This notion of damnation is really one that overwhelms too many of us...and unfortunately, many are under its rule - for it breeds dread and fear. More from Willimon - quoting others.
One of the appealing aspects of reading Origen on our eternal fate is that he manages to make his assertions with admirable intellectual modesty, refusing to explain away or to ignore that scripture that may be counter to his theological claims. He asserts, not a knock-down argument but rather a genuine, though not legally defined, hope that is based upon the identity of Jesus Christ.
My mentor in these matters is, once again, Karl Barth, who know a great deal about Christian theology but, in discussions of our eternal damnation or reward, demonstrated uncharacteristic intellectual reticence. Barth refused to lock God into either an "All are saved" or "Not all are save" position, though I have admitted that Barth hoped for universal restoration. Barth found it difficult to believe that Christ's work for the salvation of the world will be finally thwarted. Still, the resilience and persistence of human sin is impressive. After all, we managed to hear and to see God With Us and still cried, "Crucify him!"
Can we learn to let ourselves live within a religious world in which we do not have to try to be definitive about damnation?!? I only want to be sure about the promise - the hope - the forever that is in the grasp of our God who will abide with us and be for us in and through all that will be. The lessons for this Sunday - All Saints Day - ring out with promise that is more powerful than any other reality in which we may find ourselves. By the way...is God ever "Not With Us"!?!?!? If God With Us is an eternal reality...to hell with damnation. In fact the hell of damnation is another place where God is With Us - but it is now a new place defined by the God of Grace and Glory.
Connection: What joy is at hand. There are too many people living under a veil of threat who must be made free. My only consolation if some will not find rest in this joy, is that they will be wonderfully surprise - someday...by a greeting that will wipe away every tear.
Invade our lives with your Gracious Reign, O God. In Christ, Jesus, you walked among us and we saw the Glory of your Reign as it is set in motion within the day to day of all the travails of life. We need your Spirit of all Hopefulness to nurture our faithfulness. Amen.
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