The idea of hell can haunt dreams and disturb sleep. Many wonder at the justice (or injustice) of it all, feeling confounded by a God who deems it necessary to send the majority of humanity to burn there forever. Seventy percent of Americans believe in hell, as do ninety-two percent of those who attend church every week. Clearly, it’s a hot topic. This study offers readers a safe space to contemplate tough issues as they rethink traditional views of hell. We will explore and ultimately refute many traditional views of hell, presenting instead theologically sound ways of thinking that are more consistent with the image of God as a loving creator who desires to liberate us from sin and evil. This is an excellent selection for general readers, students, pastors, professors, and grief counselors, and will provide clarity for those with questions about hell, God’s judgment, and what happens to us when we die.

Sharon Baker Putt holds a Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University and is Professor of Theology and Religion at a college in PA. She defines her work with the Bible verse: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker that needs not be ashamed, handling rightly the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). These words from the Bible perfectly describe what she wants for her students. By teaching them theology and religion on an academic level, she hopes to motivate them to know not only what they believe, but why they believe it so that they grow in their faith and in their love for God and others. When she’s not teaching (or grading papers!), she conducts research and writes in the areas of non-violent atonement theory, justice, reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace. She also works in the area of inter-religious dialogue, comparative theologies of religion, and Continental Philosophy.