Bradley Jersak, Her Gates Will Never Be Shut
In closing, I applaud Jersak for sensitively working through the controversial but timely topic of universalism/ultimate redemption—even if, at least in my opinion, it is not finally convincing. Of course, readers will decide for themselves regarding its persuasive merits or lack thereof. Everlasting punishment may be a difficult doctrine but it is also very important. I’m reminded of the words of C. S. Lewis on Hell. Lewis was an ardent admirer of the writings of George MacDonald, a kind of evangelical universalist (like Bradley Jersak, who references him). Lewis himself even admitted that, if possible, he would quite gladly remove the doctrine of Hell from Christianity. He confessed that he could not so, however, because of its “full support in Scripture”, particularly on the lips of our Lord, and the “support of reason”, particularly regarding human freewill (The Problem of Pain). Accordingly, we may be sensitive to the motives of those who wrestle with the morbid reality of everlasting punishment, but still we must ever endeavor to be fully faithful to the biblical witness. Perhaps some Pentecostal preachers might take the liberty to declare that instead of trying to get rid of Hell we would be better served to warn people to avoid it (Matt 23:33). If so, then such warnings should be delivered in firm, loving tones (Eph 4:15).
Reviewed by Tony Richie
Notes
1 Readers will notice that Jersak prefers the technically accurate but somewhat odd feminine gender to the more usual neuter translation of the third person genitive of the pronoun auteés.
Category: Biblical Studies, Pneuma Review, Spring 2012
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