Annihilationism is a theological doctrine concerning the final state of the wicked or unsaved souls after the final judgment. Unlike traditional views of eternal conscious torment in hell, annihilationism posits that after divine judgment, those who are not saved will ultimately be destroyed or cease to exist rather than suffering everlasting torment. This belief is grounded in the interpretation that eternal punishment signifies a final act of divine justice leading to the total extinction of the person’s conscious existence.
Proponents of annihilationism argue that this view is more consistent with a God of love and justice, suggesting that eternal suffering is incompatible with God’s nature. They often cite biblical passages that refer to the destruction of the soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28), the wicked perishing or being no more (Psalms 37:20), and the imagery of death as the last enemy being destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26).
This view is also known as “conditional immortality,” a related concept where immortality is conditioned upon receiving eternal life through faith in Christ; those not granted eternal life will not exist eternally but will instead face total extinction.
Annihilationism remains a minority position within Christian theology, contrasted with the more prevalent doctrines of eternal torment or universal reconciliation.
