Hellbound Movie Night

Some short thoughts after watching the movie hellbound last night.

It is a documentary discussing some different views on hell and how they have been held by different Christians throughout history. The documentary highlighted some of the tension between the different points of view, and brought to light how some Christians are not open to partnering with other Christians with different points of view.

I was impressed that somehow a movie of this nature made it to a big screen. The theater was pretty empty. I'm not sure how many people would be interested.

The main three perspectives on hell that were discussed were:

• eternal torment - where people are tormented for eternity
• annihilation - where the punishment results in death
• universal reconciliation - where somehow all become restored to God in the end

What I liked about the movie:

• those that recognized the tension, and with humility acknowledge they really don't know exactly how it will play out in the end.
• some influential evangelicals said they are OK partnering with those of the annihilation camp.
• the recognition that there are scriptural and historical reasons behind each of the above perspectives.

I was disappointed by:

• the annihilation perspective was not given much airtime in the movie
• the bias came out too strong in the last half of the movie

If this movie succeeds at anything, I hope it is this: It is OK to recognize that all Christians do not agree on everything. On this issue there have always been different points of view. If you are passionate about the topic, please spend more time studying the topic from the different perspectives to at least gain a respect for others before judging too harshly.

I'll end by sharing some verses that I find motivating to share the love of Christ with others:

 "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death" 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)

 "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40 (NIV)

 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51 (NIV)

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

"let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." James 5:20 (NASB)

"There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:12 (NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 6:23 (NIV)

What motivates you to share God's love with others?


Related Posts:

• Does Scripture Say Hell is Eternal Punishment - a look at lots of Scripture
• Literal or figurative death
• Eternal Consequence
• Gehenna
• Why the threat? Does God need to threaten us with eternal punishment to win our love and devotion?