Today, hell is a front-burner topic, thanks to media attention stirred by megapastors Rob Bell, Francis Chan, and others. But, between the extremes of universal salvation and everlasting torment, there shines a third view, known as annihilationism or conditional immortality, claiming the most biblical support of all.

Now the man whose 500-page book, The Fire That Consumes, helped ignite the scholarly debate thirty years ago brings this exciting alternative viewpoint to the everyday reader in simple form. And the story behind the book is now the subject of a feature film, "Hell and Mr. Fudge," due to release

in theaters in 2012 (and starring Mackenzie Astin and Keri Lynn Pratt; see www.hellandmrfudge.com).

This in-depth study offers all serious Bible students a detailed and readable consideration of the book of Hebrews.

Intended for preachers, university and seminary students, and adult Bible class teachers, Hebrews: Ancient Encouragement for Believers Today is a "bridge" commentarydelivering the best insights of contemporary scholarship in understandable, non-technical language. The author of Hebrews used four Psalms as a framework to re-tell the story of Jesus to a disheartened audience that was tempted to walk away. The same structure and intense focus on Jesus permeates and empowers this narrative commentary, bringing fresh encouragement to believers today.

An international spectrum of Bible scholars and church leaders commend the meticulous scholarship and sound exposition in this book and note its tremendous clarity and simplicity, its wise application and elegant prose. Reviewers call it "brilliant" and "a momentous accomplishment."

Fire That Consumes, while carefully examining the complete teaching of Scripture on the subject of Final Punishment, defends the view that the destiny of the unsaved will be final destruction, rather than eternal conscious torment in hell as defended by the traditional view. The 3rd edition of this meticulous and compelling book takes a close look at the traditionalist critics, and brings an overview of developments in the last thirty years.

Synopsis: Evangelical Christians affirm together that a dreadful destiny awaits those who reject God's grace throughout life. According to the traditional view, that destiny will involve unending conscious torment in hell. However, believers are increasingly questioning that understanding, as both unbiblical and inconsistent with the character of God revealed in the Scriptures and in the man Jesus Christ. This internationally acclaimed book--now fully updated, revised, and expanded--carefully examines the complete teaching of Scripture on the subject of final punishment. It concludes that hell is a place of total annihilation, everlasting destruction, although the destructive process encompasses conscious torment of whatever sort, intensity, and duration God might require in each individual case. Endorsements: "I commend this book warmly. It is likely to remain a standard work to which everyone engaged with this issue will constantly return." -Richard Bauckham Emeritus Professor of New Testament Studies University of Saint Andrews, Scotland "The Fire That Consumes has long been recognized as one of the most thorough and compelling statements available of the view that the destiny of the unsaved will be final destruction rather than eternal torment. In this new edition, Edward Fudge provides extended engagement with traditionalist critics and an overview of developments in the last thirty years ensuring that it will remain a definitive work on the issue for years to come." -John R. Franke Theologian in Residence First Presbyterian Church of Allentown Author Biography: Edward William Fudge is a Christian theologian, Bible teacher, author, and, for more than twenty years, a practicing attorney. He maintains an international internet ministry at www.EdwardFudge.com.

About the Contributor(s): J. Gregory Crofford (PhD, University of Manchester) is Coordinator of Education and Clergy Development for the Africa Region, Church of the Nazarene. He is the author of Streams of Mercy: Prevenient Grace in the Theology of John and Charles Wesley (2010).