Why are threads on Christian universalism so popular?

[ozso]

Why? Cui bono? What good is done for anyone by such a ghastly, vicious, act of cruelty? Was our Lord tortured to death so that most of those He created will suffer unspeakable torment forever, by His decree?

I must have been playing devil's advocate with DA. As I recall he objects to the word "torment" being used in ECT.

 

[Jipsah]

I must have been playing devil's advocate with DA. As I recall he objects to the word "torment" being used in ECT.

Fair play, from here on out I'll use the word "torture" instead.

 

[Der Alte]

I must have been playing devil's advocate with DA. As I recall he objects to the word "torment" being used in ECT.

I prefer the word that Jesus used i.e. "eternal punishment." Which is how it reads in the Eastern Greek Orthodox N.T.

 

[ozso]

I prefer the word that Jesus used i.e. "eternal punishment." Which is how it reads in the Eastern Greek Orthodox N.T.

In Luke 16:23 and 28 Jesus calls it torment.

 

[ozso]

Fair play, from here on out I'll use the word "torture" instead.

The word torture is also applicable to what Jesus said in Luke 16:23 and 28.

 

[Der Alte]

The word torture is also applicable to what Jesus said in Luke 16:23 and 28.

God does not "torture." God punishes the disobedient.

 

[ozso]

God does not "torture." God punishes the disobedient.

βασάνοις (basanois) a touchstone (a dark stone used in testing metals), hence examination by torture, torture. Usage: torture, torment, examination by torture.

 

[Jipsah]

God does not "torture." God punishes the disobedient.

As used by most damnationists it's a distiction without a difference. God is the Eternal Tormentor, Who designed the universe in such a way that th vast majority of the people He ever made will be tortured/tormented/punished (pick your favorite) forever. His mercy may not endure forever, but His hatred surely does.

Sorry mate, argue translations of Greek words all you like, but in the end you're still arguing that God is a merciless monster. I ain't buying it.

 

[Der Alte]

βασάνοις (basanois) a touchstone (a dark stone used in testing metals), hence examination by torture, torture. Usage: torture, torment, examination by torture.

Luke 16:23 In hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, [not torture] and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Orthodox Eastern Greek New Testamant.
The New Testament ( The Eastern-Greek Orthodox Bible) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

 

[ozso]

Luke 16:23 In hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, [not torture] and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Orthodox Eastern Greek New Testamant.
The New Testament ( The Eastern-Greek Orthodox Bible) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

One is, cause to experience severe mental or physical suffering. The other is, inflict severe pain or suffering on.