What do people think of Annihilationism?
Of God simply annihilating those he doesn't approve of, as opposed to sending them to Hell?
Of extinguishing them for all eternity, rather than torturing them for all eternity?
I think it is more in keeping with the notion of a compassionate and merciful God
And (coming at it from a Christian perspective which I know others here won't share) there is a biblical basis for it:
Annihilationism - Wikipedia
Annihilationism is wishful thinking. Rob Bell: Populating Hell | Good Fight Ministries
What kind of deterrent would it be to tell a group of potential serial killers, rapists and child molesters that they need not worry about repenting or going to prison for the rest of their lives, or suffering the death penalty because they have already been forgiven? If this fact holds true, all they would need to do is tell the judge they will receive his love later. However, if they still end up in prison for some reason, they still can – on their own accord later – change their minds and the judge would freely let them out and even pay for an awesome vacation to the Bahamas or another island paradise! What a deal!
Logically, this kind of mindset would only encourage criminals to continue on with their wicked and perverse thoughts and deeds. However, Rob Bell is offering this same type of counterfeit hope of post mortem salvation, which is absolutely foreign to the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tragically, this deceiving and licentious doctrine will prove to be a powerful satanic attack that will actually help to swell the population of Hell. Many of those who might otherwise repent, will sadly buy into Bell’s lie and take his false doctrine to its practical conclusions. Wrong doctrine leads to wrong living and could potentially lead many straight to Hell for all eternity.
Rob Bell is promising his vast audience eternal life, even if they choose to continue in their sin and earthly rebellion against God. This is essentially the false doctrine that God rebuked the false prophets of spreading in the days of Ezekiel:
“And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins.” –Ezekiel 13:22b