There are some days I wish I were a Universalist.
Now do not get me wrong here, I am very much theologically conservative and believe the only way to know God is through Jesus. As such, to put it bluntly, apart from Jesus one will know nothing after this life but eternal hell. This is not a doctrine that I am willing to change.
However, some days believing this doctrine to be true absolutely sucks. Let me explain.
About 6-7 months ago I transferred to a new location for my job so that I might be able to go back to seminary. As such, I have met knew people and along the way have tried, as American Christianity calls it, to be a "good witness." I have sought to be a kind and generous person who mentions Jesus enough to be known as "that guy" who is a little bit too much odd for God.
Though I never would have considered my coworkers to be mere projects, I have perhaps done this unintentionally by thinking of them as people who must be evangelized rather than as friends who need Christ just as I do.
Up until this point believing that Jesus is the only way with them hasn't been an issue. However, I now consider them to be my friends.
Between the many laughs at work and the many invitations to the bars at night (where I awkwardly only eat and order water), I have grown to care for me not as simple "evangelistic projects" but as friends. This evangelistic project of mine has become personal.
Can I say that believing your friends and portions of your family are going to know nothing but the wrath of God is a difficult thing to grasp?
Tonight I went with three friends out to a bar after work. Though he did not have to for his benefit and not even because I was in financial need, a homosexual friend of mine paid for my food.
I'm not entirely certain as to why, but this act of kindness broke me. During the 35 minute drive home I spent the entirety of it in tears as I prayed for him and the rest of my friends.
If I might be able to use understatement, I do not wish for my friend Danny and his partner to go to hell. My emotions and response to this statement is all over the place. Beyond this, I am speechless.