Varieties of Christian Universalism
Exploring Four Views
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About
Christian universalism has become a subject of fierce debate in recent years. Numerous works have been published on the topic, and it can be difficult for readers to recognize the breadth of possible approaches. While universal salvation is often boiled down to (and dismissed as) a single idea--that God saves all people--this oversimplification masks the variety of theologies that reach this conclusion in ways that are not always compatible. Christian universalism is actually an umbrella of different theological interpretations of the idea that all people will be saved.
In this book, leading experts on universal salvation--David W. Congdon, Tom Greggs, Morwenna Ludlow, and Robin A. Parry--provide a concise guide to four distinct approaches: patristic, evangelical, post-Barthian, and existential. The contributors, who have each written extensively on Christian universalism, highlight distinct approaches that emphasize different theological values. The book will be useful as a textbook for students of theology, especially those training for ministry, and as a resource for anyone seeking a more well-rounded understanding of Christian universalism.
Introduction by David W. Congdon
1. Patristic Universalism
Morwenna Ludlow
2. Evangelical Universalism
Robin A. Parry
3. Post-Barthian Universalism
Tom Greggs
4. Existential Universalism
David W. Congdon
Indexes
Endorsements
"In this very readable, compact volume, David Congdon brings together deep thinkers to broaden our understanding of the varieties of Christian universalism, from the early church fathers to the present. The result is a highly instructive and clear-eyed analysis of one of the most important and most complicated teachings in the Christian faith."
Amy Marga, professor of systematic theology, Luther Seminary
"The title of this book is invitational, as are most presenting multiple views or the variations of perspectives on theological topics, but those who pick up and read will be introduced to four strong sets of arguments by thinkers who have been exploring these matters substantively over extended periods of time. In other words, and in short: come ready to engage with the warrants and justifications for these various universalist options, and if you do, you might become a better theologian, if not a better Christian, even if you remained unconvinced about becoming a universalist in any of the ways invited to in these pages."
Amos Yong, professor of theology and mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Caricatures and misrepresentations often fuel theological debates, especially on controversial themes such as Christian universalism. These essays offer clarity on the variety of universalist theologies in response to the perennial question of Christian universalism, at a time when this debate is again having a moment and in a way that does not offer a definitive conclusion but provides the conditions for a real conversation."
Aristotle Papanikolaou, professor of theology, Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture, cofounder and codirector, Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University
"A helpful overview of four theological varieties of Christian universalism: patristic, evangelical, post-Barthian, and existential. The patristic chapter stresses the christological foundation of universalism and includes debated universalists such as Maximus, who pointed to apokatastasis, as also Balthasar and I have argued. This volume will be interesting to Christian readers in general, to students in religious studies, and especially to those in theology and ministry. It will help readers distinguish, in a broad but useful way, the theological presuppositions and developments of various accounts that are often referred to with the umbrella term 'Christian universalism.'"
Ilaria L. E. Ramelli, professor, Stanford University; University of Cambridge
The Author
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David W. Congdon
David W. Congdon (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is senior editor at the University Press of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including The...
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