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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]]. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

[[Origen]] taught that eventually everyone would repent, be saved, and be admitted into heaven - even [[Satan]] himself. But several of his views (including this) were declared heretical by many of his contemporaries in the church, even as his contributions in other areas of [[theology]] were valued.

[[Origen]] taught that eventually everyone would repent, be saved, and be admitted into heaven - even [[Satan]] himself. But several of his views (including this) were declared heretical by many of his contemporaries in the church, even as his contributions in other areas of [[theology]] were valued.

The challenge for Christian universalism is how to explain the Biblical passages which talk about eternal damnation: Revelation 14:9-12, Revelation 19:1-3, Revelation 20:7-10, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, Mark 9:42-48, 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:Christianity]][[Category:Heresies]]