What about the Greek Orthodox?

[staranthology]

Hi, all the arguments tentmaker has given for Universalism have seemed plausable and have given me great hope, but I still have a couple of queries:

I'm sure these have been asked before, but:
1) If 'aionion/aionios/aion' truly doesn't mean 'eternal', why do the Greek Orthodox interpret it to mean so? After all, they've had the Bible in Greek this whole time, if anyone knows what it means it'd be them, right?
2) What of the eastern concept that after death, all will be in the prescence of God, but some will experience this as eternal happiness and others as eternal pain, almost like a sort of allergic reaction? What is the universalist counter to this? It seems most universalist arguments on here have been against the more western concepts of hell being a place people are sent to/ seperation from God instead of against this notion.

[MusicLover123]

1) I'm can't read Greek or Hebrew, but maybe traditions of men have done that?

2) I see God's presence as purifying, like a purifying fire. So you could probably call His presence "hell" for the impure until they are purified. God has the power to change them like that. You know things like melting ice cubes to turn it into water? It needs heat to melt. It may hurt, but it is for a purpose.

[FineLinen]

Aionios life/ aionios zoe is defined by St. John>>>>

" This IS aionios zoe to know you..."

Not time related but quality.

"This is life eternal to know you the only true God and Jesus whom you did send."

[marie glen]

 :Chinscratch:  I think of this verse,

"He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." 1 Tim.6:16, Berean Study Bible

..though I like how the New Living Bible says it,
"He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen."

(..who alone possesses immortality... New American Standard..

Here is a very good list of some of the verses  which most Christian Universalists believe are verses stating all will be reconciled to God.

- http://tentmaker.org/forum/rules-and-faq/77-ultimate-reconciliation-and-renewal-scriptures/msg118063/#msg118063

I wasn't brought up in the faith, and I didn't find God in church, a bit of a rebel, I've studied on my own (after disillusionment) and have developed the idea that some teachings or doctrine can be good.. but of course it depends on how accurate they are, meaning biblical. But how can we tell one from the other? I decided to read the NT annually. That's the only way I know of to be able to discern true belief and doctrine from not so true. And I think the world is swamped with untruth, including in the churches and in believers - especially if the internet is any indication. :faint:

  :gsmile: