I don’t read much theology, especially popular-level theology. I don’t have a problem with it as a genre, and I can appreciate people who appreciate it, but if I don’t agree with it, it makes me irritable, and if I do agree with it, it makes me (so I’m told), irritating. It seldom leaves me worshipping.
Michael gave me a copy of Sinners in the Hands of a Good God shortly before he and Sydney left with their two kids to live in another desert. Out of friendship, I decided to give it a try.
It answered questions well. If you’re convinced that the Bible is the ultimate authority on questions of spirituality, but you’re not sure how to handle potentially heretical views when expressed in wonderful language (e.g. George MacDonald, Madeleine L’Engle), then this would be a good place to turn.
Clotfelter argues directly with MacDonald’s view on the possibility of eternal damnation for those who don’t trust in Christ. His arguments are logically consistent, and will help many.
His arguments probably don’t reach to the heart as well as MacDonald’s (do anyone’s?), and they didn’t stir me emotionally as well as John Piper’s arguments along a similar line, but I can recommend it highly for people who are looking for answers to the question of what the Bible says about free will, redemption, and hell.
