The Skeletons in God's Closet is written by Joshua Ryan Butler and is published by W Publishing Group (an imprint of Thomas Nelson).
Before putting down my own thoughts on this book, I decided to read what other reviewers had to say. Some say Butler does a fantastic job while others say he has written something that is heretical and problematic. I kind of stand in the center.
I do not believe that the "skeletons in God's closet" of which Butler is referring is not really secrets or the tough topics that nobody wants to tackle, though that is what is said on the back of the book. Some of the tickly questions that Butler answers refer to God's mercy in allowing people to choose their own destinies: Heaven or Hell. At one point he refers to Hell as a closet that we get into and then shut the door from the inside. He then says, "We are the skeletons in God's closet."
This book deals with the issues of Hell and judgment. I believe that Butler does a good job of explaining, with the help of Augustine, C. S. Lewis, and other great faith writers, what and where Hell really is, how God is loving and just at the same time, and especially free will - something we don't hear so much about these days.
I have enjoyed reading this book and intend to go back over it, along with my Bible, and really dig into the thorny issues that seem to be causing reviewers some consternation. Joshua Ryan Butler gives a lot of references for his conclusions. Look them up if in doubt. That's something we should always do, with any teaching, anyway.
*I received a copy of The Skeletons in God's Closet in exchange for my honest review.*
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