At first, I wasn’t interested in reading “Raising Hell: Christianity’s Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire.”
“Just another book debunking hell,” I thought to myself. “Or just another book seeking to rediscover what the Bible actually says about hell.”
In any event, I had read and reviewed other books about hell – from both famous pastors and noted theologians.
Still, the book is accessible via Kindle – and that’s my reading tool of choice when on the treadmill at the YMCA. So, I got my copy and headed to the gym. I thought it would take me a few visits to work my way through the book, but I read the entire book in one sitting, or should I say “workout.”
The author is not a noted theologian or famous pastor. Julie Ferwerda is, however, a gifted author. Amazon lists two other books addressing subjects like “true love” and “parenting.” She also has a wonderful blog that I am sure I will frequent often in the future.
This most recent book seems out of the ordinary for a gal with her background and faith testimony. She is basically a conservative, Bible-loving, evangelical type person who wants the whole world to experience the love and grace of God.
So when I started read how Julie felt challenged to step outside the box and explore what she thought the Bible really taught about the subject of hell – rather than just parroting what her pastors and preachers have always said – I felt obligated and inspired to pay attention to what she said.
Julie’s approach is extremely biblical. Now, not everyone will agree with her conclusions. And if you are one of those people who can only read what you already like and agree with – you might want to not waste your time or money buying this book (or even a Bible). That said, if you come to her study with an open heart and mind – and love for the Bible – you will not be able to walk away from this book without feeling the conviction that her conclusions just might be right. Julie knows her Bible and demonstrates that from cover to cover.
One other thing I like about this book is that it is useful for group discussions. Julie reveals her process of study and the logic that leads he to her conclusions. She provides extensive texts, tools, and research. When I was a kid my preacher always said, “Don’t believe what I say. Go read the Bible and see for yourself.” That’s what Julie did and she gives us all the tools to research ourselves – and either agree with her discoveries or not.
Raising Hell: Christianity’s Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire
by: Julie Ferwerda
publisher: Vagabond Group, published: 2011-07-15
ASIN: 0984357815
EAN: 9780984357819
sales rank: 216582
price: $9.95 (new), $24.95 (used)
Have you ever wondered…do earthly parents love their children more than God loves us? Does God ask you to forgive your enemies—as many times as necessary—when He is not willing to do the same? Is being punished forever for sins committed in a short lifetime really a demonstration of justice? Does everybody get the same fair chance to believe in Jesus before they die? Most of all, if hell is mankind’s worst possible fate, and if God is truly loving, then…
– Why does He fail to mention hell in Genesis as the price for sin?
– Why doesn t the Old Testament ever speak of hell?
– Why does Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, never once mention hell?
– Why was hell not part of early Church established doctrine?
Dare to question. What have you got to lose? If you’ve ever had doubts or questions about the justification for eternal torment, Raising Hell will open your eyes to a radical new look at God’s love for all mankind—and what the Good News is really about. Picking up where Rob Bell and others leave off, Julie Ferwerda offers compelling evidence as to why she now believes the doctrine of eternal torment is the biggest deception of the modern Church.
What people are saying about Raising Hell…
“Mercy triumphs over judgment…brilliant reminder!” —Saint James
“Ms. Ferwerda dares to believe in a victorious gospel, where God actually wins and Satan loses. The author promises much more than God possibly can or will deliver! If you read this book, you may be putting your soul in danger of eternal hellfire!” —Pastor Todd Doubter
“This book fully explains what was meant by the famous declaration of long ago: ‘Good news of great joy shall be for all the people.’ I love it and will buy it for eleven of my friends!” —A. Fisherman
“Julie has not been to seminary and therefore her message is rife with the ignorant heresies you would expect from a regular lay person with no formal training.” —Dr. Theo Logian PhD, M.Div., D.Min.
“My opinion? Julie Ferwerda is going straight to hell with Rob Bell!” —The Church Lady
