Hello all,
I hardly come into these quarters and post mostly in the 'Religion' section, but wanted to look into logos_x and PK's debate. Logos_x and I agree in many respects with logics in universal salvation although his premise is more specifically within a biblical-context, while mine explores logics from more spiritualist/metaphysical dimensions not confined only to one religious culture or tradition.
Many against universalism only have their passages to support their views, being literalized into a crystallized dogma with no other possible interpretations. They have to fall back on these passages to prove their 'belief' in ECT(eternal conscious torment).
I have proposed one first consider 'God' and his divine and eternal Nature/Character/Constitution and then build a proper theology therefrom, instead of exalting a few translations above the divine Character that is contrary to the divine constitution. Putting the letter above the Spirit of Truth is indefensible and such can only result in a retardation or distortion of Gods ministration of justice and mercy, thru the mediation of his perfect, eternal Love and Wisdom.
I uphold the Ultimacy of Love and the Triumph of divine Will.
Is Gods Love Infinite?
Is Gods Omnihood All-pervading? Is the Supreme Will that upholds the very fabric of Existence held in the divine Providence of the All-mighty? Is Gods Eternal Mercy greater than the temporality of finite, mortal sin? What is finite cannot squelch, extinguish what is INFINITE.
Since God is Love and his ministrations concerning the welfare of his offspring are mediated with perfect justice and mercy, thru the motive of His Supreme Will, which is inspired by Infinite Love.....sin and its consequences or durations of punishments cannot be imposed for all time and eternity with no remedy or hope,....for the very Law of Progress and the purpose of a souls existence would be annulled, and God who is the divine Will to Life cannot cancell his own Law or the purpose of the souls existence which must go on to fulfill its reason for being.
Infinite Love/Wisdom could never condemn/confine its offspring to an everlasting state of unescapable torment forever as this is wholly contrary to logic, reason and justice, and is contrary to the Law of progress. As long as the soul exists...the Infinitude and opportunity of Love exists to rescue, uplift, save and guide one to greater light and eventual return to harmony with its Paternal Source.
The laws of compensation(sowing & reaping/action-reaction/karma) are ever mediated for souls and all bear the consequences for their sin, as well as the benefits of their adherence to natural and divine law. Souls therefore make for themselves their 'heaven' or 'hell' by their own souls thoughts and actions as the law of compensation affords. However Gods Love and grace are ever abundant and accessible to draw the prodigal sons home....even if their seasons of sin seem to endure for eons....the Eternal Father still waits for those ones to come to their senses - these will awaken in due time after the penalties and sufferings of their sin becomes no longer tolerable...and they turn Godward in repentance...willing to make amends.
Souls burning forever in a lake of fire as imposed by a God of eternal wrath who have no hope of remedy or salvation forever and ever is an atrocity and affront to the God of justice and reason. These fantastical images gleaned from literalizing interpretations of so called scripture...when their conclusions are contrary to the Constitution of Gods Character are unacceptable - therefore we would always be true to God first...and interpret all things accordingly thru the eternal verities of Gods Nature whose justice and mercy is Supreme.
Therefore I am with logos_x on this front, but include other logics for the continued support of employing these faculties(reason, logic, intelligence, consistency, etc.) towards the recognition of Love ultimately triumphing in the Restoration of all things in God/Christ.
paul
- I do enjoy a host of appellations charting many dimensions of my spiritual career....and am ever evolving as any true soul-pioneer. The Cosmos is a vast domain and its depths could not be known or appreciated if one did not venture out...in exploration and discovery. 
