In the late 1970s, he again underwent another theological shift and changed his focus from a call to return to Reformation principles to that of systematically questioning and discarding many of the doctrines he had held. A side effect of this activity was the commissioning of an independent study and report on the basis for Christian beliefs on final punishment or hell by Edward Fudge.
During the late 1970s, he underwent a significant theological realignment, moving away from a call to return to Reformation-era principles and instead focusing on methodically challenging and discarding many of his previously held doctrines. This led to the development of an independent study and report by Edward Fudge examining the foundations of Christian beliefs regarding eternal damnation.