Apocatastasis

[Cole]

Among Catholics in the twentieth-century, this doctrine was reinvigorated especially by Hans Urs von Balthasar, who, in his book Dare We Hope 'That All Men Be Saved? (1988), expressed a qualified version of apocatastasis in which we may “hope” that all will be saved. Keeping in mind the condemnation of Origen, Orthodox theologians who tend towards universalism (the belief that all will be saved) usually argue that all may be saved. This is what seems best from a reading of the Bible. Has anyone else heard of this?

[anon12438761]

I’ve read the book a couple of times, it is an excellent presentation. As to the ‘may be’ or ‘will be’ difference, I’ve read in various places that Balthasar and those who agree with him are in fact universalists, who do not desire to stir things up unnecessarily.
I can’t say if that opinion is correct or not.

[Cole]

The Church’s teaching on Hell has been generally neglected by theologians, with the notable exception of Fr. von Balthasar. However, what he has said has stirred controversy both in Europe and in the United States. Here he responds in a clear and concise way, grounding his reflections clearly in Scripture. Revelation gives us neither the assurance that all will be saved, nor the certitude that any are condemned. What it does require of us is the “hope that all men be saved” rooted in a love of Christ that reaches even into the depths of Hell.

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