Trinity International University

Scripture & Ministry Series: "The Challenge of Contemporary Christian Universalism"

The Henry Center sponsors the Scripture & Ministry lectures, which feature distinguished Christian speakers addressing issues of crucial importance for relating Scripture and ministry. This series brings together Trinity Evangelical Divinity School faculty members, pastors and community members for a time of learning and fellowship. The relationship between theologians and practitioners calls for earnest efforts to bridge the gap that all too often divides them and to encourage mutually enriching collaboration in the gospel.

All 2011-2012 lectures will be held at 1pm (in the ATO chapel on the TEDS campus).  They are free and open to everyone.

UPCOMING LECTURES | PAST LECTURES

Michael McClymond | Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO

“Christ Between the Thieves: The Theological and Pastoral Challenge of Contemporary Christian Universalism”

In 2011, Time magazine ran a cover story ‘What If There is No Hell?’ that centered on Rob Bell’s Love Wins. Bell’s book highlighted a major trend that is affecting Evangelical, Nondenominational, and Charismatic Churches in the USA and indeed around the world—viz., a growing acceptance of universalism (i.e., universal salvation) as an increasingly acceptable ‘evangelical’ option in belief. Where did this trend come from? How and why has it taken hold at the present time? McClymond’s talk will show that universalism has ancient origins in 2nd century Gnosticism, and modern roots in a 17th-18th century revival of Gnosticism. Just as importantly, universalism raises fundamental theological questions regarding the nature of God, human free will, the gravity of sin, and the significance of Christ’s suffering. An appropriate Christian pastoral response to universalism ought not remain content with citing the relevant scriptures and reaffirming a doctrine of eternal punishment. It must go further and include a deeper reflection on the meaning of Christ’s cross and the difference between a church that preaches and practices ‘costly grace’ and one that preaches and practices ‘cheap grace.’