dissolutionism

Dissolutionism is a theological doctrine within Christianity that concerns the ultimate fate of unsaved individuals. It proposes that at the final judgment, the wicked will be annihilated rather than suffer eternal conscious torment in hell. This view contrasts with traditional doctrines of eternal conscious torment and conditional immortality (or annihilationism as a subset of conditional immortality), which also posits annihilation but may differ on the timing or precise nature of the process.

Proponents of dissolutionism often cite biblical passages that describe death as a state of non-existence or sleep, and that speak of destruction or perishing for the unrighteous. They interpret terms like "death," "destruction," and "perish" as literal cessation of existence, rather than figurative language for unending suffering. Some argue that the concept of eternal torment is incompatible with the justice and love of God as revealed in Scripture.

Critics of dissolutionism maintain that biblical texts describing punishment for the wicked clearly indicate unending suffering. They point to passages that speak of an "everlasting fire" or "eternal punishment" and argue that these phrases imply a continuation of existence, albeit in a state of torment. The debate often hinges on the interpretation of specific Greek and Hebrew words and the overall theological framework of biblical teachings on sin, judgment, and salvation. Dissolutionism is a minority view within Christianity but has gained some traction among theologians and laity seeking alternative understandings of hell.