Ever heard of Reverend Carlton Pearson? He is a fundamentalist, pentecostal preacher who rose to public fame and then was engulfed in a huge controversy. He didn't embezzle money or have an affair. He simply stopped believing in hell. He decided that Jesus' death and resurrection secure the salvation of everyone, not just those who are baptized or who confess certain beliefs. Naturally, this was considered heresy (Universalism) in his denomination. Soon he lost everything--his congregation, his church, his denominational affiliation--everything.
But then a strange thing happened--he founded a new church that aimed to be "The Friendliest, Trendiest, Most Radically Inclusive Worship Experience." He calls in the "Gospel of Inclusion." He's doing quite well with a church he founded that aims to be the most loving church imaginable.
Whatever you think of this theology, Pearson's story is fascinating. You can hear about it on This American Life.
-t
2 comments:
What's with the episcopal threads?
Before he was kicked out of his previous denomination (some flavor of Pentecostal) he was made a Bishop by them, so he holds onto that title sometimes. -t
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