The Problem of Eternal Life – Some Anti-Universalist Landmarks

Abstract

The 20th century has been labelled by contemporary theologians as the century of universalism par excellence. Universalism has come to be regarded as one of the most important themes in theology today and raises important doctrinal issues to which the Orthodox Church is called to offer a timely and theologically well-articulated response since universalism is not a concept for a closed group of theologians but must be understood by each person. This text will provide an answer to two important eschatological points: the importance of the present life for establishing the place of a person in eternity and the view of the saints in heaven of sinners in hell. We believe that contemporary man needs a clear and comprehensive answer to this problem. Universalism is not a concept intended for a closed group of theologians, but it must be understood by each individual person. Christianity must always respond to everyone and, precisely because it takes all people seriously, fulfilling the words of the Apostle Peter, who asks us to, "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).