Universalism

[Nomes]

Do we have any universalist's present?

I'm not, but I'm interested as to how you come to that conclusion. Anyone up for a discussion?

 

[UberLutheran]

Do we have any universalist's present?

I'm not, but I'm interested as to how you come to that conclusion. Anyone up for a discussion?

You tell us why you're NOT a universalist, and I/those of us who are universalists will tell you why we ARE universalists!

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

I am not a universalist. While I believe that all may be saved, I believe that saying all are saved requires that God take away the freedom for us to say no to Him eternally.

 

[mpshiel]

I complete agree with Fragmentsofdreams - I believe that while God wants a personal and close relationship with us individually and will repeatedly give us that opportunity, in this life of whatever comes next, I also believe that God loves us and wants what is best for us. And part of that is realizing that without both parties wanting to be in a relationship, it is a false relationship. This is why I believe at the end, the option of non-existance (not hell) will always be possible - for if someone is in so much pain or doesn't want to be healed or for whatever reason rejects God totally and personally, then they don't have to.

 

[zoe_uu]

I'm a UU. What do you want to know?

 

[Arnold_Philips]

I'm a weak universalist. I'm just of the mind that God will let you get as close to him as you feel comfortable.

 

[elanor]

Pardon my ignorance on this, but could someone please explain the definition of universalist being used here? I'm only vaguely familiar with Unitarian Univeralists, and know that they don't adhere to any one faith. As I understand it, they accept all faiths as an individual's search for God. Just curious about how the term is being used here. Thanks!

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

Universalism, as I used it in this thread, means that all are saved and enter into the presence of God in Heaven.

 

[PastorFreud]

Well, since I don't believe in the existence of a literal hell, does that make me universalist? I don't know anything about heaven except that God's will is done there and we should pray the same for earth. But I firmly believe hell is an object lesson, the point being that separation from God brings distress and destruction in this life.

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

Disbelief in Hell does not mean one is a universalist. Annihilation also rejects a literal Hell without universal salvation.

 

[SFBay]

Universalism, as I used it in this thread, means that all are saved and enter into the presence of God in Heaven.

I have to disagree. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Bible (both OT and NT) makes it pretty clear that Hell is a real place, and that those who reject Jesus will spend eternity there.

I believe in a literal, fire and brimstone Hell, although that isn't the worst part about it. The worst part is eternal seperation from God.

 

[mpshiel]

I believe in a literal, fire and brimstone Hell, although that isn't the worst part about it. The worst part is eternal seperation from God.

I agree that seperation is pretty bad but when was the last time you were tortured. I've had medical treatment that went on for hours and had me screaming, pain so bad I was unable to control my bladder. Which is why I really can't believe in a God that would hand someone He LOVED over to that for eternity, but I will state that while at some parts I was praying, at certain levels of pain above that, most consious thought disappears. Though if others have had similar torture stories I would love to hear them.

I just find that those who are so free with the fire probably haven't been slow roasted before.

 

[hyperborean]

I have to disagree. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Bible (both OT and NT) makes it pretty clear that Hell is a real place, and that those who reject Jesus will spend eternity there.

I believe in a literal, fire and brimstone Hell, although that isn't the worst part about it. The worst part is eternal seperation from God.

Wow, and you call yourself a liberal Christian?

In short, Unitarianism denies the trinity and most supernatural Christian dogmatisms.{is that a word?} They do not accept original sin for example. Tolerance and inclusiveness is what distinguishes Universalist-Unitarians from mainstream Christianity. Where do I sign up? Haha, I think anyone who actually believes in a God is nuts.

 

[hartlandcat]

I'm a Unitarian. First of all, let's make a distinction between Unitarianism and Universalism:

Unitarianism -- traditionally, the belief that there is one singular God (i.e. just the Holy Spirit), and that Jesus Christ was nothing more than an ordinary man who had excellent teachings. Since 1960, this has become more the belief that there is at most one singular God.

Universalism -- traditionally, the belief that all are saved and enter heaven. Since 1960, this has become more the belief that if heaven exists, hell does not exist.

I suppose I am a Universalist in the post-1960 sence, since I do not believe in hell as a literal place. However, I don't really believe in heaven as a literal place either.

 

[john14_20]

Nomes, where are you? I thought you wanted a discussion!

I just find that those who are so free with the fire probably haven't been slow roasted before

mpshiel, brilliantly said!

Images of fire and torture inescapably lead us to a terrifying and indeed blasphemous vision of God.

Blessings to all, Pete

 

[covenant914]

Assuming that God truly wants all to be saved, who or what can thwart God's will?

Even after death, those that choose to stay separate from God will eventually overwhelmed by the infinite magnitude of God's love and choose to reconcile.

All will be One with God.

 

[john14_20]

Even after death, those that choose to stay separate from God will eventually overwhelmed by the infinite magnitude of God's love and choose to reconcile.

Choice after death? I have been proclaiming that possibility for awhile now, and boy do I get in trouble for it!

How do you justify this position to the challengers?

Blessings to all, Pete

 

[covenant914]

As you know Pete, it is too simple.

"Made in God's image" has nothing to do with feet and a navel. It has everything to do with the ability to love (omnibenevolent), able to live in the present moment (omnipresent), desiring knowledge (omniscient), desire to create (Creator), free will (omnipotent) and an everlasting soul (infinite).

Free will after this shell made of ashes and dust disintergrates is a given.

 

[G4m]

Do we have any universalist's present?

I'm not, but I'm interested as to how you come to that conclusion. Anyone up for a discussion?

I believe God will have all men saved and I would definately welcome a discussion!

 

[Pink Angel]

I dont know if this is what your looking for but Catholic word means universal, if you looke catholic up in the dictionary you will find universal

Pink Angel