annihilationism

Definitions

The theological doctrine that the wicked are utterly destroyed after death rather than suffering eternal torment in hell.

The belief that human consciousness or the soul ceases to exist entirely upon death.

Examples

Some theological debates within Christianity center on the doctrine of annihilationism, which posits that the wicked will eventually cease to exist rather than suffer eternal torment.

The scholar wrote an extensive thesis exploring the historical development and scriptural arguments surrounding the concept of annihilationism.

Synonyms

conditional immortality mortalism soul death doctrine final extinction belief

Antonyms

eternal conscious torment immortality of the soul everlasting punishment traditionalist eschatology