Q&A with Bill Wiese
Author of "23 Minutes in Hell" (10th Anniversary Edition)
Q: What content has been added to the 10th anniversary edition of "23 Minutes in Hell?"
A: We have added four chapters to the new edition. I have included answers to ten of the most difficult questions people ask in regard to hell, eternity and the afterlife. I also expound on my experience, giving additional Scriptures in support and sharing some feelings I sensed during the experience as well as describing a bit more about Jesus, His voice and such. I share over 30 emails including some personal encounters we have had with others in how the book has affected their lives over the past 10 years.
Q: Since your book was released, there have been church leaders and pastors who have summarily dismissed even the idea that a real hell exists. How do you respond to that claim?
A: We have had many pastors and other church leaders share with us how so many are embracing Universalism or Annihilationism. I have done several videos on YouTube and on our website addressing those topics. There is an abundance of Scripture to refute those who don’t believe in hell, along with most of the great church leaders of the past and present. In addition, most of the commentaries also support the traditional view of hell. Those who reject it are part of a small Christian minority.
Q: Looking back after all these years, have you learned why God allowed you to have this experience?
A: I believe He knew I would be a person who would point people to His Word, rather than my experience. During my 47 years as a Christian, I have always put a very high value on the literal Word of God. I also understand the importance of faithfulness which is needed to carry this message.
Q: While many people have been changed by your story, there are those critics who say it never happened. What would you say to them?
A: I would reply, “It is not important that you believe my experience, but that you believe the Word of God regarding hell. I am simply a sign post to point people to His Word, so that they can understand that there really is a hell and know how to avoid it.”
Q: Why do you think pastors shy away from preaching about the reality of hell?
A: They shy away because they cannot reconcile a loving God with a God who would allow many to suffer in torment for all eternity. Therefore, they ignore the many Bible verses provided and form a god in their minds who doesn’t exist. Again, this is why Universalism and Annihilationism is embraced. Hell is a basic foundational doctrine of Christ mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, but is seldom taught. Some pastors and church leaders are afraid they will offend someone and are more concerned about their numbers and following than they are about the truth.
They do not understand that God is not only Love, but also Holy, just and a God of Judgment (2 Pet. 2:9; 2 Thes. 1:9; Heb. 10:26-31). He declares that our sin is worthy of eternal punishment (Matt. 25:41,46; Luke 12:46; Matt 13:41,49; 24:51; 18:6; Rom 7:13; Luke 12:4-5, Mark 9:42-48; John 15:6; Luke 13:27-28; 1 Thes. 1:10).
If there is no hell, then what did He save us from? Why would Jesus have to suffer so excruciatingly for our sins, but yet we wouldn’t suffer if we reject Him? If there is no hell, then no justice would ever be served. And what about the Hitlers of the world, or murderers, or child abusers? Should there be no justice? Scripture could not be clearer – hell exists. It is real.
A: We have added four chapters to the new edition. I have included answers to ten of the most difficult questions people ask in regard to hell, eternity and the afterlife. I also expound on my experience, giving additional Scriptures in support and sharing some feelings I sensed during the experience as well as describing a bit more about Jesus, His voice and such. I share over 30 emails including some personal encounters we have had with others in how the book has affected their lives over the past 10 years.
Q: Since your book was released, there have been church leaders and pastors who have summarily dismissed even the idea that a real hell exists. How do you respond to that claim?
A: We have had many pastors and other church leaders share with us how so many are embracing Universalism or Annihilationism. I have done several videos on YouTube and on our website addressing those topics. There is an abundance of Scripture to refute those who don’t believe in hell, along with most of the great church leaders of the past and present. In addition, most of the commentaries also support the traditional view of hell. Those who reject it are part of a small Christian minority.
Q: Looking back after all these years, have you learned why God allowed you to have this experience?
A: I believe He knew I would be a person who would point people to His Word, rather than my experience. During my 47 years as a Christian, I have always put a very high value on the literal Word of God. I also understand the importance of faithfulness which is needed to carry this message.
Q: While many people have been changed by your story, there are those critics who say it never happened. What would you say to them?
A: I would reply, “It is not important that you believe my experience, but that you believe the Word of God regarding hell. I am simply a sign post to point people to His Word, so that they can understand that there really is a hell and know how to avoid it.”
Q: Why do you think pastors shy away from preaching about the reality of hell?
A: They shy away because they cannot reconcile a loving God with a God who would allow many to suffer in torment for all eternity. Therefore, they ignore the many Bible verses provided and form a god in their minds who doesn’t exist. Again, this is why Universalism and Annihilationism is embraced. Hell is a basic foundational doctrine of Christ mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, but is seldom taught. Some pastors and church leaders are afraid they will offend someone and are more concerned about their numbers and following than they are about the truth.
They do not understand that God is not only Love, but also Holy, just and a God of Judgment (2 Pet. 2:9; 2 Thes. 1:9; Heb. 10:26-31). He declares that our sin is worthy of eternal punishment (Matt. 25:41,46; Luke 12:46; Matt 13:41,49; 24:51; 18:6; Rom 7:13; Luke 12:4-5, Mark 9:42-48; John 15:6; Luke 13:27-28; 1 Thes. 1:10).
If there is no hell, then what did He save us from? Why would Jesus have to suffer so excruciatingly for our sins, but yet we wouldn’t suffer if we reject Him? If there is no hell, then no justice would ever be served. And what about the Hitlers of the world, or murderers, or child abusers? Should there be no justice? Scripture could not be clearer – hell exists. It is real.
Press release:
New York Times Best Seller Reveals the Truth about Hell to a Skeptical Generation
For Immediate Release (Lake Mary, FL) – More than a decade after Bill Wiese shared his story in the New York Times best seller, “23 Minutes in Hell,” a recent Pew Research study suggests that the belief in hell may be waning among young people. The study shows that 41% of young adults ages 18 to 29 either do not believe in hell or simply don’t know if hell exists. Only 21% of 18-29 year old said they believe in a literal hell. Now, with the 10th anniversary edition of “23 Minutes in Hell” releasing in May, Wiese expounds on some of the questions that this younger generation is asking.
“This generation is looking for answers,” says Wiese. “Unfortunately, some pastors and church leaders shy away from talking about hell because they cannot reconcile a loving God with a God who would allow many to suffer in torment for all eternity. Therefore, they ignore the many Bible verses provided and form a god in their minds who doesn’t exist. This is why Universalism and Annihilationism is embraced. Hell is a basic foundational doctrine of Christ mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, but is seldom taught. Some pastors and church leaders are afraid they will offend someone and are more concerned about their numbers and following than they are about the truth.”
The 10th anniversary edition of “23 Minutes in Hell” features four new chapters, including ten of the most difficult questions people ask in regard to hell, eternity and the afterlife. Wiese also expounds on his experience, sharing more graphic details about what he encountered. Even after sharing his story for over a decade, Wiese is aware there are those who simply don’t believe his story, but he is unfazed by skeptics.
“It is not important that you believe my experience,” says Wiese, “but that you believe the Word of God regarding hell. I am simply a sign post to point people to His Word, so that they can understand that there really is a hell and know how to avoid it.”
About Bill Wiese:
Bill Wiese has been teaching and leading worship since 1970. His story has been featured on hundreds of radio and TV shows including Sean Hannity’s America, CBN, Daystar TV network, and TBN, among others. To date, “23 Minutes in Hell” has been translated into over seven languages, and sold over one million copies worldwide. He and his wife, Annette, are both successful realtors and reside in southern California. For more information, visit www.SoulChoiceMinistries.org.
About Charisma House:
For more than 21 years, Charisma House has published books, including thirteen New York Times best sellers, that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians. For more information, visit: www.CharismaMedia.com.
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“This generation is looking for answers,” says Wiese. “Unfortunately, some pastors and church leaders shy away from talking about hell because they cannot reconcile a loving God with a God who would allow many to suffer in torment for all eternity. Therefore, they ignore the many Bible verses provided and form a god in their minds who doesn’t exist. This is why Universalism and Annihilationism is embraced. Hell is a basic foundational doctrine of Christ mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, but is seldom taught. Some pastors and church leaders are afraid they will offend someone and are more concerned about their numbers and following than they are about the truth.”
The 10th anniversary edition of “23 Minutes in Hell” features four new chapters, including ten of the most difficult questions people ask in regard to hell, eternity and the afterlife. Wiese also expounds on his experience, sharing more graphic details about what he encountered. Even after sharing his story for over a decade, Wiese is aware there are those who simply don’t believe his story, but he is unfazed by skeptics.
“It is not important that you believe my experience,” says Wiese, “but that you believe the Word of God regarding hell. I am simply a sign post to point people to His Word, so that they can understand that there really is a hell and know how to avoid it.”
About Bill Wiese:
Bill Wiese has been teaching and leading worship since 1970. His story has been featured on hundreds of radio and TV shows including Sean Hannity’s America, CBN, Daystar TV network, and TBN, among others. To date, “23 Minutes in Hell” has been translated into over seven languages, and sold over one million copies worldwide. He and his wife, Annette, are both successful realtors and reside in southern California. For more information, visit www.SoulChoiceMinistries.org.
About Charisma House:
For more than 21 years, Charisma House has published books, including thirteen New York Times best sellers, that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians. For more information, visit: www.CharismaMedia.com.
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