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'''Universalism''' is the religious doctrine that all people will eventually be [[salvation|saved]] and go on to [[heaven|everlasting life]]. It contrasts with the doctrines of [[eternal damnation]] and [[annihilationism]]. The term is normally used in the context of Christianity, it can also be applied to non-Christian religions which believe that everyone will be saved and go to heaven.

'''Universalism''' is the religious doctrine that all people will eventually be [[salvation|saved]] and go on to [[heaven|everlasting life]]. It contrasts with the doctrines of [[eternal damnation]] and [[annihilationism]]. Simply put, universalism is a denial of the existence of [[Hell]], even though Jesus repeatedly emphasized its very real existence.  The term universalism is normally used in the context of Christianity, but can also be applied to non-Christian religions which believe that everyone will be saved and go to heaven.

This view is rejected by most [[Christian]] denominations, although a small minority have taught it - it is popular at the more liberal extremes of Christian thought, such as [[Unitarian Universalism]]. It can be traced back to the first few centuries of the church, but has always been a minority view. It has been criticized as destroying the motivation for ethical and religious behaviour and [[individual responsibility]] - if it doesn't matter what I do or what I believe, and I will go to heaven anyway, then in this life I can do whatever I want and believe whatever I want and none of it matters.

Universalism is rejected by most [[Christian]] denominations, although a small minority have taught it - it is popular at the more liberal extremes of Christian thought, such as [[Unitarian Universalism]]. It can be traced back to the first few centuries of the church, but has always been a minority view. It has been criticized as destroying the motivation for ethical and religious behaviour and [[individual responsibility]] - if it doesn't matter what I do or what I believe, and I will go to heaven anyway, then in this life I can do whatever I want and believe whatever I want and none of it matters.

Universalists either reject the idea of punishment after death entirely; or else they believe in [[hell]], but believe it has only a limited duration, after which everyone in hell is admitted to heaven.

Universalists either reject the idea of punishment after death entirely; or else they believe in [[hell]], but believe it has only a limited duration, after which everyone in hell is admitted to heaven.

The challenge for Christian universalism is how to explain the Biblical passages which talk about eternal damnation: {{Bible ref|Revelation|14|9-12}}, {{Bible ref|Revelation|19|1-3}}, {{Bible ref|Revelation|20|7-10}}, {{Bible ref|Matthew|13|24-30}}, {{Bible ref|Matthew|13|36-43}}, {{Bible ref|Mark|9|42-48}}, {{Bible ref|Luke|16|19-31}}.

The challenge for Christian universalism is how to explain the Biblical passages which talk about eternal damnation: {{Bible ref|Revelation|14|9-12}}, {{Bible ref|Revelation|19|1-3}}, {{Bible ref|Revelation|20|7-10}}, {{Bible ref|Matthew|13|24-30}}, {{Bible ref|Matthew|13|36-43}}, {{Bible ref|Mark|9|42-48}}, {{Bible ref|Luke|16|19-31}}.

[[Category:Christianity]][[Category:Heresies]]

[[Category:Christianity]][[Category:Heresies]]