The Christian story has one simple, beautiful and extraordinarily powerful claim: despite all the evil, suffering, and pain that grips this creation, the good catches up. That promise is found in the very prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray: thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. And […]
universalism
Thoughts on universalism and hope (a response to Nate)
Back in early February I wrote a response to Nate — one of our resident academic philosophers — and his critique of greater goods theodicy. (See “Is God a user? A response to Nate’s Principle“.) Nate offered a reply a few days later but with the flurry of activity it was never properly responded to. […]
18. Abandon hope, all ye who enter here? Filmmaker Kevin Miller reconsiders the doctrine of hell
In this episode of The Tentative Apologist Podcast we sit down with screenwriter, producer and film director Kevin Miller. Kevin is perhaps best known as the screenwriter for the 2008 documentary “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” and as director of the 2012 documentary “Hellbound?” (You can see my review for “Hellbound?” here.) “Hellbound?” (which is now available […]
Is universalism compatible with human freedom?
Is the proposition that all will ultimately be reconciled to God in Christ compatible with human free will? This is the question that Bilbo asked in response to my interview with universalist Eric Reitan. Hopefully Eric will be able to drop in and offer his perspective on this important question, but in the interim I’ll […]
When it comes to the question of universal salvation: An interview with Eric Reitan
Two months ago I invited philosopher Eric Reitan to participate in an emailed interview on the occasion of his book God’s Final Victory: A Comparative Philosophical Case for Universalism (co-authored with John Kronen) being offered in soft cover. Eric graciously agreed and the fascinating exchange that resulted is recorded below. If you’d like to hear more from […]
The Reason for Hell: A critical engagement with Timothy Keller (Part 2)
This article continues my critical engagement with Timothy Keller’s treatment of hell in “How can a loving God send people to Hell?” chapter 5 of The Reason for God. For part 1 click here. Keller’s treatment of hell in chapter 5 contrasts with his treatment of science in chapter 6. In the science chapter Keller emphasizes […]
Does universalism undermine Christian mission?
It is a common objection to the doctrine of universal salvation. And Walter expresses it well: the Christian message loses its urgency–less pews would be filled, less tithes collected, and less need for dangerous missionary trips if everyone makes it to heaven. To put it bluntly: fear of a terrible hell fuels the growth of […]
Why Calvinists should be universalists or Arminians
Over the years as I have engaged in extended discussions with Calvinists over election and the divine nature I have often found the same two red herrings being pulled out just as things start to heat up. And so it is in my recent discussion with a Calvinist named Kerry over my critique of another Calvinist (Andrew). Given that I think […]
Why Eternal Conscious Torment isn’t the only game in town for a Christian
MGT2 writes: “I believe that the Bible teaches eternal conscious torment (and I still cannot see how one can deny that after considering the whole of Scripture)….” Allow me to explain. First, many scriptural passages appear to teach a universal restoration of all things. The advocate of ECT interprets those texts in light of the passages they have already decided […]
Why isn’t a universal atonement a more successful atonement?
Gene: “Isn’t the purpose of the Cross to save the world? Does the percentage change the purpose?” While I am not myself a universalist I continue to be puzzled at some of the assumptions that non-universalist Christians have about the position. For example, in “Hell if universalism is true” I I provided one possible model […]
Hell if universalism is true
What is hell like if universalism is true? The nineteenth century novelist and universalist George MacDonald has a great description of what it might be like in his novel Lilith. But since I don’t have the novel in front of me, I’ll offer my own proposal: a native healing circle. So what is a “healing circle” […]
“Heresy” and Christian Publishing
This week I heard from a very intelligent and respected senior member of the evangelical community in North America. Let’s call this individual Quentin (not the individual’s real name). Quentin has written a manuscript defending a Christian form of universalism, one that upholds the authority of scripture, the atoning work of Christ and all the other essentials. […]
Must Hitler burn forever?
In case you’ve been thinking about hell a lot lately, or even if you haven’t, have I got a rather sobering treat for you. Today I am making available for you free of charge a thirty-three page chapter I wrote on the doctrine of hell for a book manuscript called The Crazy Things We Believe. […]
Free will, hell, and reasonable appeals to emotion
Many good conversations were had over my four days at Notre Dame University. One of the more interesting conversations occurred with one particular philosopher and concerned the topic of hell. (The philosopher will remain nameless since it is awkward to begin contacting people and asking for their permission to use their name in a blog post based […]
