Julie Ferwerda - Raising Hell: Christianitys Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire

Kudos for Raising Hell

I was a bible-slinging hell defender for many years. My decision to read Raising Hell was solely to criticize it. It turned out to be the best decision of my entire life! Tears flowed as all those difficult questions I struggled with were finally answered. Now I understand those famous words, I came that they may have life. No longer am I wasting my life walking on eggshells of religion. Randy Serrano, NY

Im a former pastor and my joy knows no end after encountering this book! Oh the amazing peace! Finally, a clear, logical, and loving picture of a sovereign God. God is gloriously good! Lazar Sretenovic, Australia

At first, I wasnt too interested in reading Raising Hell . The author is not a noted theologian or famous pastor. Julie Ferwerda is, however, a gifted author. I read the entire book in one sitting. She is basically a Bible-loving person who wants the whole world to experience the love and grace of God by stepping outside the box and exploring what the Bible really teaches about the subject of hell. Not everyone will agree with her conclusions, but if you read with an open heart and mind, you will not be able to walk away from this book without feeling that her conclusions just might be right. William Nieporte (www.nieporte.name), VA

Im at a place in my life where the character and nature of God is being investigated from every angle, honestly , for the first time. Instead of trusting Orthodoxy, Im challenging the double mindedness of my bible college and seminary education that now stands out to me like a sore thumb, wondering how I could have been so blind. Raising Hell is the third book I have read on the doctrine of hell, and I want to commend Ferwerda on the painstaking detail, broad foundation, careful scholarship, and the respect and honor in which she conveys the issues. It is a great work and will have a far-reaching, liberating effect. Mike Glenn, CA

If youve ever felt an inner conflict with what the theologians and pastors of orthodox Christianity teach about hell vs. what you feel in your heart about Gods love...read this book! Let go of the notion that only pastors or scholars have the key to answer your faith questions. The Bible was written for everyone to study and discern its meaning. You have nothing to lose by reading and deciding for yourself whether or not the king is naked. Barb Riley, IL

This book is an easy read, and will challenge you to your core. Whether you are willing to accept that weve all been lied to or not, at least take the challenge. If you are a preacher who holds to this doctrine, you might want to avoid this book unless youre willing to accept the possibility that you were lied to in your seminaries. Julie is very convincing, and I see the truth to be on her side. Phil Thompson, AZ

Raising Hell has left a deep and lasting impact on me. Julie Ferwerda has articulated the message of freedom and inclusionthe gospel as it was intendedbetter than any other writer or theologian I have read to date. Others have expressed the same or similar message in writing but, in my opinion, Julies is the sweetest and most gentle voiceI cannot thank her enough. If your heart is hungry for the gospel of love for all humanity, if you cannot reconcile a God of love with eternal hell fire, then this is the book for you. David Dellman, MDiv, Baltimore, MD

Ferwerdas book makes me want to stop strangers in the street and say, Hey, man. Did you know...? The things she explains not only make sense, but answer questions she isnt even asking! Its an enjoyable readI cant recommend it highly enough! David Mclaughlin, Great Britain

Im a pastor and am very impressed by the logic and the obvious amount of time spent in research of this book. Its interesting and compelling, and helped me a great deal in my own search. Neal Johnson, ME

The message of Raising Hell isnt wishful thinking or one of those hell just cant be real because it would be so mean books. Each argument is laid out with evidence and a lot of research. I had doubts about hell for years and was looking for a book that could be used as a resource with others. I have found that book. Everything from the lake of fire to the word everlasting is thoughtfully explained in an easy and understandable manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for scriptural proof that God will save all of humanity. Tony

I must say that this is one of the greatest love stories ever written . I love Ferwerdas theory on the Jewish Feasts and Harvests. I know many of you may be instantly outraged if I were to ask, but would you please lay down your defense weapons and read this book? Tim Richmond, OH

Things are changing; people are being set free from the great deception. Finally the teaching of everlasting torment is being seen for what it really is: the assassination of Gods loving and just character! Thank you, Juliehistory will remember you! Todd Lange

Rob Bells, Love Wins , was more about asking great questions; Raising Hell is more about great answers. Tyler B.

Hell (a.k.a. Dantes Inferno) is a non-biblical, mythological scare tactic that was invented by the early church. Julie does an excellent job at displaying the facts, showing the literary failures used by some of the most common translations. Using wit and good ole fashion charm to keep the reader engaged, she masterfully weaves the history and the origins of this ignorant and oppressive invention of the church. Finally a smart Christian woman who is not afraid to reveal the trutheven if it shakes the foundation of the church to its very core. Nelson Rose, FL

As someone who came to Christ later in life, I encountered a lot of difficulties in understanding the Bible, the biggest one being the concept of eternal torture as the punishment for not knowing and believing in Jesus. My frustration grew to the point of my entertaining agnosticism and atheism. However, by Gods grace, I stumbled onto this book that introduced me to a completely different perspective on Gods love and purpose for humanity. It was truly eye opening. Maybe I have been naive for not knowing about the Universalism viewpoint prior to reading this book, but nobody in my church and bible study has ever mentioned this Christian perspective. This book should be read by every Christian who is struggling with the orthodox view on hell. Peter Utama, NY

I have been studying this subject for more than 40 years and have read a lot of books. Raising Hell is the best of the best. Walt Childs, FL

I had read many academic articles and blogs about the different theories of the afterlife, and had come away an annihilationist. However, I desperately wanted to believe in universalism, especially after having a vivid dream about it, but I could not find the support. Finally, I landed on this book with all its incredible support and overwhelming evidence for the reality of universal reconciliation. By page 60, the book had sealed the deal for me. Ferwerda is witty, intelligent, bold, unapologetic, and very well studied. She takes you through a labyrinth of Hebrew perspectives and obscure truths that the present church is clueless about. She asks questions that stick in your mind, demand your attention, and demand a response that will not allow you to go back to the ignorance of the traditional view. Raising Hell will open your eyes to what the Scriptures actually teach about heaven, hell, the afterlife, God, and humanity. It will take you to a place of no return. Michael Dise, Wake Forest Divinity, NC

Ferwerda sure finished knocking me off the calf path and helped me go public with the Good News in my pulpit. Pastor Don Hendricks, AZ

Raising Hell is the best book Ive read on this subject. Its thorough yet easy to read, liberating, and joyful! The manipulative and destructive doctrines that are considered orthodox have warped the worlds vision of Christ. Embrace the real Good News. Rebecca Cabildo, NM