davidbu@loowit.wr.tek.com (David E. Buxton) (02/25/91)
Am still working on my series of posts on the topic of what happens after we
die, and in the lake of fire at the end. This is clearly a topic where you
can pick and choose your texts and claim to prove conflicting theses. It is
clearly a topic that must be studied cover to cover and objectively to
really know what the Bible is saying and to come to a firm conclussion. I
have several hundred texts in my data base already and its going to take
some time before I am ready to post my study. I want to thank those who
sent me email to support other views than my particular bias. And please do
send me yours if you have not already. I still don't have a text that says
we go to heaven when we die 8-) In the mean time, I ran into an excellent
book that you may wish to read. I bought a copy yesterday and am finding it
to be about as objective as you could hope to find. Careful objectivity can
be a bit long, dry and boring. But if you really want to get into the
subject it is a book you will not want to ignore. Reading from the flyleaf:
"The Fire That Consumes", by Edward William Fudge, is a provocative
biblical and historical study of the controversial doctrine of final
punishment. The book recommends itself by its careful and thorough
research. Fudge investigates both Old and New Testaments on the doc-
trine of final punishment -- but he does not stop there. He also exam-
ines the Jewish writings between the Testaments as well as relevant
material from the Apostolic Fathers down to the present.
Like a tireless detective searching out every clue, Fudge employes
biblical exegesis, systematic theology and a critical eye as he delves
into a much-neglected subject. No assumptions are left unchallenged --
including the author's own -- and several are called into serious ques-
tion. Writes Fudge:
"This study has elicited a spectrum of emotions in the author --
despair and relief, anxiety and peace, incredulity and final surrender.
The position presented must stand or fall on the evidence, and that
evidence is not personal desire, human philosophy or ecclesiastical
tradition but the living and abiding, infallible Word of God.
Edward William Fudge is an author, publisher, preacher and lay scholar.
After earning a master's degree in biblical languages from Abilene
Christian University, Abilene, Texas, he studied at Covenant Theologi-
cal Seminary and Eden Theological Seminary, both in St. Louis, Mis-
souri.
An active member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Mr. Fudge also
belongs to the Society of Biblical Literature. His articles have been
published in the Evangelical Theological Society's Journal, and he has
delivered papers at the society's regional and national meetings. He
has also written for "Christianity Today", "Review of Books and Reli-
gion", "Verdict" and other periodicals.
Not having read more than the first few chapters I cannot say what his con-
clussions are. But am impressed by his objective approach.
Friend,
Dave