Review of GOD'S FINAL VICTORY

John's and my book on universalism, God's Final Victory, received a very nice review from CHOICE REVIEWS. Here's the review for those who are interested.


The reality of hell and eternal torment as doctrinal elements under the banner of Christian love forms the context of this closely argued and thorough book. Kronen (Univ. of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN) and Reitan (Oklahoma State Univ.) dissect doctrinal meaning and history in their persuasive presentation of universalism, i.e., that the most coherent claim for Christians is that all people will be saved and that none are consigned to hell or able to will themselves to eternal separation from God. In nine tightly organized chapters, the authors present arguments for and against a broad array of doctrines of hell and universalism, concluding that "there is no rational basis to prefer DH (doctrine of hell) to DU (universalism), and there are compelling reasons to prefer DU." The treatment of scripture avoids hermeneutical tricks and takes seriously the rich tradition of belief in hell by nearly all principal Christian thinkers. At times the interest in sorting through fine distinctions becomes more distracting than helpful, but the overall quality of the work overshadows any critique of form. The historical breadth and depth of analysis will make this volume helpful for researchers and for graduate-level courses in philosophy of religion. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. -- R. Ward, Georgetown College