Critics of universalism espouse three arguments used to silence anyone who should believe in something other than the religious heaven and hell scenario. These arguments are primarily misunderstandings of what they think is being said. The first argument is that universalism is not biblical. This argument can only be arrived at by avoiding the totality of scripture to focus on a few passages that, rightly understood by the religious powers that be, give a distorted picture of eternity. Bluntly, these folk are guilty of lazy reading of the Bible. This is not entirely the fault of the people in the pew on Sunday but is a result of the proof texting that goes on in the pulpit. A verse or a phrase easily becomes a junping off point for a religious tirade.
The second argument is that universalism is anti God when nothing can be further from the truth. A universalist believes in a bigger God than the kinder garden understandings of eternity given to us by the Church. How big is your God? Is your God as big as infinite space with it's billions of solar systems ever changing? Why is the spiritual expectation to forgive regardless of the offense here on earth but God will punish most of us with brimstone and fire for an eternity? The religious answer is that God is a just God and this God must punish we wicked ones but it just doesn't square with reality. Is the blessing of life some kind of test to qualify for a positive eternal future? If this is your understanding of eternity, no one on earth nor in the Bible ever passed that test. We all are the most miserable.
The third misunderstanding is that universalism dethrones Jesus Christ as a religious icon. This is a valid criticism of universalism but inadequate. Religions and the many religious icons are merely second rate to the magnificence of eternity. Who was Jesus, you ask? Jesus was a God chosen messenger and prophet of eternity who appeared among us at the appointed hour. This messenger preached to us about the God of eternity, accomplished miracles and was raised to eternal life, confirming his message. For the first three hundred years after the resurrection, this Jesus was not labeled by any believer as a religious icon. Jesus only led us and them toward eternity.
One man's opinion.
G.Goslaw
Landers, CA
