Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Is Hell Eternal? Phil Johnson & Denny Burk Respond

6 snips
Jan 15, 2026
Join Denny Burk, a theology professor at Southern Seminary, and Phil Johnson, a ministry leader with deep roots in Reformed theology, as they tackle the contentious topic of hell. They distinguish between primary and secondary doctrines, emphasizing that neglecting the eternal nature of hell can distort the character of God. Phil warns against the dangers of a questioning mindset that undermines biblical clarity, while both argue that eternal conscious torment is a crucial aspect of Jesus' message that should not be forgotten or redefined.
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INSIGHT

Triage Framework For Doctrinal Priority

  • Theological triage sorts doctrines into primary, secondary, and tertiary by their effect on salvation and church fellowship.
  • Primary errors (e.g., denying Christ's deity) exclude someone from Christianity while secondary errors allow genuine faith despite disagreement.
INSIGHT

Hell Often Reveals Deeper Theological Shifts

  • Denny Burk argues hell's eternality technically sits as a secondary issue but often implicates primary doctrines.
  • He warns errors on hell frequently reveal broader shifts in one's view of God's justice and authority.
ADVICE

Limit Partnership With Those Denying Hell

  • Denny Burk says avoid ministerial partnerships with those who deny the doctrine of hell.
  • He recommends not including conditionalists in mutual parachurch efforts or church membership.
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