Tag Archives: divine love

Kronen and Reitan: An Argument from Divine Complacent Love

In their book God’s Final Victory, philosophers John Kronen and Eric Reitan present an argument for universal salvation based on the efficacious grace of God. They lay it out in five steps: It is always possible for God to extend to … Continue reading

Posted in Eric Reitan, Grace, Justification & Theosis, Philosophical Theology, Universalism and Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

If Atonement Ain’t Penal, Why the Cross?

Penal substitutionary atonement—whatever else might be said about this grotesque belief, it does provide a clear, simple-to-understand explanation of the events of Holy Week. On the cross the eternal Son endures the wrath of the Father for the sins of … Continue reading

Posted in Herbert McCabe & Friends, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Caponian Vision of (Almost) Apokatastasis

Having completed my series on the parables of Jesus as interpreted by Robert Farrar Capon, I’d like to bring into the discussion his soteriological reflections as presented in his books The Mystery of Christ, published in 1993, and Between Noon … Continue reading

Posted in Grace, Justification & Theosis, Robert Farrar Capon, Universalism and Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

St Isaac of Nineveh and the Scourge of Love

God has created humanity for eternal communion with himself. By love he has created us for love to share in the Trinitarian paradise of love. Hear the inspiring words of St Isaac of Nineveh: Paradise is the love of God, … Continue reading

Posted in Isaac the Syrian, Universalism and Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

St Isaac the Syrian and the Punitive God of the Scriptures

“Do not call God just,” St Isaac the Syrian scandalously declares, “for His justice is not manifest in the things concerning you.” But surely God punishes the wicked, we quickly retort. Surely there is divine reprisal, an infliction of deserved … Continue reading

Posted in George MacDonald, Isaac the Syrian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

The Nothing of Grace and the Apokatastasis of Justification by Faith

My adult Christian life, both pre- and post-seminary, has been marked by theological pas­sions. Holy Trinity, Incarnation, Eucharist, feminist language for divinity, ecclesial authority—at any given point in time these topics have captured and monopolized my intellect. I would buy … Continue reading

Posted in Grace, Justification & Theosis, Preaching, Universalism and Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Supplying the Missing Universalist Premise

Last week Dr Brendan Triffett published “Where the Chasm Really Lies: A Libertarian Infernalist Responds to Fr Aidan Kimel.” It’s not often that anyone directly replies to my writings on the greater hope, so I quickly read it. I confess … Continue reading

Posted in Universalism and Eschatology | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Scandalous Prodigality of God’s Love for Sinners!

“It is very odd,” remarks Herbert McCabe, “that people should think that when we do good God will reward us and when we do evil he will punish us” (“Forgiveness,” Faith Within Reason, p. 155). It’s not surprising, of course, … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Herbert McCabe & Friends, Robert Farrar Capon | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments