Tag Archives: retribution

Book Review: ‘Sinners in the Presence of a Loving God’

Posted on 14 July 2019 by

Hell will always be a compelling topic for Christian preachers, theologians, philoso­phers, and believers everywhere. Preachers love it, because it dramatically raises the homiletical stakes—congregants are guaranteed to sit up and take notice. Theologians love it, because it provides a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The True Grit of God’s Justice

Posted on 8 April 2019 by

Is God bound to punish sin? George MacDonald’s answer is no. If the answer were yes, then forgiveness would be impossible. Justice and mercy would find themselves opposed to each other, generating a schism within the Godhead. But we know that … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, Inklings & Company | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Father, Justice, and the Hermeneutic of Love

Posted on 3 April 2019 by

When we confess that God is just, what is it that we mean? Perhaps we mean that God rewards good acts and punishes evil acts, either in this life or the next, in the exact propor­tion they deserve. Let us … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Inklings & Company | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

How to Subvert Divine Justice and Turn Everybody’s Lives Upside Down

Posted on 1 April 2019 by

Deep in the Christian heart lies the conviction that the God whom they worship is holy, just, and righteous. He rewards the good and punishes the wicked. “Surely,” someone might remark, “this is the most plausible way to read the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

God-damnation or Self-damnation?

Posted on 29 February 2016 by

“I am not going to try to prove the doctrine [of hell] tolerable,” writes C. S. Lewis in his book The Problem of Pain. “Let us make no mistake; it is not tolerable. But I think the doctrine can be … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Goddammit, Who Damns Whom?

Posted on 27 May 2014 by

Is the freedom to reject God—definitively, irrevocably, everlastingly—authentic freedom? Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Arminian, and all other free-will defenders of eternal perdition must answer yes. To answer otherwise would mean that God permits individuals who live under a serious form … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Hell and the Torturous Vision of Christ

Posted on 10 May 2013 by

“Paradise and hell are the same reality,” declares Fr George Metallinos. This is the central thesis of the now dominant understanding of heaven and hell in contemporary Orthodoxy. “From the moment of His Second Coming, through to all eternity,” Metallinos … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 43 Comments