– LSGU

In response to your post I just wanted to point out that Origen is NOT: “the only Eastern figure (well, maybe Gregory Thaumaturgos as well)” who taught universalism.

In the Patristic age, not only Origen but Gregory of Nyssa was also a universalist. As was Evagrius, and some sixth century anti-Chalcedonian writers.

After Gregory of Nyssa taught it, it was picked up by Maximus the Confessor and Isaac the Syrian, and survives amongst modern Orthodox theologians such as Bishop Kallistos Ware.

It is expressed very well in the following conversation between St Silouan (of the Russian monastery on Mount Athos, who died in 1938) and a fellow hermit:

“God will punish all atheists. They will burn in everlasting fire.”

Obviously upset, the Staretz [Silouan] said: “Tell me, supposing you went to paradise, and there looked down and saw somebody burning in hell-fire–would you feel happy?”

“It can’t be helped. It would be their own fault,” said the hermit.

The Staretz answered with a sorrowful countenance: “Love could not bear that,” he said. “We must pray for all.”

It has also never been extinguished in the Western tradition – there has always been someone keeping it alive.

In Christ

Donna

This is not a null sum game where one wins and one loses. They both won. God won. How much more so the victory in the fullness of the kingdom when Christ is all in all.

It is the best fictional depiction of our Triune God and perichoresis that I’ve ever read. Although the bookseller told me it was fiction, I had to check online after reading half the novel because I wondered if it could have been based on real people and real events. It was that compellingly a story. At least I didn’t trek out to Oregon to look for the shack or Mack as some other readers have been reported to do.

I plan to give a copy to my Pastor and his wife this weekend. Normally I give/loan them my copy of a book but I bought another copy of the Shack as I’m keeping mine.

Blessings,

Caroline

Some may have issues with things in the book, but it really does challenge you.

What is interesting is the discussion of judgment. From what I understand, the author is/was an ultimate reconciliation person (which I suppose is CU) but took this part out of the book due to concerns from the publisher. Still … as you read this, I think it coincides nicely with GM or Talbott. Of course, this is a fiction book, so don’t use it like a theology book.

Blessings,
Brandon

True justice is about the restoration of what was lost or broken; it is about redemption of the sinner; it is reconciliation between the sinner and God and the sinner and the one sinned against.

The doctrine of universalism reflects true divine and biblical justice. As we walk through shadows of injustice, calamities and suffering, we believe that one day, Christ will be all in all. We hold on to the hope that eventually, it will all be all right.

Caroline

People frequently ask me what is the point of Evangelicalism if everyone is saved. I’m often surprised by that question. Do pastors look at their saved members and think, “they’re saved so I don’t need to do anything with them anymore”?

The Good News is that people are loved and saved and are invited to participate in the life of the Trinity. Those who don’t know need to be told so that they can be connected to Jesus Christ, their head, via the Holy Spirit and come to know their Father’s intentions towards them – His good, pleasing and perfect will. They, along with those who do know, need encouragement, mercy, forgiveness, healing, support and teaching so that, eventually, God’s will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Caroline