Guilt by Association (by Ed Smith) Think of a good minister in a conservative church. Perhaps he majored in Bible during college before spending several years at seminary. He has a family. He has much to lose and it will be very dangerous for him to even consider universalism. Suppose he is convinced; what will he do? He probably won't be able to work at any conservative church and wouldn't want to be a part of a liberal church even if they'd hire him. It seems strange that it is this way. Universalism does no harm to any other traditional beliefs. It can result from something as simple as believing God loves all and His grace is irresistible. In fact, I think many evangelicals basically believe this, but don't face the implications--perhaps not thinking that far ahead or just accepting it as one of those things we don't understand. Much of the problem is the association of universalism with other things. Of course, it is associated with a denomination that carries the word in its name: "Unitarian/Universalist." Most Christians don't even know the Unitarians had firm, specific beliefs at one time and that one of those denied the deity of Christ. Thus (though that would be harmful enough), I think the overwhelming negative association is with the liberalism/pluralism which the U/U church now exemplefies so well. Liberal, pluralistic dogma tells us that it is wrong to say our religion is better than that of someone else. I can't even countenance such believers with the label "Christian" since it makes Jesus a fool to go through all that for nothing. The highest authority for these believers is neither the Bible nor tradition, but the opinions of a certain elite culture, i.e. political correctness. Because of the popularity of liberalism, pluralism is much more prominent than biblical universalism. Thus, many don't know of our universalism and simply equate it with pluralism. Recently, we were discussing how universalists might find some measure of acceptance in liberal churches which they won't find among evangelicals. Some universalists may be drawn into a more accepting environment. Also, there is a tendency for evangelical universalists to be less open about their universalism while those in more liberal churches can be very open. Consequently, the unfortunate association is perpetuated. How can it change? Good question. Evangelical ministers can't lead the way; they'll be promptly fired. I do see reason for some hope. Biblical universalists are growing in number and there may be many hidden below the surface. If anyone becomes interested in considering the idea, it is quick and easy to examine the evidence at websites such as this one. To counteract the assumption that we simply have liberal, bleeding hearts for the lost, we should emphasize the glory it gives to God. He is a very competent, successful God. Every mouth will give Him praise and that is what I love most about universalism. God will win over His entire creation. Ed                                                       Return Home