The Evangelical Universalist Forum

I talked with my son and daughter for the first time on UR

Evangelical Universalism Arguments for Evangelical Universalism
#1

I told my wife that I would not go into the topic of UR with our kids until we were on the same page and until I was relatively certain of my standing. I don’t want to teach my children the wrong thing and I kept pausing every time I would hear a conservative evangelical say that UR is the “falling away”, the “great apostacy” that the scriptures foretell. Anyhow, last night I was sitting down with my 10-year old son and I read him this passage in Lamentations chapter 3:

31 For the Lord will (AP)not reject forever,
32 For if He causes grief,
Then He will have (AQ)compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.

I asked him what it made him think. Now remember, we have NEVER talked about this, and this is exactly what he said:

“Is it saying that God wouldn’t keep people in hell forever? Wait though, that can’t be true because the Bible says that hell is forever”

I was blown away at his response! I then asked him this:

“If God does put someone in hell for eternity would you say that He has rejected that person forever?”

To which my son responded:

“Yes”. I used that to jump into the discussion about “aionios”, UR passages, OT context, etc. At this point my daughter joined in and we had a great discussion. My son was VERY excited! His personality is just like mine. He is the kind of kid that would grow up fearing hell in a major way. I told them today that I could be wrong but I don’t think I am.

#2

Thats awesome, you’re a great dad for telling them the truth.

#3

That’s absolutely wonderful Chris. I can’t think of anything worse than instilling the concept of ECT into a child’s mind if it is not in the heart of God. May God bless you and your family as they grow in grace. Praise God!

#4

Great news dirtboy!

I talked with my kids several years ago (college & high school age). We worked through Talbott’s short paper on the 3 propositions.

The result? Almost in unison they said “that’s the best news ever!” and proceeded to make a list of people they wanted to tell.

This was in sharp contrast to my being told by my pastor that I couldn’t hold UR views and be an evangelical christian. I then told him the story of my kids response but of course he did not see the irony.

Anyway, bless you and your family.

-David

#5

That’s fantastic! :smiley: However, what does your wife think, was she ok with you talking with the children :confused:

#6

wondered that too…you didn’t say if she was on the same page yet!
if not, you may be in for the doghouse for a bit :astonished:

#7

We are all on the same page. As I have been studying it, I have gradually shared all my findings with my wife. Coming from a strong conservative, evangelical background, she wasn’t at all moved by the philosophical arguments, but she was moved strongly by the scriptural arguments. She was like this: “Show me from the scriptures that this is what it says and I have no problem with it.” So I have stuck with the scriptural arguments with her, and she was quite convinced by them.

#8

brilliant news!!! :smiley:

#9

That’s great to hear!

Sonia

#10

My mom has become much more convinced from the scriptural witness, too: she says she often reads the lessons and preaching material references on Sunday with much more interest and a different eye for looking at details. :slight_smile:

#11

I’m delighted to hear that :slight_smile:

In my circles the attitude is exactly the same, and I admit I couldn’t say I was a convinced EU until after reading the Biblical Theology in TEU. That’s not to say I don’t value philosophy, in fact I find it very encouraging that a growing number of heavy duty philosophers see EU, or at least hopeful EU, as the most logical position!

#12

I know my children they would love to hear this good news but my wife said I was never to discuss it with them. They are 26, 21 and 10. She is also not interested in hearing any scripture. Maybe one day?

#13

:frowning: If I may ask, what is her position?

Definitely one day and hopefully this side of Judgement!!

#14

sounds like your 26 and 21 year olds are old enough to make up their own minds about this!

#15

I agree but would caution going against your wife’s wishes :slight_smile: If I were you, I’d put this point to your wife?

#16

definitely!

#17

That’s awesome dirtboy! I’m especially glad that you and your wife are now on the same page. Congrats, that is something to celebrate!