Ep. 159 John Crowder - on his move to a Confident/Dogmatic Christian Universalism (in which all are saved and the cosmos is reborn!)
Sep 9, 2024
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John Crowder, an advocate of Christian Universalism, discusses his transformative journey towards believing that all are saved and the cosmos reborn. He shares insights on moving from a restrictive upbringing to embracing inclusive theology. Crowder explores the tension between divine goodness and moral concerns while challenging traditional views on hell and salvation. He reflects on his mystical experiences and emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of biblical texts, advocating for a hopeful universalism that celebrates the unity of all creation with God.
The speaker's journey reflects a significant shift from fear-driven infernalism to a theology rooted in radical inclusion and divine love.
Christology plays a pivotal role in understanding that the incarnation is essential for humanity's salvation and our connection to divine union.
The podcast critiques traditional views on eternal punishment, promoting a compassionate understanding of divine judgment as a restorative rather than punitive process.
Deep dives
Journey to Inclusion Theology
The speaker emphasizes his transition from a strict infernalist background to an inclusion theology perspective. Growing up in a legalistic church atmosphere filled with fear-driven sermons, he later experienced a transformative encounter with God's love during a charismatic renewal movement. This formative experience allowed him to challenge the dualistic notion of separation from God, and he began to embrace the finished work of Christ on the cross as something that unites all humanity. By recognizing that Christ's death signifies a universal entrance into divine life, he underscores the shift from a fearful theology to one rooted in radical inclusion.
Understanding Christology and Union
The podcast highlights the significance of Christology in understanding the union between God and humanity. The speaker asserts that the early church viewed the incarnation not merely as a precursor to the crucifixion, but as intrinsic to humanity's salvation and divine union. This perspective showcases Jesus as the embodiment of both God and humanity, culminating in a communal identity with all of creation. The discussion further posits that every element of the cosmos is interconnected in this divine union, reinforcing the idea that every person inherently shares a relationship with the divine.
From Hopeful to Confident Universalism
The narrative transitions into a discussion on the spectrum between hopeful universalism and confident universalism. Initially, the speaker found hope in an inclusive theology, but gradually became 'confident' in a dogmatic view of universal salvation. This evolution demonstrates a deeper conviction that God's love and grace extend to all, eliminating the anxiety associated with the fear of divine rejection. By articulating that freedom and choice do not negate God's intention to restore all creation, the speaker underscores the core belief that salvation transcends personal decision-making.
Debunking Traditional Views of Hell
The podcast delves into critiques of traditional doctrines surrounding hell and eternal punishment. The speaker argues that the perception of God as a punitive figure is contrary to the essence of divine love and justice. He discusses the interpretive challenges within scripture regarding eternal suffering and emphasizes that the fire described in such contexts is not about retribution but restoration. By revisiting the foundational philosophies of early church fathers, he illustrates a more compassionate understanding of divine judgment as a healing process rather than a vindictive punishment.
The Transformative Power of Experiential Faith
Lastly, the conversation highlights the importance of experiential faith in understanding and embracing union theology. The speaker shares personal mystical experiences that have deepened his understanding of God's love and presence, positing that these encounters foster spiritual growth. He advocates for a contemplative approach that allows individuals to connect with the divine beyond mere intellectual beliefs, emphasizing the embodiment of love and grace in everyday life. By promoting community discussions and shared experiences, the speaker envisions a movement that embraces the transformative nature of God's universal love.
