I knew virtually nothing about Christian Universalism until about a year ago. I was vaguely familiar with the concept of Unitarian Universalism, but found it weak as it was based upon human ideals and the need to squeeze God into a concept that we can control. Yet as a Christian, I always found myself very uncomfortable with the notion that God would punish people eternally for not choosing Him in this lifetime, no matter what the circumstances of their life. It just made no sense, particularly since I kept reading over and over again in both the Old and New Testaments about universal reconciliation for all...in fact, both books are loaded with references to universal reconciliation, as you'll discover when you start reading the Bible with a Universalist viewpoint. Christian Universalism makes startlingly good sense, and in fact is completely consistent with every doctrinal point of "regular" Christianity except for the notion that the punishment of Hell is remedial and corrective, but not eternal. God's fire is a refining fire, not a destructive one (Malachi 3:2). Furthermore, when you match up the Universalist passages with the "eternal damnation" passages, the universalist message is far better supported by Scripture.
Although the argument is much deeper than a single issue, the crux of the argument boils down to the true meaning of the Greek word "aionos," which in our English Bibles is translated as "eternal." The word, as near as historians can tell, originated with Aristotle and was never used in Greek literature to mean everlasting, but always referred to a finite period of time. There's no sound reason to assume the apostles (as well as the Hellenistic writers of the Septuagint) meant it any other way. There are about 18 New Testament verses that speak of "eternal" damnation and spiritual death (all using some version of "aionos") but literally hundreds through both the Old and New Testaments that speak of God reconciling ALL to Himself. The Greek Orthodox church, which refuses to this day to join with the Catholic Church of Rome, supports Christian Universalism on the grounds that the original Greek word never implied eternal damnation, but "age-enduring" with ultimate reconciliation for all. It's also interesting to note that for most of the first 400 years of Christianity, before becoming the "state religion" of the Roman Empire, the traditional teaching on salvation was the apostolic tradition of ultimate reconciliation, as taught throughout the New Testament.
Regardless of your views on the subject, consider this point: Why would a God who instructs us to forgive someone not once, but over and over and over again (Matthew 18:21-22), be Himself inconsistent with His own commandments? Why would God instruct us to love our fellow men and women unconditionally, no matter what they do to us, and then do something quite the opposite Himself? And why would Christ (in John 6:39) say: "And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day." Simple reason (not human reason, but reason driven by a sound reading of Scripture) tells us that eternal damnation makes no Biblical sense, and in fact is inconsistent with the teaching of unconditional love. All it requires is to put aside a traditional doctrinal interpretation, and instead take the Bible at exactly what it says.
Stetson has laid out a sound argument for Christian Universalism with this book and it's easy to grasp. If you're looking for a "starter" book to read more about the subject, this is the one to buy. I think every Christian, as well as any interested and religiously-curious skeptic, should read this book as it allows you to view Christianity in an amazing new perspective.
Lastly, here's just one of the many verses supporting Christian Universalism. In the passage below, how can one claim that "all" has two different meanings? We know from previous Scripture that ALL mankind suffered the effects of the Fall, not some, but all, which creates a contextual precedent that makes it impossible for the second "all" to mean anything else. It's a hermeneutical slam-dunk, so to speak. Additionally, the "conditional" phrase "but each in his own turn" is completely consistent with the Universalist notion that salvation won't come to all right away, but over time, as God's plan unfolds.
"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive, but each in his own turn."
1 Corinthians 15:22
Just something to think about for all the skeptics (Christian or otherwise) before closing the door on the idea. Read this book before writing it off. If you're curious enough, it'll drive you to read more, as it did me.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Redemption for all humanity.
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2018
Rainbow Gypsy
Engages the mind but does not touch the heart and soul.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2020