I’m grateful to the Presbyterian Outlook for publishing my essay, “Reforming Toward Hope: Why Universalism Belongs in the Reformed Tradition”!
This piece grows directly out of the work I’ve been doing on Truly Good News – especially the question of whether Christian Universalism can be articulated faithfully from within the Reformed tradition. It represents one strand of what has become this larger Truly Good News project, exploring Christian Universalism through scripture, theology, metaphor, and lived faith.
Read it here – and here’s an excerpt to get you started:
I approached the mic at the presbytery meeting with some trepidation. I am not shy about speaking in public, nor about sharing my beliefs — but it’s always nerve-wracking to answer questions about your faith statement and journey (a requirement for pastors who move and switch presbyteries).
A peer asked: “In your statement of faith, you say, ‘Through Jesus’ sacrifice, all the sins of the world are and will be forgiven, even of those who claim to be unbelievers.’ Do you consider yourself a universalist, then?”
My heart pounding, I replied simply: “Yes.” And stepped back from the mic.
Fortunately, after that, the laughter of the group buoyed my spirits. I went on to explain that I’m a “Reformed universalist” – valuing John Calvin, Karl Barth and Shirley Guthrie Jr. as well as exploring the works of Ilaria Ramelli, David Bentley Hart, and Al Kimel. Christian universalism, as I use the term, is the conviction that God’s redeeming work in Christ will ultimately reconcile all people to God. Though universalism appears in many Christian streams of thought, my focus here is its deep compatibility with the Reformed tradition. My universalist understanding is not a departure from the Reformed faith — but a faithful unfolding of it.
