This book is perhaps one of the most misunderstood works of Catholic theology of our time. Critics contend that von Balthasar espouses universalism|the idea that all men will certainly be saved. Yet|as von Balthasar insists|damnation is a real possibility for anyone. Indeed|he explores the nature of damnation with sobering clarity. At the same time|he contends that a deep understanding of God's merciful love and human freedom|and a careful reading of the Catholic tradition|point to the possibilitynot the certaintythat|in the end|all men will accept the salvation Christ won for all. For this all-embracing salvation|von Balthasar says|we may dare hope|we must pray and with God's help we must work.

The Catholic Church's teaching on hell has been generally neglected by theologians|with the notable exception of von Balthasar. He grounds his reflections clearly in Sacred Scripture and Catholic teaching. While the Church asserts that certain individuals are in heaven (the saints)|she never declares a specific individual to be in hell. In fact|the Church hopes that in their final moments of life|even the greatest sinners would have repented of their terrible sins|and be saved.

Sacred Scripture states|"God ... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God|and there is one mediator between God and man|the man Christ Jesus|who gave himself as a ransom for all" (1 Tim 2:45).