UPDATE: 11/18/16 - Since posting this graphic I've realized that this list is incomplete and in some cases not accurate. I will post a new blog soon with an updated list which more clearly identifies the verses where these 3 views are found. For what it's worth, the Universalism list is the most accurate and the Eternal Torment section is the least. Stay tuned for that update.
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I recently looked at this graphic [above] again and started to notice something I've never seen before about these 3 different Christian views of Hell.
Eternal Torment seems to draw most of its evidence from Matthew and Luke.
Annihilationism seems mostly taken from the Gospel of John.
Universalism is mostly attributed to the epistles of Paul the Apostle.
Wow. I did NOT see that one coming.
In the next few days I might take some time to explore each of these three lists and point out a few more interesting things about them, but for now I wanted to make sure I shared this first realization with everyone here.
What are your thoughts?
Any theories as to why Matthew and Luke are more into Eternal Suffering?
Any ideas why John's Gospel would be more about Anninilationism?
Want to take a stab at why Paul's letters are so full of Universalism? [And why those who seem to love Paul the most totally miss this side of his teaching?]
I'd love to hear your thoughts before I weigh in...
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I think I would want to look up reference in their gospel context before anything.
ReplyDeleteThis chart, from the Universalism-promoting documentary "Hellbound?," is notoriously misrepresentative. Basically, it's a mystery as to why many verses are there, and also why they are in a particular column. The Universalism column is most accurate, however.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I haven't looked at each in detail yet, but will do so. In the meantime, the first thing that comes to mind is confirmation bias, which seems to be a typical mistake for many readers of the Bible... We see what we want to see...
ReplyDeleteWritten statements are always subject to confusion when not assimulated in their proper context of time zone and subject of reference
ReplyDeletei think generally speaking Paul offers the possibility of salvation to a larger audience. the fact that he is the Apostle to the gentiles means the scope of potential converts and therefore different types of people is wider. This may be mistaken as not only a wide offer but a forseen wide result.
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
ReplyDeleteThe New Testament scriptures are almost entirely a reflection of Old Testament verses, and the foundation. The OT is predominantly annihilation of the wicked and rebellious. As is the NT. Universalism is a twisting of the 'all' and some vague verses. Eternal torment is an ongoing debate over the word 'aionios' and 'kolasis' or eternal and punishment.
ReplyDelete