Author Archives: Ronnie

Yes, Fire and Darkness Can Coexist

In the conclusion of my most recent article (posted nearly four years ago!) I wrote the following: “I understand that many ‘traditionalists’ today soften the traditional view so much that penal suffering is minimized or denied altogether (which is another … Continue reading

Posted in bad arguments, history, sloppy scholarship | 3 Comments

Torture

It’s often the case that traditionalists will object when their detractors use “torture” to describe the traditional view of final punishment. In Hell Under Fire, Christopher Morgan challenges Clark Pinnock on this point: “…notice [Pinnock’s] pejorative use of ‘torture’ rather … Continue reading

Posted in history, terminology | 11 Comments

Is “Traditionalism” a Pejorative?

Occasionally, some adherent to the traditional view of final punishment (viz. everlasting torment) will get up in arms over being called a “traditionalist.” Usually, the offender will be charged with poisoning the well and intentionally using “traditionalism” to illegitimately score … Continue reading

Posted in terminology | 15 Comments

Nature of Final Punishment Debate on Unbelievable? Radio Show

Friend and fellow conditionalist Chris Date, host of the Theopologetics podcast, recently appeared on the Unbelievable? radio show to debate Steve Jeffery on the nature of final punishment. Click here for the audio stream. As is often the case, the … Continue reading

Posted in annihilationism, conditionalism, debates | Leave a comment

Conditionalism Debate

My debate with TurretinFan is now up at Theopologetics. Feel free to ask questions or provide feedback in the comments. Citations for Quotes Used in Opening Statement “Annihilationism is the belief that those who die apart from saving faith in … Continue reading

Posted in annihilationism, conditionalism, debates | 2 Comments

What Part of “Will Consume” Did You Not Understand?

The author of the book of Hebrews wrote: For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the … Continue reading

Posted in conditionalism, history | 8 Comments

Randy Alcorn Takes John Stott Out of Context

Many traditionalists share the unfortunate habit of suspecting the motives of anyone who believes that Scripture teaches something other than everlasting torment. Most critical evaluations of conditionalism that I’ve read contain at least a comment or two probing the hidden … Continue reading

Posted in sloppy scholarship | 10 Comments

Erasing Hell is Actually a Decent Book

Today I received my copy of Erasing Hell, coauthored by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. I was more than a little annoyed by Chan’s teaser video, so my expectations were admittedly low. I’m happy to say that the book isn’t … Continue reading

Posted in books | 4 Comments

Glenn Peoples Puts Traditionalist Scholarship on Blast

Glenn Peoples, one of the most able contemporary critics of traditionalism, has posted a lengthy open letter delineating the current state—and major failings—of traditionalist scholarship. Here’s just one gem that I think will ring true for any serious conditionalist: From … Continue reading

Posted in bad arguments, sloppy scholarship | 1 Comment

Has Christopher Morgan Read Isaiah 66:24?

On June 5, Christopher Morgan was a guest on the Stand to Reason radio show, hosted by Greg Koukl. In case you’re not in the know, Morgan is among the most vocal contemporary defenders of traditionalism, and is often consulted … Continue reading

Posted in sloppy scholarship | 1 Comment