The Theology of Hell: Jewish Insights, Christian Tradition, and Theological Tensions with Dr. Dan Call

The Theology of Hell: Jewish Insights, Christian Tradition, and Theological Tensions with Dr. Dan Call

Author: Gateway Center for Israel September 24, 2025 Duration: 45:42

The Bible’s teaching on Hell can be challenging. Much of our knowledge about Hell comes from the words of Jesus himself, but what did his Jewish audience understand at the time? In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Dan Call, Chair of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Professor of Practical Theology, to explore these questions.
In the Hebrew Scriptures and in Jewish thought, “Hell” was less about eternal damnation and more about purification or temporary separation. Jesus speaks about both immediate and long-term consequences of our choices, urging people to recognize him as the Son of Man and Messiah.
Scholars continue to debate whether Hell represents eternal punishment or ultimate annihilation. Still, the greater emphasis of the New Testament is not on Hell itself but on the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers. But is the opposite of eternal life, endless torment? Or separation from God?
If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the biblical view of Hell, the different scholarly perspectives, and the tension between Jewish and Christian theologies on eternal punishment, check out this episode.
#BibleStudy #EternalLife #HellInTheBible #JewishThought #JesusTeaching #HeavenAndHell #ChristianTheology #MessianicFaith


Hosted by Nic Lesmeister and David Blease, Covenant & Conflict is a production of the Gateway Center for Israel. This podcast engages directly with the tensions between timeless scriptural foundations and the pressing questions of our time. Conversations with various experts navigate complex terrain-from social ethics to geopolitical currents-always anchored in a covenantal framework. The aim isn't to sidestep difficulty but to enter into it thoughtfully, demonstrating how a rooted perspective can inform rather than inflame our dialogues. You'll hear nuanced explorations that resist easy answers, prioritizing depth and understanding over rhetorical point-scoring. It’s for those who suspect that ancient wisdom has urgent, practical things to say about modern conflicts and who appreciate dialogue that seeks clarity amidst complexity. Tune in for episodes that challenge assumptions and encourage a more considered engagement with the world, all through a lens that takes both text and context seriously. The result is a consistently thoughtful audio experience that stands apart in the realms of faith and culture.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Covenant & Conflict
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