Gehenna

I read Gehenna very shortly after it came out (maybe... fifteen years ago?) and still have vivid mental images, from this story. There are not enough good things to say about it, but my highest praise is this: read the author's introduction, before reading the book. I usually consider "foreward" as a command to skip to the first chapter, but Paul's is worth reading. The focus of his life is humility, and it was from the standpoint of humility that this book was written. In my opinion, knowing this made the images in the book have an even greater impact. A man trying to escape his misfortune finds greater peril, when his escape route leads to Hell. He finds that the only way out is to make his way through all of the levels of Hell. He encounters all manner of sins, their specific punishments, and the terrifying masters of each level. Each level forces him to face any sins within himself, if he is to make it through intact. If it reminds you of Dante's Inferno, it's because that's what it was modelled after, but with Paul's modern twists. This book is highly entertaining, engrossing, and yes, thought provoking. I cannot reccommend it highly enough. Just as a teaser to the monster fans, out there: if for no other reason, you should read this book just to find out why Frankenstein is in it. ;^) This book gives such vivid images, I have long awaited a movie adaptation, or maybe even a video game. Until then, and even after, get the book. Nothing else would be quite like it.

Great book. A modeern day version of Dante's Inferno. Immediately catches your attention. Attacks modern day issues and presents logical arguments from both sides (world view and Christian view).You will quickly find yourself in the pages and you can't help but wonder if you'd pass every level of hell yourself.I've read this book three times and each time I pick up more insight into human nature and justification. You'll think about this book often.

Great book. A modern day version of Dante's Inferno. Immediately catches your attention. Attacks modern day issues and presents logical arguments from both sides - world view and Christian view.You will quickly find yourself in the pages and you can't help but wonder if you'd pass every level of hell yourself.I've read this book three times and each time I pick up more insight into human nature and justification. You'll think about this book often.

I know Dr. Paul Thigpen as a professor and this book by him is fantastic. Its a modern day version of Dante's 'The Inferno'. It makes you think of Hell and what might happen if you commit one of those many sins..

I thought Gehenna, by Paul Thigpen was a very intersting and thought provoking book! I love Christian novels, and this was defineitly one of the best! It made me think of hell in ways I had never even imagined before, who knows if thats what it will really be like, but I didn't see anything contray to scripture, and the punishments sure seem to fit the sins. I think that is one thing that impressed me the most, I had always just thought of hell as fire and torture, and not much else but eternal torment. And in this book there was alot of thought put into the fact, of the punishment meeting whatever sin that was the primary reason for winding up in hell. It seemed to make sense, and provoke thought as to how it might be,it might not, but who says this author wasn't given a God inspired vision of hell, to warn the unbelieves, and those that haven't accepted Christ as their Lord and savior? I know this is just a novel, but a thought provoking one it is ! But after all, this is what Christian fictition should do isn't it, provoke us to thought, the study of God's word, or action, or inspire us? I would give this book a thumbs up, to anyone, and a must read for all who love and are or interested in Christian fiction in any form