Erasing Hell - A Brief Book Review

I've just finished reading "Erasing Hell: What God said about eternity, and the things we've made up" by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (a theology friend of Chan's). It opens with this passage:

"If you are excited to read this book you have issues.
     Do you understand the weight of what we are about to consider? We are exploring the possibility that you and I may end up being tormented in hell. Excited would be the wrong term to use here. Necessary would be more fitting.
     For some, this discussion will open up old wounds. It certainly does for me."

Introduction, pg 13

This is sets the tone for what is an excellent book. Chan keeps drawing the reader away from detached debate and back to the implications, whilst being absolutely informed by Biblical teaching. In fact the whole book is absolutely littered with quotes from Jesus and the apostles.

I absolutely commend this book to people, but with Chan ask that you come to this topic with a soft heart, and a willingness to repent of wrong attitudes towards God, his ways and his word.

"The thought of hell is paralysing for most people, which is why we often ignore its existence - at least in practice. After all, how can we possibly carry on with life if we are constantly mindful of a fiery place of torment.
     Yet that is the whole point - we shouldn't just go on with life as usual. A sense of urgency over the reality of hell should recharge our passion for the gospel as it did for Paul, who, "knowing the fear of the Lord," persuaded people to believe (2 Cor. 5:11). We should not just try to cope with hell, but be compelled - as with all doctrine - to live differently in light of it." 

Chapter 7 "Don't Be Overwhelmed", pg 145