Overview
In Heaven, Hell, and Hope, Chris Kugler presents a thorough exploration of "personal eschatology," addressing the complex theological and biblical questions about the eternal fate of human beings. While Scripture suggests the possibility of eternal loss, Kugler argues that its most relevant texts are less definitive than commonly thought.
Kugler contends that a nuanced picture is called for when one considers how theology uses the Bible to develop doctrine. He presents the problems, possibilities, and prospects of the three major views on personal eschatology: damnationism, annihilationism, and universalism.
Heaven, Hell, and Hope is a vital resource for those teaching and preaching on personal eschatology. Designed for classroom use or small-group study, Kugler's analysis will benefit professors, students, pastors, and thoughtful lay readers.
Kugler contends that a nuanced picture is called for when one considers how theology uses the Bible to develop doctrine. He presents the problems, possibilities, and prospects of the three major views on personal eschatology: damnationism, annihilationism, and universalism.
Heaven, Hell, and Hope is a vital resource for those teaching and preaching on personal eschatology. Designed for classroom use or small-group study, Kugler's analysis will benefit professors, students, pastors, and thoughtful lay readers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Preliminaries
Introductory Note
How Theology Works
How Revelation Works
A Historical-Critical Hermeneutic
Conclusion
2. Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish and Christian Traditions
Introduction
Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish Tradition
The Tanakh (Old Testament)
Second Temple Judaism
Personal Eschatology in the Early Christian Tradition
Jesus and the Gospels
Paul
Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles
Revelation
Clearly Universalist Texts?
Unlimited Atonement
Conclusion
3. What May Be Believed?
Weighing the Options
Conclusion
Indexes
1. Preliminaries
Introductory Note
How Theology Works
How Revelation Works
A Historical-Critical Hermeneutic
Conclusion
2. Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish and Christian Traditions
Introduction
Personal Eschatology in the Ancient Jewish Tradition
The Tanakh (Old Testament)
Second Temple Judaism
Personal Eschatology in the Early Christian Tradition
Jesus and the Gospels
Paul
Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles
Revelation
Clearly Universalist Texts?
Unlimited Atonement
Conclusion
3. What May Be Believed?
Weighing the Options
Conclusion
Indexes
Endorsements
“What does the New Testament, read within Christian tradition, teach about the possibility of the salvation of all, as well as the possibility of eternal perdition? These are the questions at the center of this important study. Kugler’s work is conducted with clarity, charity to all, and a sense of historical and theological accountability to Scripture. A fine contribution, and one important to ongoing consideration and debate about the Last Things.”
Thomas Joseph White, OP, Rector Magnificus, Pontificia Università San Tommaso d’Aquino (Angelicum)
Author
Chris Kugler
Chris Kugler (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is a research fellow in theology at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Houston, Texas. He previously served as a research associate in theology at Keble College, University of Oxford. Kugler is the author of Paul and the Image of God and The Next Christian Faith: A Brief Sketch.