ways to understand hell in Christianity? In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy tackles one of the most challenging theological concepts that many struggle with. If you've ever questioned traditional teachings about eternal punishment or wondered if there are other interpretations supported by scripture, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that might completely transform your understanding of Christianity.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Key Points:

Three Historical Christian Views of Hell:

Infernalism/Eternal Conscious Torment: The traditional view where non-believers suffer eternally in hell.

Annihilationism: Those who reject God cease to exist after death (also called "soul sleep").

Christian Universalism: Jesus will ultimately save everyone, though some may go through a refining process after death.

Principles for Considering Hell:

Good theology should look like Jesus

Our view should reflect all New Testament writers

Christians should have humility about who is "in" or "out"

Your view of hell is not an essential part of Christianity

Fear of hell is a cheap motivator to follow Jesus

Biblical Foundation: The episode references 1 John 4:16 (perfect love casts out fear) and Romans 2:4 (God's kindness leads to repentance) to establish that God motivates through love, not fear.

Wine Featured:

2019 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) with distinctive herbaceous notes (bell pepper, jalapeño) followed by secondary cherry and red fruit flavors.

Recommended Reading:

"Her Gates Will Never Be Shut" by Brad Jersak

"That All Shall Be Saved" by David Bentley Hart

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By Jeremy Jernigan is a former megachurch pastor turned wine-loving theologian who’s not afraid to ask the hard questions about Christianity. As the host of Cabernet and Pray, Jeremy blends deep theological exploration with cultural critique, all while sippi

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