The Final End of the Wicked by Edward Fudge

SUMMARY

"The Final End of the Wicked" by Edward Fudge is an examination of the argument between the wicked's final total destruction versus unending conscious torture. It is immediately clear which position the author supports as he reiterates his opinion that the idea of unending conscious torture is a pagan view based on assumptions and not scripture. He sets out to provide a well balanced evaluation of both cases with the intent of persuading the reader to agree that the Word of God is clear that the wicked will meet their final destruction.

Mr. Fudge outlines the Traditionalist doctrine that the Old Testament is silent on the issue, that the doctrine was so widely accepted that the New Testament should be read with the presumption that those being spoken to were listening with it in mind, and that the New Testament references require us to believe that God intended for the wicked to be aware of their torture without end. The Author begins his analysis of the arguments for unending conscious torture by citing 23 examples of Old Testament reference to the wicked's destruction, extinction, or extermination. At no point does the Old Testament provide an example of God intending to hold the wicked in a pergutory to experience everlasting torture, it does; however, promise repeatedly that they will experience death and be "as though they had never been". Attacking the idea that believers of Jesus' time understood unending conscious torture as a foregone conclusion, Mr. Fudge cites Jewish writings that agree with the Old Testament's references to the contrary, presenting one account of such torture which contradicts the Old Testament's version of the same reference. It is clear that the Jews did not hear with such an assumption, but rather believed what they heard as it was said, with no implied meaning. His third assault is on the argument that the New Testament's verbage compels us to believe that God intended to torture the wicked forever. The author provides nine examples of the scriptures using language that, when defined in context, clearly demonstrate that the Lord intends for the wicked to perish, not endure unending conscious torture.

CONCLUSION

I found this subject to be quite difficult to get wrapped up in. What is the importance of the argument?