Hell and Mr. Fudge Shows in Boise

When Stephen McPherson was Idaho Conference president, the question he often was asked by non-Adventists was, "What happens when I die?" When he discovered that his longtime friend James Wood was co-producing a movie on just that topic, a plan began in his mind to bring it to area theaters.

McPherson introduced his idea to the Boise Central congregation, who agreed that it was a great idea. Not only would it answer people's questions about death, it would dispel the misconception of a vengeful God who tortures sinners in hell forever.

Hell and Mr. Fudge premiered at the Egyptian Theatre, which is a historic site in Boise's downtown area. The title on the marquee was quite an attention-grabber. Showings were scheduled for Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 26 at 2 and 6 p.m. A week and a half before the showing, posters were posted and postcards were handed out. Approximately 400 people attended. Children under 10 were admitted free. Of that total, it is estimated that 100 were not Seventh-day Adventists.

McPherson and Wood answered audience questions after each show, and tables set up in the lobby with publications on the topic. The Signs of the Times magazine on "The Truth About Hell," another featuring "Benefits of Belief" and Danny Shelton's booklet "Does God Burn Sinners Forever?" were given away. The definitive textbook by Edward Fudge, The Fire That Consumes, and the DVD of Hell and Mr. Fudge sold out, and orders were taken for more. Fudge's book of his personal journey on the project, Hell, the Final Word, and the book The Benefits of Belief were also for sale.

The movie is based on Edward Fudge's theological and historical search for biblical truth about the false belief of an eternal hell and the reactions he received from attempting to correct that false doctrine. For more information, go online to hellandmrfudge.org.