Hi Tentmaker Forum Members,
I'm new to this universalism stuff, and I'd like to say I'm extremely grateful for all the resources Gary Amirault has put on the Tentmaker website. My background is quite varied, and my most recent trek was through the world of the Young, Restless, and Reformed, and I have to say I've been quite helped by their outlook. However, the idea of Hell and eternal torment always bugged me, even the kinder, gentler C.S. Lewis version wherein people send themselves to Hell. But on May 2, I listened to Rob Bell and Adrian Warnock (British reformed guy) on the Unbelievable radio program, and it seemed the scales fell from my eyes. The one (Adrian Warnock) who I thought would be true to scriptures would always revert back to an argument like, "Who are you, Rob Bell, to attack the orthodox view that has been held for centuries?" Rob Bell brought, in his usual fashion, asked a bunch of questions rather than gave answers. One thing he brought up was the range of meaning of the word aionios, and that was when the Lord broke chains that I had in my outlook, and I realized that the Scriptures don't have to be interpreted the traditional Augustinian way, at least in this matter. This matter came to the forefront, and now I'm kind of obsessed. So for the past 5 months I've been investigating the matter, and realizing that the traditional case is very flimsy. I'm amazed that so many people still fall for it. But then I fell for it, too, so I guess it's not so strange.
I'm looking forward to participating on this forum.
cheers,
John
welcome...it seems like it is God's time for you see the truth for yourself :bigGrin:
blessings :icon_king:
I've had the issue of Hell on the backburner for a long time (30 years), but I always knew that I had to resolve it. I suppose I was afraid to, but when I realized that aionios means 'of the age', all the stops were removed and now I'm devouring anything I can find on the issue.
Now I'm investigating the words 'all' and 'world'.
You have been led to a very good learning place. :dsunny: :welcome:
welcome, the truth is beautiful isn't it?
Wecome. :bigGrin:
:welcome: myrddin,
May you find an answer to some all :msealed: your questions