Author: Scott Wells

A word from GA

Lynn Calvin does us non-attenders a favor by reflecting on some of the activities she’s seen at General Assembly. (Thanks for the head’s up in the comments of an earlier posting, Lynn.) Hers seem to be the only in-situ comments, understanding of course that Philocrites has his day job to do there, and at least… Continue reading A word from GA

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Preaching next Sunday at the Church of the Holy City

When I was doing my graduate research on nineteenth century Universalists, I kept running accross published “appointments” calendars; that is, travelling preachers’ tour schedule. And they didn’t have roadies in those days. (They barely had roads.) Far easier for me then. I’ll be preaching next Sunday at the Church of the Holy City, at Sixteenth… Continue reading Preaching next Sunday at the Church of the Holy City

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Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part six

3. Universalism believes in the trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a Revelation from God. All Christians believe in the Bible; their differences arise from different interpretations of the same word. The Fathers of our Church were mighty in Scripture; they searched the Word of God daily to find the truth, as reverently and prayerfully… Continue reading Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part six

Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part five

2. Universalism believes in the spiritual authority and leadership of his Son Jesus Christ. And again I can say, so do all Christians. There are innumerable differences in beliefs about Christ, but every Christian believes in Christ. Universalism is Christocentric — Christ is central in its faith. It is not dogmatic regarding the mysteries of… Continue reading Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part five

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Field guide for patriarchs

Excuse, please, a light moment. I recommended an Orthodox Church of America church today to somebody I know well, and that led to a few minutes looking at Eastern Orthodox websites. Found one about the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople’s recent visit to North America. What I didn’t expect was a little page giving the proper… Continue reading Field guide for patriarchs

Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part four

To these five principles I desire to direct your attention as, specifically, the reasons for my being what I am. 1. Universalism believes in the Universal Fatherhood of God. And so does the Christian Church very generally. There are some who leave off the “universal,” and occasionally one who questions the “fatherhood.” But in general… Continue reading Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part four

General Assembly programming so-so

Last night, in my own parallel General Assembly experience, I finally got down to reading the program. I’ll miss tonight’s Service of the Living Tradition, and I would want to attend the usual Chrisian stuff, and some of the Commission on Appraisal activity seems worthwhile. But I’ve “done” the SLT many times, know all the… Continue reading General Assembly programming so-so

Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part three

This vision of the final consummation of good, which came to me as the revelation of the Holy Scriptures, confirmed by the moral and intellectual judgment, was perhaps the primal factor in determining my religious affections. But, after all, this statement of what is really a great doctrine may be unsatisfactory, and so while it… Continue reading Bisbee’s Why I Am a Universalist, part three

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