I remember really getting clarity about my feelings about the whole thing when I was in a prison ministry band and I first heard the phrase “turn or burn”. Really brought a clarity to the problem I had with the “fear of hell” preaching I always heard. It seemed so “wrong” to get people to go to church out of raw fear, completely absent of the concept of God’s love.
The annihilation message not only fits with the character of a loving God, but also better fits the description of the eternity experience of non-Christians as described in the bible.
I really wish (hope) you are right. It is hard to imagine suffering continuing for all eternity or that God in his mercy wouldn’t put the wicked out of their misery.
Says who? Who are you to judge God's character?
God gives reprobates exactly what they want -- His absence. How is that not "loving"?
but also better fits the description of the eternity experience of non-Christians as described in the bible.
The Bible makes no general claim about "the eternity experience of non-Christians". But as for the reprobate souls, Jesus says they go to a place "where the fire is not quenched, and the worm dieth not". Doesn't sound like annihilation to me.