logo Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:55:31 GMT

That All Shall Be Saved


Synopsis


A stunning reexamination of one of the essential tenets of Christian belief from one of the most provocative and admired writers on religion today
 
"A scathing, vigorous, eloquent attack on those who hold that that there is such a thing as eternal damnation."-Karen Kilby, Commonweal
 
"[A] provocative, informative treatise. . . . [Hart's] resounding challenge to orthodox Christian views on hell and his defense of God's ultimate goodness will prove convincing and inspiring to the open-minded."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
The great fourth-century church father Basil of Caesarea once observed that, in his time, most Christians believed that hell was not everlasting, and that all would eventually attain salvation. But today, this view is no longer prevalent within Christian communities.
 
In this momentous book, David Bentley Hart makes the case that nearly two millennia of dogmatic tradition have misled readers on the crucial matter of universal salvation. On the basis of the earliest Christian writings, theological tradition, scripture, and logic, Hart argues that if God is the good creator of all, he is the savior of all, without fail. And if he is not the savior of all, the Kingdom is only a dream, and creation something considerably worse than a nightmare. But it is not so. There is no such thing as eternal damnation; all will be saved. With great rhetorical power, wit, and emotional range, Hart offers a new perspective on one of Christianity's most important themes.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Great Divide

* Argues that the traditional divide between heaven and hell is a false dichotomy that perpetuates fear and judgment.
* Presents the concept of "universalism," which holds that all humans will ultimately be saved.

Real Example: The story of George MacDonald, a 19th-century Scottish theologian who believed in universalism and whose writings inspired many later thinkers, including C.S. Lewis.

Chapter 2: The Case for Universalism

* Explores biblical and theological arguments for universalism, including the love of God, the nature of sin, and the purpose of punishment.
* Examines the concept of purgatory as a transitional stage of purification.

Real Example: The writings of St. Augustine, who believed that all humans are called to salvation but may require a period of suffering to cleanse their souls.

Chapter 3: The Hard Sayings of Jesus

* Interprets the most challenging passages in the Bible that seemingly contradict universalism, such as the parable of the sheep and the goats.
* Argues that these passages should be understood in light of the broader context of God's love and mercy.

Real Example: The parable of the prodigal son, which demonstrates God's unwavering love and acceptance of even the most wayward sinners.

Chapter 4: The Wider Hope

* Examines the beliefs and practices of various Christian denominations that affirm universalism, including the Wesleyan tradition, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
* Explores how universalism can provide comfort and hope in the face of death and suffering.

Real Example: The work of the Salvation Army, a Christian organization that provides aid to those in need, regardless of their beliefs.

Chapter 5: The Transforming Power of Love

* Argues that love is the ultimate force that draws all people to God.
* Explores the role of suffering and evil in the process of purification and redemption.

Real Example: The story of Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who developed a theory of "logotherapy" based on the belief that finding meaning in life can overcome existential suffering.

Chapter 6: That All Shall Be Saved

* Concludes with a re-examination of the central theme of the book: the ultimate triumph of God's love over all evil and suffering.
* Emphasizes the importance of living a life of love and compassion and trusting in the unending mercy of God.

Real Example: The words of the Anglican theologian William Temple: "That all shall be saved is our dearest hope. That all shall be saved is our determined purpose. That all shall be saved is our certain faith."