The Evangelical Universalist Forum

Anyone know about Heath Bradley

Evangelical Universalism
#1

unitedmethodistreporter.com/2013/02/qa-a-stand-for-christian-universalism/

Anyone come across this book or this person? I see another addition to the big list … :slight_smile:

#2

Apparently Robin likes his book: theologicalscribbles.blogspot.com/2013/04/flames-of-love.html

Here is a post from his blog: thesundaydrivehome.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-i-became-universalist.html

Here is an excellent video of a series he did on Universalism at his church: youtube.com/watch?v=NDf9NlB0D8Y. He is now the United Methodist Chaplain at Vanderbilt University

And his book is on my incredibly awesome reading list which everybody on this forum needs to check out :smiley: : docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmpvVH6cguu8dGE4aWlNc2ZyU0Z1Nl9yMjRHRXRTd0E&usp=sharing

#3

It also seems that it is accepted to be a Methodist Universalist … Does anyone know if the Methodists require a wannabe minister to agree to any ECT doctrines or statement of faith?

Edit Addition: That’s some booklist … I’ve read 10 on that list. :slight_smile:

#4

He discusses that very question in a blog post of his:thesundaydrivehome.blogspot.com/2013/01/universalism-and-united-methodism.html. The answer appears to be…sort of. Its a pretty interesting response he gives.

#5

Interesting response.

However, the big problem remains: universalism is against Methodist doctrine.

Whilst this may not prove a problem to those already within the Methodist denomination, it does prevent someone like me becoming a Methodist, or more specifically a Methodist minister (I faced the same problem with the Anglicans). Once you’re already a priest or minister, then it seems you’re free to question the doctrines of your tradition. But if you want to become a minister you have to promise or swear or take an oath or agree to believe, uphold and teach the doctrines of the church. No universalist could agree to believe and teach the doctrine of ECT with a clear conscience.

It would be cool if Heath could address that issue :slight_smile:

#6

It’s my understanding that Methodist churches have what they call an “open pulpit,” which is basically, preach what you want to preach. I don’t know how far this goes though. The church I grew up in was always getting into trouble, but not over sermons. (Over money of course – as is usually the case. We thought we should spend it on missions and the guys in the upstairs offices thought it should go to HQ.)