Having been taught all their lives that eternal torment is an essential element of Christian belief, my students were, to say the least, surprised at the presence of a universalist strand of thought in the theological tradition—especially coming from such theological heavyweights. What was most surprising to me, though, was their reaction to the teaching: any hint of universal salvation for them negated the whole point of Christianity.
Hollis Phelps
Hollis Phelps is an associate professor of interdisciplinary studies at Mercer University, in Macon, GA. He writes regularly on the intersection of religion, politics, and culture.
