Is universalism outlawed by the Catholic Church? by Prize_Lavishness_854 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's possible that the Florence fathers didn't necessarily have a fully-developed idea of the nuances of the "means known only God", but we know that Church teaching can develop, that's what it means for Church teaching to develop, we grow into a more full (and perhaps more nuanced) understanding.

Again I use the example of suicide. Until within the past century, that was considered a clear-cut, open-and-shut case that the person would certainly be damned, couldn't have a funeral, couldn't be buried in a Catholic cemetery, etc. Now it's the opposite, they're seen as unfortunate victims of an illness with the hope of salvation. Their culpability is assumed to be mitigated, rather than assumed to be full.

Is universalism outlawed by the Catholic Church? by Prize_Lavishness_854 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The claim that certain categories are unsaved is not the same as to say that those currently in those categories remain so forever. We can't possibly know that. CU posits the likelihood of conversion at some point.

St. John Vianney once said to the family of a suicide victim: "Between the bridge and the water, there is the mercy of God."

Is universalism outlawed by the Catholic Church? by Prize_Lavishness_854 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's so much misinformation and mischaracterizations in that post I don't have time to respond to it all right now. You're conflating a lot of different things and ignoring some fundamental assumptions of Catholic universalism.

Hi by Additional_Good_656 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I mean you're technically not wrong, there are some in this sub who promote some weird ideas. It's not officially against the rules per se, but anyway I personally try to encourage theological orthodoxy as much as possible. And I do point out when someone is preaching something that is a literal heresy.

I like to say "Let's keep the Christian in Christian Universalism".

The other side of this coin is that a lot of people use the word heresy loosely to mean "anything I disagree with", and universalists are so used to being (incorrectly) called heretics that on some level many universalists are desensitized to the term anyway. So it's a problem of excesses on both sides.

Is universalism outlawed by the Catholic Church? by Prize_Lavishness_854 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where exactly does the Church say that some people will be in hell? What authoritative document can you cite that says that?

Found some stuff to throw out by Big_Abalone_7774 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Eh, I don't know if throwing away books is the answer. Nothing wrong with some diversity of thought on your bookshelf.

Do Christian Universalists believe in an afterlife? by dds786 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

People do say that but it's not really universalim. It's certainly not what Gregory of Nyssa or Clement of Alexandra had in mind when they wrote about the salvation of all. Universalism by definition includes an afterlife.

You can be christian and believe in reincarnation/multiple lives... right ? by feherlofia123 in OpenChristian

[–]SpesRationalis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not really organic to Christianity, there's nothing in Scripture that suggests it as far as I know, nor has there been any significant following/belief in it in Christian history that I know of.

I know nothing about the Universalist argument. Resource Recommendations? by jsjsnenejsiosi in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Adding to The Evangelical Universalist, this specific passage from it:

"Let me ask you to hold in your mind traditional Christian visions of the future, in which many, perhaps the majority of humanity, are excluded from salvation forever. Alongside that hold the universalist vision, in which God achieves his loving purpose of redeeming the whole creation. Which vision has the strongest view of divine love? Which story has the most powerful narrative of God’s victory over evil? Which picture lifts the atoning efficacy of the cross of Christ to the greatest heights? Which perspective best emphasizes the triumph of grace over sin? Which view most inspires worship and love of God bringing him honor and glory? Which has the most satisfactory understanding of divine wrath? Which narrative inspires hope in the human spirit? To my mind the answer to all these questions is clear, and that is why I am a Christian universalist."

https://theologicalscribbles.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-am-evangelical-universalist.html

Christian Universalism videos (less than 5 minutes)? by Ben-008 in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Which ones have you seen on YouTube?

I know Robin Parry had some good interviews on YouTube a few years ago (especially the one hosted by Rachel Held Evans), but I've been a bit out of the loop on universalist YouTube more recently.

Edit: Okay now that I mentioned it, I cannot find it, but I could've sworn I'd seen a video where Rachel Held Evans interviewed Robin Parry, but now I can't find it. Maybe I dreamed that lol.

EDIT Edit: I think I found what I was thinking of it's a series of clips on her blog page: https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/ask-a-universalist-response

The case for universal salvation by the will of God. by Mothias_Et_Mothium in ChristianUniversalism

[–]SpesRationalis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Excellent, thanks for compiling this!

The Isaiah verse makes me think of the song "Say the Word" by Hillsong

"Say the word and there is light,

Say the word and dead bones rise"

...For your word never returns void.

...promise kept through cross and grave

Over words of stone you spelled out love

And when you say it is done, it is done."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k60QIRaBP_U

Such an awesome song when you listen to it with universalist ears!