A CHRISTIAN M.D. ARGUES OF NDEs THAT "NOT ALL OF IT IS GOOD"
588512
Dr. Maurice Rawlings is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases; he has also written books such as&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/To-Hell-and-Back/dp/0840767587/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">To Hell and Back</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Before-Death-Comes/dp/0840751915/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Before Death Comes</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Life-wish-Reincarnation-reality-or-hoax/dp/0840757921/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Life wish: Reincarnation, reality or hoax?</a>, etc.

He wrote in the Introduction to this 1978 book, "Many people have wondered why recently reported [near-death] experiences all seem to be good ones... I have had many opportunities to resuscitate people who have clinically died. I have found that an interview immediately after patients are revived reveals as many bad experiences as good ones. It is this observation that led to the conception of this book, which will... present both the good and bad experiences for the reader's own evaluation... Before gathering material for this book, I personally regarded most after-death experiences as fantasy or conjecture or imagination... Then one evening in 1977 I was resuscitating a terrified patient who told me he was actually in hell. He begged me to get him out of hell and not to let him die... Subsequent cases with terrifying experiences have burdened me with a sense of urgency of write this book. Now I feel assured that there is life after death, and not all of it is good." (Pg. xi-xiii)

He cautions, "we must remember that all descriptions, whether 'good' or 'bad,' were made by the patients themselves and therefore influenced by their cultural backgrounds. How we interpret what they saw, however, will be heavily influenced by our own commitment to biblical truth or our private beliefs." (Pg. 35-36) Later, he states, "It should be noted, however, that religious background definitely influenced identification of any 'being' that may have been encountered. No Christian saw a Hindu deity and no Hindu saw Jesus. The being does not seem to identify himself but is instead identified by the observer." (Pg. 59)

He notes, "Some who survive reversible death have total recall of any conversation in the room that took place during their resuscitation. Perhaps this is because hearing is one of the last senses to leave the body in death." (Pg. 57)

He states, "When a patient asks me about his chance of surviving a serious illness, I try never to remove all hope by emphasizing the certainty of death... As a Christian I also ask him if he's sure he knows where he will spend eternity. If he isn't sure, I ask him if he would like to arrange things so he can be sure. To my knowledge, I have never seen a dying atheist. I have talked to many ministers, however, who have indeed known dying patients who completely rejected 'religion' of any kind, including Jesus Christ." (Pg. 112)

Rawlings' books are perhaps the most popular evangelical Christian interpretations of NDEs, and deserve study by all persons researching NDEs (whether one agrees with him in every instance, or not).
3761957
I think there were some things in this small booklet that were good.  It was presented as an address in 2007.  He begins with referencing Bible passages relevant to his discussion and then states that love is a "source of action"' and provides diagrams to make his point.  I am not sure that i agree with him, since so much of it seems to be  directed toward will-power.  Although he says it isn't will power but spiritual formation under the direction of God, he then talks about practicing behaviors which are the bodily habits and social patterns and recommends that we need to practice contrary loving patterns.  I think that only God changes our hearts enough to change our behaviors and practice other than prayer and confession doesn't work.
2265512
Bishop Bonnie Etta, Christian author and minister, has just released "Stress Free Life: Seven Keys to Extraordinary Life".  His goal is to show readers how to defeat the spirit of stress with a Christ-centered attitude.  Whether or not he is successful will be entirely up to the reader to decide.

He concludes that the rich may live more stressful lives than the poor.  He bases his theory on his extensive travels in Africa and Europe where he met poor people who worked in manual labor jobs yet they seemed to celebrate life without worry.  He believes people choose to live the quality of life they want by yielding to stress or to the Holy Spirit."

Much of what he writes in his book sounds familiar as many have said the very same things and teach that a life centered on Christ is the most peaceful way to live.  His position that wealth is a covenant right as a prophetic seed of Abraham is misleading and should be a red flag for readers.  Several scriptures are taken out of context and may be confusing to readers unfamiliar with the Bible.

There are several chapters that make Bishop Etta's book worth reading.  Chapter Four, "Strategic Prayers," gives examples of different types of prayers.  "The Anointing for Successful Living" in Chapter Five gives steps in how to be successful in life.  Finally, in Chapter Nine, Etta discusses the life principles of men and women of purpose.

Bishop Bonnie Etta is the senior pastor and founder of the World Vision International Worship Center in Beltsville MD.  He is an international conference speaker, author, counselor and singer and oversees the World Vision Outreach Ministries.  If you would like to partner with World Vision Outreach Ministries, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bostick Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
2007992
In a world that is rapidly denying any idea, concept or truth which is in contradiction to that of personal gratification, it is so refreshing to find a voice from someone who has experienced both sides of the issue of faith in God.  It is comforting to find that out of the darkness of narcissism can come a clear call to faith in glory unimaginable through Jesus Christ.  Why will we die in darkness when light is available freer than government handouts and so much more fulfilling?
3639911
A study of near-death experiences written by a (then) atheist doctor who was "scared straight" after recessitating a patient who claimed to have been in hell while clinically dead.

 The Good:
 *  Based on first-hand experiences of a doctor who actually recessitated  patients who then recounted near-death experiences, some of them bad.
 *  He comes across as honest in his concern for people's souls.  He doesn't  want to "convert" people, but is genuinely concerned that some of  us are headed for a hell-ish destiny.  So it's not written from the same  New Age "We're all going to Heaven" standpoint as most of todays  NDE stuff.
 * Purposely avoids drawing widespread conclusions based on  incomplete information.  Many NDE books extrapolate wildly about the  after-life just because someone saw a bright light and felt loved.
 * He  genuinely wanted to warn people that not everyone has a good experience.  He tries to gently compel the reader to consider Christianity - and does it  in a non-judgemental, sensative way without bashing other  faiths.

The Bad:
 * Too short, - and half of the book is  padding (historical views of death and even instructions for how to  recessitate someone!)
 * I appreciated that he didn't try to stuff  answers down my throat, but the main drawback was that he didn't delve into  the questions raised by these experiences. For example, he points out that  even some who considered themselves Christians had hell-ish experiences -  but he doesn't try to explain why or what was lacking in their faith or  life.
3919332
Many consider DBH a pompous and belligerent apologist of the Christian faith, which may be true, but he is also a gift to the church and the world.
2823505
While the book has many good ideas related to the right or biblical way to evangelize, the author (Mr. Touchton) negates the good found in the book by espouses a Calvinistic interpretation of the word "world" which is found in John 3:16.

First, that Gods love is for all men of the world, including even wicked unbelievers, is made certain by John 12:47.  As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.  Note carefully how Jesus used the term world in John 12:47, in which he used the term world to include all unbelieving sinners, even those who would not keep or embrace His teachings. The clear testimony of scripture is that Jesus never used the term world to refer to the elect or to believers. In fact, Jesus repeatedly identified believers or the elect as being separate from the world of sinners (See John 14:27, 30; 15:18, 19; 16:11, 33; 17: 6, 9, 11, 1416, 25).  Thus, Jesus repeatedly used the term world to refer to the world of sinful humanity. Jesus never used the term world (Gk. cosmos) to refer to the elect. Rather, Jesus used the word eklektos to refer to the elect (Matthew 22:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7).

The whole context of John 3:16 is focused on Jesus trying to change the faulty thinking of Nicodemus the Pharisee who believed that only the legalistic Jews were loved by God and that God does not love the whole sinful Gentile world. Interestingly, Calvinists have fallen back into the same way of thinking as the Pharisees, in that Calvinists state that Gods love is limited to the elect and that it does not extend to the whole sinful world. Remember, the Pharisees thought that the Jewish people were the only ones who were loved by God and elected for salvation. The Pharisees thought that the Gentiles were automatically damned by God. Like the Pharisees of old, the Calvinists of today think that they have God all figured out and that Gods love cannot possibly extend to the entire world as is clearly stated in John 3:16, 17 and John 12:47. God loves all mankind in the sense that He has provide the way and the means for all sinners to come to Him through Christ (John 14:6 and 1 John 2:2).

Secondly, God the Father sent His son Jesus into the world.  Note carefully that Jesus was not just sent just to the elect. John 12:47 makes this clear. At the time that Jesus was sent into the world, the elect was part of the world that Jesus was sent into, but so were all the sinful masses. Therefore, since Jesus was sent into the world of sinful humanitywhich included not only the elect but all those who would not believewe can safely say that the world does not refer to the elect alone. Again, John 12:47 makes this perfectly clear.
Note carefully how Jesus used the word world in John 12:47:

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it,  (John 12:47).

In my opinion, it is indeed unfortunate that the good found in Mr. Touchton's book is totally undone by interjecting the doctrine of a men (John Calvin and his apologists).

Sincerely,
harry Murphy
961099
I do like a lot of what is covered in the book - mainly that salvation can eventually be lost.  In the bible, John 15's branch-in-the-fire example (which was once part of the Vine, but then got separated, withered and was eventually burned) shows what can happen eventually to "anyone" who does not "abide".  At the same time, I also have come to appreciate in more recent years about God's patience and kindness, and that the "good news" (gospel) really must sound almost too good to be true, if we are not to fall back into legalism and anxious rule keeping.  I think any Christian would not be unaware of when they are starting to wither in their Spiritual life, nor would they be ignorant of the fact that they can confess their sins to God, who is faithful and just to forgive.  Love should be the driving motivation for holiness.  Dan's book would be better if he softened the tone.  In reacting against one extreme, he appears to be preaching another extreme that loses sight of God's grace.  I say "he appears", because Dan states clearly online that he does not preach those extremes - yet his overemphasis on holiness makes that appear to be mere lip service.  Show us, don't tell us Dan.  One book to contrast with this one would be Terry Virgo's: God's Lavish Grace, which I'm presently reading and have heard the audio seminars to.  Dan might want to go over those materials and weave those talking points into his own presentation.  It's possible to preach a message of holiness, in a gentler way that does more justice to communicating God's grace, without compromising God's holiness.
3801838
I attended Calvary Chapel for eight years back in the mid-80s to early 90s. I gained a tremendous amount of good from doing so and I'm grateful for the experience. However, I find it disturbing that this pastor has not simply lived his own life and shared from his own experiences in trying to convince others of the reliability of "God's Word" instead of trying to tear down the experiences of another, in this case Anita Moorjani. Every human being deserves to be heard for his or her own experience of the Ultimate Reality. I would enjoy reading the memoirs of Robert Alan King's own experiences with God, not the disparaging judgments of another of God's children.
4630883
The writer is a theological seminary graduate with a PhD. He is also an Anabaptist and a radical Believer as far as I can see. The book is to be commended in that he is authentic and makes himself vulnerable. We all struggle with the view that God reveals Himself as the God of love and justice (vengeance) at the same time. Balance is key. Too far on one side and you end up with no punishment or hell. Too far the other side and you end up doubting God loves at all. What he calls progressive, I consider to be on the liberal side. What he calls fundamentalist, I consider to be on the safer side, but - I also have my problems with unloving, quick judging, harsh, critical fundamentalists. I think Corey tries to strike a balance, but I fear he places supreme emphasis on his experience which is subjective. I believe we need to be objective. As such, the book leaves me disturbed. He re-interprets Jesus walking on the water as Jesus, showing up in unexpected places and doing the unpredictable. He reinterprets the journey of the disciples and Jesus to Emmaus as the disciples verbalising what they no longer believed. A point he suggests helped him discover his new freedom.
The strength of the book is that all people will relate to the fact that church going people are taught from a young age to fear God. The weakness is that he doesn't distinguish between good/ or right fear versus bad and crippling fear. He places far too much emphasis on his journey/experience.  Another weakness is his view that God has regrets. Something historical Christianity would challenge.
2705492
I decided to write a review for this book because many Seventh-day Adventists accuse former-SDAs of being bitter and having a chip on their shoulders.  I have read this book, and this is not true of Dale Ratzlaff.  He simply tells the story of how the Lord led him out of the SDA denomination into Biblical truth.  He runs a wonderful ministry called Life Assurance Ministries (LAM), which has helped thousands of one-time SDAs embrace the Gospel. I wish SDAs who assert that Dale is "attacking the (SDA) church" would read his autobiography for themselves. This is a man who cries when he presents the gospel (I've seen him speak in person), and his love for those still caught in the distortions of Adventism is what compels him to share the truth of the gospel with those who are ready to listen.  I thank God for Dale Ratzlaff and others like him.  God used his books to teach me that faith in Christ is the only way to be saved---not faith in Christ PLUS observing the 7th-day Sabbath and believing other unique (and false) SDA doctrines. I highly recommemd his other 3 books as well:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Truth-about-Adventist-Truth/dp/0974767948/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Truth about Adventist "Truth"</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Sabbath-in-Christ/dp/0962754617/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Sabbath in Christ</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Cultic-Doctrine-of-Seventh-day-Adventism-An-Evangelical-Wake-up-Call/dp/0974767972/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Cultic Doctrine of Seventh-day Adventism: An Evangelical Wake-up Call</a>&nbsp;.
529262
In How Good Is Good Enough? Andy Stanley offers a quick and easy read that tackles the question clearly stated in its title: Can I earn the everlasting life after this one, and if so, what or how much must I do--how good must I be? Stanley addresses the assumption lying in back of the minds of many, namely, that if anyone goes to heaven, it must be the good people. He then outlines the Biblical view that all have broken God's commandments, and that due to this none are "good enough". This is followed by an exposition of the solution also found in Scripture, that Jesus died and was resurrected to cover the cost of sin, and to provide a way of reconciliation and everlasting life with God.

Stanley's book is admirable in that it is a brief, to the point, and readable treatment of the Gospel message, as applied specifically to a mindset that seems best described as nominally Christian. It's a book to hand to a friend who thinks she's ok with God because she's, comparatively speaking, a good person--the sort of person who, when asked what she means by "good", might answer, "Well, it's not like I'm killing people or anything." For this person, Stanley's book can clarify her standing before God, as well as the Gospel message.

However, Stanley's book assumes a great deal of what I would call prerequisite background beliefs for believing in Christianity. What I mean is that the audience this book seems intended for--such as the hypothetical person mentioned in the preceding paragraph--already believes the following: God exists, there's something like objective morality and sin (otherwise why would being good set one apart from those who are bad?), there's an afterlife in a heaven of some kind, etc. This is fine, given that one recognizes the limited audience. However, giving this book to an atheist, an agnostic of various stripes, or folks from non-Western religious backgrounds may have limited impact, due to a lack of common worldview ground. At the risk of redundancy, consider an atheist who grew up in a completely non-religious family. Talk of God, sin, and the goal of making the cut into heaven may seem not the least bit plausible, and perhaps absurd. In these cases, what I think is helpful is what Francis Schaeffer referred to as "pre-evangelism", or helping to bring into place the requisite beliefs concerning God's existence and the rest.

I realize the idea of "pre-evangelism" will come across distastefully to some Christians, possibly as suggesting that Scripture or faith is not enough. Unfortunately, this post isn't the place to address such issues. But if you disagree with me on this, we ought at least to agree that reciting "Jesus died for your sin" will be less plausible/meaningful to someone who doesn't agree in the first place that God exists. And assuming we both agree that writing off such a person as unreachable is the wrong move, well, it seems the next move is the address stumbling-block questions this person may have. But that's pre-evangelism.

For the audience it targets, Stanley has put together a handy, effective little book. I can recommend this book as one worth offering to a friend who believes (or leans toward believing) in God already and is actively asking questions about Christianity; or a nominal Christian who hasn't thought enough about Christianity.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a review copy from Waterbrook Multnomah.
87473
This book opens with a score of endorsements, which normally bodes quite well for the book in question. In this case, one must wonder if the author intentionally chose these individuals or if they were selected by the publisher, as some endorsements, such as Fox News and Ben Carson, really should not be found in any book that is a serious theological discussion. It does, however, help one realize that this is not so much a book of personal encouragement, as the cover and title would suggest, but rather a political entreaty in which the reader is led through the argument that America's moral base is failing and that spirituality needs to be restored in the American government. Many evangelicals will find this book works great with their worldview and add it to their queue. Robinson opens with discussing the healing America needs, then focusing on the spiritual awakening he presents in his thesis, and evaluates many evangelical issues with the current governmental system. He concludes that America needs to be great again, and that can only be accomplished via renewal and revival.

The author writes very clearly with a persuasive tone to argue for his approach, and many will be swayed by his ability to great a moving argument. He spins Scripture into the mix to argue his point home with evangelicals. However, his view is slanted and wrong. I am not getting into the politics of the issue, but specifically the view on wealth. Robinson argues that "prosperity teachers" have valid points with blessing children. As a covenantal Jew and a parent myself, I must correct this inaccuracy. The promises to Israel do not extend to the church (even progressive dispensationalists agree) and never will, and as a parent I do not "bless" my children with wealth, because that is bad parenting. Wealth does not build character or help a person. Money where needed does, but wealth does not. Health, family, and relationships are good, but wealth can be destructive. Robinson's early admission of arguing for Chrisitan prosperity is damning evidence against his theological base and ability to accurately interpret Scripture.

I cannot, in good faith or moral fiber, endorse this book. I didn't even read the whole thing, simply because I cannot trust a rich preacher to be accurate to the word of HaShem. While Robinson is correct about the change in America with increased violence, the argument to make America great again is unfounded, simply because it never was great in the first place - America is simply a modern nation with the same struggles as the rest of the world, and doomed to die not because of failure, but because that's how prophecy works: what is written will come to pass, and there is no "America" in Revelation.

Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
1073532
I'm not going to argue about anything.  That's been done enough throughout the ages.  Mental illness is real.  Many Christians who are suffering with diseases such as Manic-Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia and Major Depression are slowly dying in their church communities due to opinions from books like this one.  Churches are also failing horribly in helping their members overcome addictions.  They are told to read the Bible and pray (which are 2 awesome and necessary things to do).  They are also told to repent and move forward (which is right).  But the majority of people with addictions don't know how to apply their faith in order to overcome their addictions.  This is exactly where almost all churches fail miserably.  Many churches offer drug, alcohol and other ministries.  However, these are usually another time of worship, Bible study and awkward small group time.  Worship and Bible study are essential in a person's life, but they are not what a person with an addiction needs when seeking help.  A person with an addiction needs what AA, NA and other similar groups offer.  As one progresses in a 12 step program, recognizing sin, repenting and making amends and prayer is all part of the process.

I recognize that many people have been delivered from addictions the moment after they were prayed for.  Praise God! However, an argument can be made that these people were not addicts/alcoholics, but rather serious abusers of substances.

AA and NA and other _A's are on the same side as the church.  Whether it be in churches or AA meetings, many people find the real and true God and many do not.

I have no clue as to what experience these authors have in the area of medical research into addiction, but I hope it is extensive.

The author's book on ADHD is right-on!  Anybody who thinks giving kids amphetamines is crazy!
2327596
While Dr. Burgo raises some valid points about mass narcissism in this book, I came away after reading it thinking that his descriptions of what he calls "Extreme Narcissism," apply to just about every successful person on the planet. Burgo seems to feel that a strong belief in yourself, having a high level of self-esteem, and expressing knowledge are all signs of narcissism. So is he saying that it's mentally healthier to have rock-bottom low self-esteem, feel that everyone else is superior to you, not voice your opinions, and so on is better for you? Those attributes are closely linked to those who have failed in every endeavor they have engaged in. Sorry, Dr. Burgo, but I think you grossly overextended your definition of narcissism. The meek shall not inherit the world, and that's reality.
2370475
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:11-12

Satan doesnt want Christians to make an impact on the world, and he wants to oppress us any way he can. Chester and Betsy Kylstra have developed an integrated approach to consider when demonic oppression is suspected.

They begin with generational sins and curses, the sins of the fathers mentioned in Exodus 20:1-6. Since Jesus died for my sins, I had not thought that the generational sins and curses applied to present-day Christians. However, the authors define curses as patterns of sins in families. They claim that the ancestors sins are like an outstanding debt  impacting the mans descendants (and most likely also others) until it is addressed through confession and cleared out.  The confessor is effectively standing in the gap, identifying with the family and confessing on its behalf.

Christians are then to appropriate what the work of Jesus on the cross accomplished.

The Kylstras are quick to point out that Christians aren't force to sin because of the sins of the fathers and that we choose to sin. However, there is a tendency to certain sins. Parents teach their children through their good and bad choices. I can see a trend in my family as well as in the Biblical stories.

Families are belief-shapers without even realizing this truth!

Once the sins of the fathers and our present-day sins are dealt with, the Kylstras recommend that ungodly beliefs be addressed. These beliefs can range from lies about the nature of God to negative self-talk. For example, I will always be lonely. The authors point out that Jesus is always with believers.

Internal soul/spiritual hurts need to be mended through going inside the memory and waiting upon The Lord to bring healing and to hear from the Holy Spirit.

A hefty 67 pages were spent on demonic oppression. Demons of shock, trauma, depression, accident and even one demon named Workout, as in pumping iron, were mentioned. While I believe that we are oppressed by messengers of Satan as Paul was buffeted, I don't believe that there is a demon of accident or workout.

The authors wrote of numerous demons coming out of the believers who they ministered to. They were quick to point out that Christians cannot be possessed by demons, but that they can be oppressed by demons.

As with any book on Christianity, we are to search the Scriptures and weigh what we are reading by the whole counsel of God. Many Scriptures were listed, and there was much to think about in this book. Also, there were Scriptures taken out of context or referenced but not written within the text.

We do have ungodly beliefs that we need to correct. We do learn from our parents. We do have emotional hurts that only God can heal. We are oppressed by Satans messengers during periods in our lives.

When Peter stepped out onto the water, his eyes were on Jesus. When Peters eyes looked at the storm, he sank.

When I looked at the pain of my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, I defined myself by that pain and distress. When I looked at the promises of God and told Him that I wanted more of Him, whether or not He healed me, He gave me more of Him AND healing, almost four years ago.

Instead of dwelling on the negative, ourselves and our terrible plight, we need to dwell on the power of God, the beauty of God,
the promises of God and possess His great and precious promises for us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.
2581029
I agree with Jonathan Brink that there are flaws in how we view God.
That God created us but shortly after allowed us to be tricked by Satan and became evil at the core.
That God could not be in a relationship with his children anymore... that he couldn't love us since we were by nature evil.
That God's judgment towards us will now be one of eternal torment.
That the only way God could get us back was by killing his own son.

Jonathan Brink lists a number of concerns from this story we have created. I have wrestled with the same concerns.  Basically it just doesn't paint a picture of a God who loves me the way I am.  It's a God I should fear, but not a God to get too close with.

Jonathan Brink proposes we have misread the story.  That the fall in the garden wasn't so much us becoming evil, but us losing sight of the good that we are.  We have been tricked into viewing ourselves as evil.  But we are still the good that God created.  We need to understand that God always loves us, that God always sees the good in us - the good that he created - in His own image.

I love that Jonathan Brink is encouraging Christ followers to revisit this topic.  I'd love to see more people engaging in the discussion.

The way I've personally sorted it out is this:  I'm not sure if we have created the right questions.  I'm not sure if we need to decide if our nature is basically good, or basically evil.  I'm not convinced that was one of the big questions the writers of Scripture were attempting to answer.  I tend to think of us as children.  Yes children can do evil selfish things, but they are also capable of doing loving unselfish things.  Children are in a learning process being guided by their parents (and others) with the goal of following the right path for each of them.  I think I am God's child.  He created me, and loves me more than I can imagine.  He always has a plan for me.  However I often do my own selfish things.  That is why Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom of God.  He wanted to remind us that when we allow Him to rule in our lives our lives can be what He intended them to be.  Jesus left us with His Spirit to guide us.  The choice is do we rule, or do we allow God to rule in and through us.  I don't think people are either evil or good.  We are all God's children.  Some are in broken relationships with their Father, and others are allowing their loving Father into their lives to guide and direct them.  But God loves us all.  That's my 2 cents.

But maybe my response is too simplistic for you.  If so I'd encourage you to read Discovering the God imagination.  Jump into the conversation and wrestle some with the question yourself.  What is the gospel?  Did the fall make everyone evil, and does God hate evil sinners. Or does He love us all?