Posted on 02/16/2007 2:06:11 PM PST by Alex Murphy
Jim Cronfel believes "conversion comes from the awareness of eternal conscious torment," that "[Christianity] is about fleeing hell and sin." Annihilationists believe that even the consideration of a literal, eternal hell is intolerable and "the fire and brimstone school of theology" not to be "biblical Christianity."
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 15, 2007 -- Holy Fire Publishing releases "Eternal Christianity" (Paperback, US$13.99, ISBN# 1-933899-43-3). In his book, author Jim Cronfel, 40, addresses Annihilationist theology and shares a biblically based theological view.
As stated in his book, Jim Cronfel believes conversion comes from the awareness of eternal conscious torment, that [Christianity] is about fleeing hell and sin. Yet, Annihilationists believe that even the consideration of a literal, eternal hell is intolerable and the fire and brimstone school of theology is not biblical Christianity. Yet there are many that promote this belief like Dr. John Stott who was named Time magazine's "100 most influential people in the world" and was recognized by Rev. Billy Graham as "the most respected clergyman in the world today. Cronfel's worthy goal in his book, "Eternal Christianity" is not to tear down honored gentlemen but to boldly exalt the name of Jesus Christ and proclaim what He eternally accomplished for us on Calvary.
In "Eternal Christianity," Cronfel urges his readers to carefully examine the Scriptures that show the eternal fear of God must precede an authentic gospel conversion. He finds it troubling that Annihilationism pervades bestsellers like "Basic Christianity" and "The Cross of Christ." He quotes them and those of several other authors who hold the view. Cronfel aims to show how one un-biblical view leads to a series of others which could lead to denying God Himself. For support, he includes Spurgeon's "Lama Sabachthani," a sermon about Christ's eternal cry from the Cross; and, Calvin's tract "Psychopannychia," which means "the imaginary sleep of the soul."
Cronfel points out when a popular annihilationist wrote that there would be "a serious disproportion between sins consciously committed in time and torment consciously experienced throughout eternity," he rejected original sin. Therefore, there would be a serious disproportion between "good deeds" consciously committed in time and "grace" consciously experienced throughout eternity.
Annihilation theology denies that God punished Jesus for our sins. However, evangelical Christians believe Christ's substitutionary punishment for sins is the central tenant of their faith. Cronfel goes on in his book to address other issues like the deity of Christ and forgiveness as it relates to annihilationism and proves prove that people still need to repent in fear of the true hell.
Annihilationsim is so controversial that Cronfel lost a Church membership for opposing it. "Eternal Christianity," including Cronfel, Spurgeon and Calvin, and is available at Amazon.com and bookstores.
Why is it called "Annihilationism"? (I have not heard the term before.)
Annihilationism is the minority Christian doctrine that sinners are destroyed rather than tormented forever in hell. It is directly related to the doctrine of conditional immortality, the idea that a human soul is not immortal unless it is given eternal life. Annhilationism asserts that God will eventually destroy or annihilate the wicked, leaving only the righteous to live on in immortality. Some annihilationists believe the wicked will be punished for their sins in hell before being annihilated, others that hell is a false doctrine of pagan origin.
Annihilationist denominations include the Seventh-day Adventists, Bible Students, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the various Advent Christian churches. Some Protestant and Anglican[1] writers have also proposed annihilationist doctrines. Annihilationists base the doctrine on their exegesis of scripture, some early church writing, historical criticism of the doctrine of hell, and the concept of God as too loving to punish his creatures forever.
I can't decide which would be worse, torment in hell or complete annihilation. (I would rather not find out.)
I'm sure there are a lot of people here at Free Republic who have already made that decision for you. :-)
I want to thank you all and especially Alex, for posting my press release and discusing it on your forum!
God Bless You all.
You can find three sample chapter of my book at my web page:
www.delcaredrighteousness.com
--Jim
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