Hell

Four Views on Hell
$16.99
This book is the second of this series that we have used in our prison ministry discussion group. This one is lacking an introduction that defines some key concepts, but is organized and presented fairly well. Instead of making distinctions along denominations, it is grouped by concepts, so some readers my find themselves not fitting perfectly into one view (which does work well in open discussion groups with a variety of views). Also, most of the views present evidence from apocrypha writings, which some tradionalists my have a problem with. However, I believe this book is worth the money and time, especially if used for discussion or uderstanding of other views.

Drag Me to Hell
$29.98
Raimi, you had me right up to the point she sacrificed the kitten. Until then, it was a fun little throw-back gem, and I was having a blast. But that little bit of nastiness blew the whole thing for me. Sorry. I may be a seasoned die-hard horror junkie, but even I have a soft spot for little kitties. Completely unnecessary.

Hell: Separate Truth from Fiction and Get Your Toughest Questions Answered
$15.99
After revealing hades to John Bunyan in the 17th century, Mary K. Baxter in 1976 and many others, God took Bill Wiese out of his body and transported him to hades. The description of the horrible conditions of hell, the activities of sadist torturing demons, and the incessant torment of the damned in hades from Bill Wiese's pen are strikingly similar to the descriptions of John Bunyan and Mary K. Baxter. - After writing 23 Minutes in Hell, Bill Wiese did a diligent research work studying the Bible and Bible commentaries to answer the questions he had received since the publication of 23 Minutes in Hell. If you go through this book looking up the Bible references Bill Wiese cites in his work, you will have a deeper understanding on God's view of sin, its eternal consequences in your life, and God's plan of salvation for you. - If you are a Christian, then you will appreciate your salvation much better after reading this book, because you will see much better from what God saved you when you put your faith in his son, Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:7-8 ( NIV ) "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction (in hell); the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (in heaven).

The History of Hell
$22.00
I was always fascinated by books about Hell, if only because it seems like such an interesting place. You just don't want to live there.

History of Hell takes a look at the formation of Hell as "we" know it from ancient times to modern times. Okay, heavy on the ancient, light on the modern. But still, it's a fascinating look at how Hell evolved with the times.

That said, this is not much of a history lesson. It's more a dumbed down guide to hell, with snarky side comments and pop culture references that I didn't get. Or were they historical references? Turner doesn't bother to explain -- because obviously I'm stupid (or she's smart).

There are neat maps and color plates that elaborate on Hell and its denizens. The book gave some much needed objectivity to Dante's Inferno and it has a chapter dedicated exclusively to Mr. Alighieri. I was glad I read the book. It helped ground me for the work I'm doing on the Abyss D20 campaign supplement.

Unfortunately, the book is falling apart. The middle pages (the color plates) have all fallen out. It's not a well-bound book.

It's also not a particularly well-written book. I was shocked when I reached the end. There's no summary or conclusion, unless you count the brief, "lookit here, hell's in all this modern media" paragraphs. I expected a summary, a conclusion, a "So this is what we've learned about hell." Instead, the book nearly stops in mid-sentence. It felt rushed.

The History of Hell left me very unsatisfied. Since it's not a historical reference, I expected Turner to make a bit more of an effort.

Worth reading? Definitely, especially if you were raised a Christian. But it's only an overview of the infernal -- almost as if Turner's afraid of offending somebody.