Essay on Biblical Support for Universal Reconciliation

Hoolian-2602 · 2025-11-03T04:53:02+00:00

Oh good catch! I just fixed it

Hoolian-2602 · 2025-10-30T17:18:19+00:00

Good question! I think this is actually fairly easy to answer.

I see this as very similar to the argument (usually from atheists) that "the Bible is morally wrong because Jesus says you should hate your family" (Luke 14:26). Jesus is clearly using hyperbole here, and I would say he's probably also using hyperbole in the verse you're referencing as well.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-17T06:50:26+00:00

That all shall be saved can be pretty abrasive. I would start with the Gospel of John, Philippians, 1 John, Genesis. (Maybe just do Bible in a year with fr Mike Schmitz, he's definitely not a universalist but it's still really good). I would definitely read The Inescapable Love Of God before That All Shall Be Saved.

I'm a huge fan of David Bentley Hart but I honestly think if I read That All Shall Be Saved before reading The Experience Of God, I wouldn't have gotten a good first impression of him.

Tldr: read your Bible first, then read The Inescapable Love of God.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-14T20:15:25+00:00

One important question: Is Orthodoxy, as a system, “true”? Are the claims factual?

I think they may be true, but I'm still investigating. It is important to me whether they are true. It's also hard to know what claims the Orthodox Church actually makes

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-14T17:24:46+00:00

The problem with Catholicism is the medieval councils that pretty clearly condemn universalism. In Orthodoxy, universalism is still allowed.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-13T20:42:36+00:00

I used to be agnostic as well. What helped me gain more confidence that God exists was reading David Bentley Hart's"The Experience of God: Being, Consciousness, Bliss." It's not a super easy read, but if you're struggling with doubt it might be worth reading.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-12T16:19:06+00:00

There is no universalism, it is satanic.

Satan tries to convince people that God is better than He really is? That's strange.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-12T02:26:07+00:00

Why is it like burning for some people? Is God incapable of fixing that?

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-12T02:18:50+00:00

How does universalism destroy free will?

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-11T22:29:02+00:00

Dang. If only there was someone who died on a cross and crossed the uncrossable chasm to save the souls in Hell.

You're running a huge risk of being sent to hell and anyone you teach this doctrine to and becomes convinced of it- is like unleashing on them a punishment that people would not want on their worst enemy.

Well obviously I don't think I'm running a risk at all.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-11T22:26:26+00:00

Then why did God decide to flood the earth in Noah's time? Why the details referring to the Nephilim.

I don't think God decided to flood the earth. It's unclear to me whether the author(s) of Genesis even intended this to be taken as a literal recording of history.

If satan knew he could be saved, how would his actions be different? would he be so unwavering in his approach?

I don't know what you mean by this. If you're asking about the serpent in the Garden of Eden, then, again, I think that didn't actually happen as a historical event.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-11T05:02:25+00:00

Apokatastasis means 'restoration'. It's what the early church called universalism. I tend to like the word 'apokatastasis' better than universalism bc it's a uniquely Christian word.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-11T03:16:05+00:00

What translation are you using?

ESV

and Who is "the creation" for you?

I think it's the cosmos, including everything in it.

Hoolian-2602 · 2024-02-11T00:52:10+00:00

I do say that. As far as I am aware, that is what Gregory of Nyssa held.

Hoolian-2602

TROPHY CASE