A Larger Hope?, Volume 2: Universal Salvation from the Reformation to the Nineteenth Century

by Robin A. Parry, Ilaria Ramelli

This book aims to uncover and explore the ideas of notable people in the story of Christian universalism from the time of the Reformation until the end of the nineteenth century. It is a story that is largely unknown in both the church and the academy, and the characters that populate it have for the most part passed into obscurity. With carefully located bore holes drilled to release the long-hidden theologies of key people and texts, the volume seeks to display and historically situate the roots, shapes, and diversity of Christian universalism. Here we discover a diverse and motley crew of mystics and scholars, social prophets and end-time sectarians, evangelicals and liberals, orthodox and heretics, Calvinists and Arminians, Puritans, Pietists, and a host of others. The story crisscrosses Continental Europe, Britain, and America, and its reverberations remain with us to this day.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian

326 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2019

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Parry tells the stories of Christian universalists from the Reformation to the dawn of the 1900s. The voices we meet here are certainly eclectic, which reflects the times in which they lived. The first volume in this series, by Illaria Ramelli, told of those who taught universal salvation in the early church through the medieval era. Ramell's book has the advantage that most Christians today still defer in some way to the early Church. Finding support among a large number of the earliest Christians can lend confidence to a view. Plus, since all Christians look to the early church, we can more easily appeal to them. Theologians like Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Athanasius and others hold some sway, or at least are respected.

Parry's book tells of Christians who lived after the splintering of Christendom. So while it is interesting to see that universal salvation keeps popping up, skeptics of the view will not be close to convinced by the voices here. That said, if you're a student of theology and are wrestling with views and ideas of heaven and hell, this book, like Ramelli's, is a must read. As I said for the first volume, if you have read David Bentley Hart's new book on universal salvation and want more historical substance with primary sources and footnotes, this one is for you.

Finally, I certainly hope a volume three is coming out. Other than George MacDonald, most writers in this book are unknown today even by people who read theology. But in the 20th century we get thinkers like Hans Ur Von Balthaser and Sergei Bulgakov who either flirted with our completely endorsed universal reconciliation. The story that began in the early church, splintered around the Reformation, seems to come full circle as we all become more familiar with the teachings of the early church as well as Christians outside our splintered section of post-Christendom. I look forward to a volume three!

[Zachary Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly helpful and enriching overview of major universalist thinkers from the Reformation through the Nineteenth Century... as the title no doubt implies. I was particularly impressed and engrossed with the chapters covering William Law, Schleiermacher, and the four covering universalism in Great Britain, tracing a particularly Anglican universalist line through Thomas Erskine, F. D. Maurice, Thomas Allin, George MacDonald, and many others. Parry's appendix quickly and convincingly undercuts McClymond's thesis that Jakob Boehme's dualistic mysticism is the secret heretical origin of most universalism since the 17th century. Worth your time, especially if you are interested in the topic. Just be prepared to add 15 books to your Want To Read list.

[Debbie Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read Volume 1 and are looking for foundations of the faith, you really should read Volume 1 first. It is incredibly insightful. That being said, I quite enjoyed this section of the tapestry being woven by Ramelli and Parry. It's interesting to see the progression of thought and understanding within this group of Universalist thinkers, although I am not sure they would have labeled themselves as such. I found this one easier to bite than Volume 1, but I think that is because once you have taken time to familiarize yourself with the foundational ways of thinking, then this section goes more quickly.

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and scholarly exploration of Christian universalism, tracing its historical and theological development from the Reformation to the modern era. Parry and Ramelli present a well-researched and balanced account, engaging with key figures and movements that have embraced the hope of ultimate reconciliation. The book is both intellectually rigorous and pastorally sensitive, making it a valuable resource for those interested in church history, theology, and the ongoing conversation about God's redemptive plan for all of mankind. A compelling read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the breadth of Christian hope.

[Derek Kreider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, succinct, and interesting read. A great jumping off point to dig deeper.