Kirk Cameron Plans Roundtable Discussion on Hell Doctrine after Criticism

Audio By Carbonatix

Actor and evangelist Kirk Cameron addressed the backlash he faced after recently making comments regarding his theological position on Hell, including announcing an upcoming roundtable discussion on the matter.

In a podcast episode released on Wednesday, Cameron shared that his conversation with his son in a previous episode earlier this month, where he questioned the traditional view of Hell (eternal conscious torment), for annihilationism (conditional immortality) was met with reactions from prominent Christian leaders.

"What genuinely surprised me ... was to see that same pattern coming from within the Church itself, from my own brothers and sisters in Christ and even some very influential prominent leaders," Cameron said.

He added that he addressed the matter after seeking counsel from his pastor, wife, historians, and apologists, The Christian Post reported.

"So, let me be very clear. I believe in Hell. I believe in judgment. I have not denied the authority of Scripture," he contended, noting that the debate on the final fate of the unrepentant was an "honest theological question" debated by Christians for centuries.

The former “Growing Pains” actor also addressed the misconceptions surrounding annihilationism.

"Many assume it teaches that when a sinner dies they just, poof, disappear …” he said. “That is not what it teaches, and that's not what my son James and I said."

Cameron explained that conditionalism affirms human mortality, that eternal life is a gift for the redeemed, real judgment, and conscious suffering, but questioned whether that torment is eternal or culminates in final destruction or the "second death.

"The only difference is, does that conscious torment last forever and ever and ever, or does it eventually come to an end and the person is annihilated?" Cameron stated.

Towards the end of the podcast, Cameron shared that he has not made "final pronouncements" but is inviting "careful prayerful study," and that he plans to host a roundtable discussion with respected theologians for respectful disagreement.p^

He also contended that Hell is a "secondary issue” and is not mentioned in the Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed, and then recited the Apostles’ Creed to highlight true Christian unity.

"Never stop asking questions. ... Let God's Word, not the words of fallible men, be your final authority,” Cameron concluded.

Related Article

Kirk Cameron Declares ‘God Is Not Done with America’ at Historical ‘See You at the Library’
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Paul Morigi / Stringer

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.