William Paul Young answers, "How are you a Universalist?" Author of "The Shack" and "Cross Roads"

William Paul Young, author of "Cross Roads" and "The Shack" has been accused by many of being a universalist. In this video Young speaks for himself as to what ways he is NOT a universalist and in what ways he IS a universalist?

[@2lrn]

Thank you. This could have not been more clear. I am amazed seeing all of these discourses about what Paul Young said and did not say, implied and did not imply, which are on KZbin. Yet, in a few links I have followed and his TBN presentation-, the guy always gives glory to God (to God Father, Son and H. Spirit); when he quotes the Bible, it is with a proper interpretation. I am just amazed at all of this criticism of something that is so good and of someone who chose to be vulnerable and to utter truth to give his glory to God, the true God and not the "god" we created as a result of our defenses and survival mechanisms. Thank you Tony and an enormous thanks to Paul Young.

[@cgaertner1]

Agreed. Whether he knows it or not, he demonstrates the courage that is available to us when we trust, and that means allowing ourselves to become vulnerable to Jesus, showing Him what we truly think of ourselves. I'm thankful for his witness and thankful that God is using his gift to build up His kingdom. This gentleman is stirring the pot, especially with some of the non-traditional aspects of the movie, that's why those who rely more deeply on faith institutions than on trusting Him in relationship are having trouble understanding. Its about Trusting Jesus.

[@---Joy---]

The Shack is *not* about trusting Jesus! It doesn't even remotely describe the reality of Jesus Christ! Instead, it preys on people's emotions & ramps up the New Age view of God as anything other than who the Bible states He is. A relationship w/ God goes far beyond P. Young's mundane depiction of Him!

[@RockyTop85]

Absolutely off the mark here

[@user-fc2zb9po8t]

@@---Joy---Are you ok???

[@pasainchina97]

Paul, i love you you are not perfect, but you are beautiful and a creation of God. Thank you for your effort to bring God to people. Hold onto Jesus don't listen to the dogs of hell who will try to discourage and drive you away. I would not like to be grilled or interrogated about my faith, you did well xxx

[@---Joy---]

Here's my question: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the *only* way to God, the Father? Here's Jesus Christ's answer. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John14:6

[@cgaertner1]

Your devotion to the Lord's words is honorable. It's obvious you want to protect His integrity, but we have to understand that it is impossible for any of us to lay full claim to the nature of God, and thus all of His truths while we inhabit this planet. Paul Young in his imperfection has simply been called to share of the trustworthyness of the person of Jesus Christ by way of his testimony and giftedness. There is no heresy in glorifying God as the creator and sustainer of the cosmos and leading people to the loving heart of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should not allow the enemy to trick us into believing that since we have these words, we are now somehow empowered to justify who is saved and who is not. Though the church is to determine what is binding and what is loosed, it has never been our place to determine salvation. We are to trust and persevere in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit and leave salvation in the hands of the Savior. Only He has earned the right to choose to save everyone or no one.

[@---Joy---]

blueskyobama: Exactly!! A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. He incorporates his New Age philosophies into the book/movie & preys on human emotions. And just as the serpent questioned & beguiled Adam and Eve so does this book/movie. If you ask any witch to describe God, you'll get the description *and* definition of the god in The Shack.

[@geekgirl2094]

I agree that we are not to judge others. However we are to call out apostasy when we see it. And it is heresy to add or subtract from God's Word. Keeping the focus centered around Jesus does not legitimize it.

[@---Joy---]

Geek Girl Absolutely correct!!

[@timothymoriarty9734]

N. Joy ; God will draw (drag ) all to Himself. Jn.12:32. in order that He might save all the world, Jn. 12:47 Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. God is the Saviour of all men. Paul was a believer in Universal Reconciliation, Col.1:20. The lake of fire , also called 'the 2nd death' shall be destroyed and God shall be all in all. Thank you Jesus that as all were made sinners through Adam all shall be made righteous through Christ, Rom. chap. 5. Amen!

[@pepperann123456]

Knowing Christ........How can you not agree with this perspective?? From a biblical, philosophical and human empathetic experience ..... it’s obvious this is true.... Thanks for sharing

[@thrutch599]

There are not many so-called "thinkers" (whether religious or secular) in the West today who are actually capable of being nuanced, tentative, and humble in the expression of their opinions. W. P. Young recognizes that "universalism" is a highly equivocal term. He understands that the question of "universal salvation" is not answered by the Bible in terms that could reasonably be considered clear, a fact that was eminently proven by the ancient debates surrounding apocatastasis. My conviction is that W. P. Young's understanding of the question is fundamentally healthy. His thinking about salvation incorporates considerations of the Trinity and Jesus's humanity and divinity. And, let's be honest, how many of us can seriously hope that everlasting perdition becomes a reality? As the early universalists demonstrate, the Bible does not clearly teach the existence of a necessarily permanent Hell.

[@robcallicotte5786]

Thank you. You have no idea how much this has helped me and hopefully opens up the dialogue to something this razor edge and so gracious. THANKS!

[@SteveMuir]

Well I just got barred from a "Christian" outreach facebook site because I said that the message I got from the Shack was that it was about the love , graciousness and forgiveness of God. (The Father. Son and Holy Spirit). Apparently the use of the word fractal in one sentence makes Paul a new ager. I thought it was a mathematical term. Loved the interview Tony.

[@cgaertner1]

He said all religions have the capacity for both good and for evil. This is true. He said all roads do not lead to the same place in terms of the coherence, character, and nature of God, that all roads do not lead to the Truth. This is true. He said that every part of the cosmos, material and spiritual, exists and always has through Jesus, for Jesus, and by Jesus. This is true. He said that he is committed to the relationship of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit and to Jesus specifically in the revelation of this. By the words of his testimony, his Christian faith is not in question. As far as his comments regarding Hell and judgement, he said he is not a Determinist, which leaves hope for the assurance we have in Christ and makes room for the beauty of human expression. He hopes and prays God will find a way to save everyone, but does not assume that He will. His focus is relationship with the person of Jesus (whom he understands is also God and the Holy Spirit), not doctrinal dos and don'ts. This gentleman risked calling out to Jesus, and Jesus met him where he was, lifted him up, healed him, and is using his gifts to build up His kingdom. This is Christianity.

[@---Joy---]

No, this is *not* Christianity, it's Universalism!

[@cathyduran150]

N. Joy A Christain Universalist believes all will be saved thruogh Jesus the Savior of the world. He said he hopes God will save everyone. Scripture says God wills that all men be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. Jesus prayed for His will to be done. I believe His will, will be done.

[@trone3630]

@@cathyduran150 From his book, Lies We Believe About God, Chapter 13: You need to get saved: "Are you suggesting that everyone is saved? That you believe in universal salvation? That is exactly what I am saying!"

[@joanaustin121]

Why didn't the interviewer just get down to the basics? Is Jesus the son of God? Is there only ONE way to salavation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ? I don't believe the interviewer carried this interview successfully.

[@zakdparsons]

I love his closing comment on using labels to avoid relationship.

[@trone3630]

2:17 "I think there is elements of the Christian religion that are flat out wrong." Young conflates Christendom with Christianity, as if they're the same. Christendom contains error. Christianity does not. For him to say that is either sloppy (amateur) or deliberate (malicious). I'm sympathetic with every believer who struggles to reconcile what scripture teaches about God's character and the eternal suffering of the lost. That's about as difficult to reconcile as the classic challenge of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. The solution is not to ignore what we dislike or don't understand, but to (relationally) trust the character of our Father, and to humbly acknowledge that His ways are right and good, even when we don't understand them. By definition, some aspects of God are beyond our understanding. That is to be expected. A comprehensible god indicates that we've made one in our own image. (Lots of passages in the OT prophets about the intelligence, etc., of God being beyond ours. Praise the Lord for that, right? Don't you want God to be far smarter than you, to the point where you can't fully understand Him?) Note that the two things I encourage (faith and humility) are the two criteria to receive grace from God -- incl. revelatory grace. Of faith, we are saved "by [God's] grace, through [our] faith". Of humility, "God gives grace to the humble". These are the only two qualities -- a high view of God and a low view of our abilities -- that are said to be criteria for grace like this. That's the path forward spiritually, in every way. Wishing away difficult passages, like Young does, is not the way. You want relationship with God? What He says is the starting point. Jesus re. His words: "Whoever is ashamed of... my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory". Luke 9.26; Mark 8.38 Jesus's words: "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matt. 7.13-14 If you've experienced the saving grace of God (through faith in the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross; imputed righteousness), then rejoice in that (Luke 10.20), and help others to experience the same (through faith in Christ's work, just mentioned). Don't begrudge God for not making it happen another way. His way is the best way, whether or not we understand exactly why. Some possible reasons are that this way facilitates relationships between people, and personal character development, since we need to "get over ourselves" to verbally communicate Christ to others.

[@leslieshields2607]

I think hear 'double-speech". What is he talking about???? I f=nd that the people wo talk the most, seem to be the ones who understand the least.

[@jonahwaisman3204]

He’s saying Jesus is the only way to God, that Jesus will walk any road to find you, that Jesus died and rose for all creation, and that he hopes but is not dogmatic that all creation will eventually be reconciled to God.

[@coreyfriend1]

“Jesus truly IS the Savior of the World.” -John4:42/1John4:14

[@Blackwing_Produtions]

GUYS, GUYS, GUYS! We need to be very careful throwing around the word "heretic"! Listen to what JESUS has to say about this. Mark 9:38-41 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name,[a]and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

[@staticnetwork]

Lies We Believe About God Chapter 13: You need to get saved: "Are you suggesting that everyone is saved? That you believe in universal salvation? That is exactly what I am saying!"

[@jayvansickle7607]

He used some vocabulary acrobatics to avoid the understood, and now confirmed, Universalist stance here.

[@cgaertner1]

He does not assume God is going to save everyone. He prays , though, that God will find a way to do that. Given the unspeakable terror of Hell, I sure do too.

[@jayvansickle7607]

cgaertner1 he actually does....if i understand his "Lies We Believe About God" book correctly.....

[@cgaertner1]

Here he states emphatically that he rejects the doctrine that everyone will be reconciled back to relationship with God. He says because it drives you away from relationship and the question (you ask yourself): is this person (Jesus) someone you can trust. He states with equal emphasis that all roads are not equally valid in terms of approaching the veracity (accuracy), the coherence, and the truth of the character and nature of God. He says if Universalism is that the universe: every part, particle, and spiritual thing in the cosmos lives and dies, is sustained and held together through, for, and by Christ, then he is a Universalist. He has not been called to make determinations on who God will save, the way organized religion does. He has been called to courageously use his God-given gifts to tell of the person of Jesus.

[@jayvansickle7607]

cgaertner1 here's the full excerpt... "God does not wait for my choice and then “save me.” God has acted decisively and universally for all humankind. Now our daily choice is to either grow and participate in that reality or continue to live in the blindness of our own independence. Are you suggesting that everyone is saved? That you believe in universal salvation? That is exactly what I am saying! Here’s the truth: every person who has ever been conceived was included in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. When Jesus was lifted up, God “dragged” all human beings to Himself (John 12: 32). Jesus is the Savior of all humankind, especially believers (1 Timothy 4: 10). Further, every single human being is in Christ (John 1: 3), and Christ is in them, and Christ is in the Father (John 14: 20). When Christ-the Creator in whom the cosmos was created-died, we all died. When Christ rose, we rose (2 Corinthians 5)."

[@noweternity3101]

Just wondering Paul, why do you & Baxter Kruger promote The Shack so emphatically & say there is no punishment for anyone? Why does Jesus Christ personally on a least 12 occasions in the Bible (remember that book?) warn out of His utter love for all humanity not to go there? John 8 : 23 - 24 But He continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I Am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." What do these Bible verses mean Paul? Does Jesus say anywhere that we are all included & that we are all forgiven ??? You say that you are not a Universalist but you confessed & wrote a 103 page essay (that Dr. James DeYoung personally witnessed) saying that you believe in Universal Reconciliation, just a short while before you wrote The Shack. Why did one of Baxter Kruger's close friends & fellow teachers say personally to many people, that he believes that all of creation will be redeemed, this man witnessed to demons & believes that Satan also will be redeemed. This man teaches regularly on the Perichoresis circuit & along with Baxter Kruger & yourself teaches in no punishment & obviously like yourself, believes in Universal Reconciliation. I guess he just stated it a bit more clearly & honestly than you Paul. He actually let the cat out of the bag, with no trying to hide it! Come on, who cares what's written in the Bible, if it sounds nice, don't think twice, that's basically the teaching isn't ??? You say that you are not a Universalist, but you strongly hope that all people will be reconciled to God, you want this & if God does this, you are all for it. Lets see, this is like saying well, I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I strongly hope that he is real & that if he does come down the chimney & deliver presents that way, I'm all for it. Little bit dodgy wouldn't you say, saying one thing, but really desiring what you want, not what God clearly states in the Bible will happen! Hence, the reason you wrote The Shack, to implant into millions your dodgy theology, preferences & heresy !!! Titus 1 : 9 -11 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

[@---Joy---]

J C Sunshine: Hear! Hear!! Well stated!!

[@stephengorman1025]

Accepting the truth of Universal Reconciliation is not the same as saying there is no punishment. What is disputed is the nature of punishment. Is it timoria (retributive) or kolasis (restorative)? The phrase eternal punishment in Matthew 25 is a poor translation of aionias kolasis which is better translated the chastisement of that age which is neither endless or constant torment but a restorative pruning until the 'last penny has been paid'. In Matthew 19 Jesus talks about the renewal of all things and that the 12 Apostles will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (that includes Judas as far as I can see). So feel free to reject ultimate reconciliation but please do not use 'straw man' arguments' to support this position.

[@noweternity3101]

@@stephengorman1025 I do not use straw man arguments that is what you are seeking to do. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again - He took the sins of the world but you must want and receive His forgiveness in this life. Man is naturally hostile to God and His reconciliation - Why? Because he chose to be god without Him. You must read all the Bible humbly and carefully and not just select random verses that you like - that is what a Sect does and that is both arrogant and foolish. Hebrews 9 : 26-28 John 3 : 16

[@stephengorman1025]

@@noweternity3101 Religious man is naturally hostile to God because that is seeking to produce your own righteousness. The publicans and sinners rushed to God (Jesus) because they recognised their sin. Mankind's hostility to God is a result to our eyes and heart being blinded to the nature of our Father. When we recognise him in the face of Christ we rush to Him. The Church is here not instead of the rest but for the sake of the rest. Empowered by the Spirit we proclaim the majesty of God by lifting up Jesus and walking worthy of our call. God's aim is the reconciliation of all things (Colossians 1v15-20, Romans 11v32-36, Phillipians 2v9-11, Romans 5v12-21, I Tim 2V4-6, 2Peter 3v9, IJohn4 etc). God is steadfast love and faithfulness and he will achieve what he set out to do 'Let us make Mankind in our image' Punishment is real but it is not eternal constant torment because God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself. Grace and Peace.

[@noweternity3101]

@@stephengorman1025 May William Paul Young repent of his blasphemy and betrayal of God the Father as a black woman and the Holy Spirit who is always referred in the Bible as He, as an Asian woman in tight jeans, let alone the ridiculous woman in his movie called Sophia - utterly dishonouring and utterly disgraceful. We are never to make any images of God the Father - not ever. To betray Him by doing a graven, false image of Him is a very serious sin indeed !!!

[@bigcountry9563]

Torment believers are nuts! 1Tim 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

[@nataliehidalgo8933]

he just rambles and talks in circles

[@aaronfochtman3746]

Based on his own testimony, he is definitely a universalist. He makes himself the arbiter of truth and decides which elements of each religion incorporate that truth. When he says, "I don't believe all roads lead to truth" he is not saying, Jesus Christ, communicated through Apostles He sent, is the only credible way to eternal life, he says effectively, "There is some truth, and some falsehood in all religion, and I AM THE WAY"...he's a deceiver in every Biblical sense of the word.

[@cgaertner1]

Are all these arguments and accusations accomplishing more for God's kingdom than submitting to the indwelling Holy Spirit, prayerfully studying God's Holy Word, and to the best of our abilities extending His love? That answer is an emphatic, "No!" The world is watching and laughing at us as we self-professed Christ-followers battle against each other. We say we have a Redeemer that they need, but, because we're blinded by our own selfish desire to be right, we are missing opportunities - through unity - to love them and to build up God's church. This is one man's story, one man's experience, one man's thoughts. You have your own and you have a responsibility to tell your own story of how Jesus rescued you in a way that draws others to Him. If we're busy about this, we won't have time to pick apart another Christian's beliefs.

[@---Joy---]

These are Christians speaking the truth in love. That you see them as arguments and accusations reveals much about you. You speak of unity, yet you point fingers and judge people who disagree w/ you as selfish and blinded when in fact, that's precisely how The Shack renders people's mindsets. This one man's story is *not* as simplistic as you describe. It's a movie the world views as somehow representing Christianity when what it actually does is defile the truth of the Word of God and presents a false/fake/phony Christ! In a nutshell, it's counterfeit.

[@cgaertner1]

Many of these assertions have not been made in love (example, name-calling and defamation), which has managed to overshadow most of the truths that have been shared - and this is the whole point. While we are battling against each other, the unbelieving world is looking on, mocking our faith, and wanting nothing to do with it. YOU are hereby challenged to let your own testimony of how Jesus has saved you outshine what any form of media has to say regarding the Cross of our Lord, the Holy Scriptures, The Trinity, or any other facet of Christian faith. Go ahead, make your testimony bigger than even this guy's so that it has the greatest possible positive impact for God's kingdom. This what's happening here is ineffective to that end and is truly damaging.

[@---Joy---]

Many of your assertions have been quite abrasive, too. That said, are you aware that the majority of the unbelieving world view this movie as hypocritical? The Shack is *not* having a positive impact for God's kingdom, rather the opposite effect. It's caused divisions and strife among believers. However, I stand firmly on the Faith, knowing that my God is greater than any man's perverted attempt to euthanize the truth of the cross of Jesus Christ w/ whom we may enter into a divinely anointed relationship w/ God. And a relationship w/ God through Jesus Christ is *so* much more than this movie's mundane depiction.

[@frankwilson726]

cgaertner1 Very well said. Not all puffed up with wanting to impress others with their knowledge of scripture. Those types led me to reject my faith completely. I see a great deal more of Christ in the Paul Youngs of this world than those faith assassins that beat you over the head with their doctrine. They can keep their gods I have no need for them.

[@---Joy---]

Frank Wilson People w/ knowledge of Scripture aka Truth "can keep their gods"? Plz explain what you're talking about?

[@husq48]

People confuse Universalists with Unitarians.

[@20mmGamer]

Awesome. Loved the way he explained this.

[@leslieshields2607]

Did you guys notice the Buddhist picture on his wall???? Classic.....

[@MissFidelma]

Leslie Shields It’s not a Buddhist picture, it’s an icon, probably depicting the Holy Trinity.

[@elaineeike5363]

Oh, wow! Young is so much in his head and not his heart, and he contradicts scripture...He speaks vapid philosophical words and it all just sounds confusing to me. The gospel is fairly simple and he misses it by a mile.

[@wiredforstereo]

Fairly simple? Then it should be easy for you to explain it then.

[@wiredforstereo]

@David Ruprecht What happens if I don't agree to that formulation?

[@francesco5581]

@@wiredforstereo nothing , you just make David unhappy ...:D

[@wiredforstereo]

@@francesco5581 Not wrong.

[@organizersrus]

Frightening to me that not ONCE does he mention God's Holy Word, The Bible.

[@taylorrussellgeorge]

He quoted scripture...

[@Fascin8ingWorld]

It is frightening to me that you did not ONCE mention the Trinity or salvation.

[@cgaertner1]

He knows Jesus, the Word Incarnate. He said the entire cosmos, everything that ever was and is, material and/or spiritual are held together in Jesus. This is the entire message of the scriptures. He did not use those words, but he knows the scriptures and he knows Jesus.

[@---Joy---]

Satan also *knows* scripture.

[@taylorrussellgeorge]

(As a Christian) I have a problem with people relating him to satan and calling him a wolf hidden in sheep clothing. This is wrong..... I don't agree with his theology, intact I can prove that his beliefs are wrong through scripture, but what's wrong with just saying (bad theology)??

[@alcarden75]

Thank you for the articulation of such a misguided and misunderstood concept. Very Helpful!!!!

[@philknox1879]

Jesus says in many places in the Bible to keep his commands. Now I do not think he would say this if everyone will be reconciled to God, why bother. Why not do what you want when you want, we all get into heaven anyways. God is a God of love but he is also a God of righteousness. Justice goes along with righteousness. There are far too many places in the word of God where it is clear there will be a separation between the sheep and the goats. Judgement will take place. Yes many will fall away in the end times. Just look at the liberal church with accepts perversity in its ranks. God nuked a couple cities due to perversity. If you do not know the Holy Spirit I suggest you re-study your Bible. The Holy Spirit is here on earth He guides us into all truth. If you think of Him as an It, I suggest you review the 14-16 chapter of John's gospel. Draw close to him and he will help you come to understand what the righteousness of Christ is all about.

[@josuerivera7921]

He doesn’t like labels yet as humans labels help us identify people, Things and teachings. Labels are essential but in PY position, he just doesn’t enjoy the label “Heretic”.

[@buddyfisherofmen3821]

Great question that needs explanation and understanding….Blessings!

[@geekgirl2094]

This video is no longer relevant (or believable) since Young says the exact opposite in "Lies We Believe About God." Unlike the "The Shack," which is a work of fiction, "Lies We Believe..." is Young's non-fictional theological teaching. It can only be interpreted as spit in the face of God, and the face of every fan who thought he was a Bible-believing Christian.Believing in Jesus and quoting Biblical verses doesn't make one a saved Christian. Even the devil believes in Jesus.

[@micahwhite1246]

believing in jesus does make one saved unless i am mistaken. with no strings attatched.

[@noahrubin7680]

How is one saved?

[@darlenefernandes5406]

Can you quote something specific from the book that makes you say that? Within context? Or are you purely speculating?

[@badbones2tone]

, okay so all roads are not created equal and do not lead you to God. Therefore... John 14:6 ► Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

[@ungmd21]

Correct me if I am in error, but I believe that what Mr Young is saying is: " All people CAN be saved, but not all people WILL be saved"

[@claudialu]

Same question. I wonder what it is?

[@mikefeddersen2476]

If you listen again, you will hear him say, and this is paraphrased, "Some are elected to be sacrificed so others won't be. No, I don't believe that." Personally, for myself I wonder about this, GOD knows I pray for my son to be saved and to go to Heaven, but then GOD allows my son to see a different path where he won't believe in GOD. But just as we weren't parents right away, my son still has time to choose. And I pray GOD/Jesus gives him a reason to believe.

[@mikefeddersen2476]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZuqgmBtZdekbbc

[@trone3630]

Kenneth, your summary is the traditional Christian position of those who lean Arminian vs. Calvinistic/Reformed. That ISN'T his position. Excerpt from a book of his, quoted in these comments: Lies We Believe About God, Chapter 13: You need to get saved: "Are you suggesting that everyone is saved? That you believe in universal salvation? That is exactly what I am saying!"

[@carolbiberstein5815]

What is the problem with being universal? Why do Christians have an issue with that? It's really the only way to be. To me it means to be non judgemental, to open your mind and accept everyone, exactly as they are, to connect with God as the individual that you are, on a personal level. I don't think that God has read any scriptures. Or that God cares whether I read scriptures or not. I had a very similar upbringing to you, Paul Young. I was raised a missionary's kid in Thailand and went to a Christian boarding school. Today I am 62 years old and I found God on a mountain top in India when I was 47 years old. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. I found God through Brahma, or Adam. I found what I had searched for my whole life and I found the answers to all my questions.

[@meganmoore7300]

john 14 v 6 Jesus said He is the way the truth and the life no one can come to God except through Jesus Christ

[@authenticcatholicism7047]

Salvation comes only from Jesus Christ this man is WICKED!!!

[@choicest1]

Who else did he say it comes through?

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

What is "authentic Catholicism"?

[@stephencrayton1641]

Does William Paul Young believe in the inspired Word of God, the Bible? Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Word. Sadly it also tells us that there will be many who reject our Savior and will be thrown in the lake of fire with satan and his fallen angels. It also tells us that if we Love Jesus we will follow his commandments and how do we know what they are if we do not read the Word of God? I think most people's problem with "The Shack" is that is goes against God's Word.

[@taylorrussellgeorge]

In other interviews he talks about leading 6 people to the Lord on a plane. You don't have to do that if your a universalist [;

[@darrylpacholko5495]

It's because people don't know what universalism is.

[@ruthnorthey6944]

You are a genius William Paul Young. I agree with you. You see the deeper meaning of scripture. I am glad Jesus reveals himself to people, even in death. If he didn't, he would be unjust. God is just. His death and resurrection is complete. I am glad he loves all of humanity.

[@williamoarlock8634]

"The Shack" is "Twilight" for middle-aged sadomasochists.

[@truthseeker7086]

Mr. Young, I still don't understand what you meant by your answer, sounds to vague, please explain.

[@wiredforstereo]

You mean it is complex and full of nuance and not able to be boiled down to a catch phrase or a sound bite?

[@ristomikkonen5255]

How does the doctrine of ultimate reconciliation of every human being obscure one's trust in a person that has guaranteed such a reconciliation by his victorious death and resurrection?

[@su....]

bingo!!

[@nachis3]

The Bible says that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. But that doesn’t mean that He is reconciled to us. Because if that were so we wouldn’t constantly be rejecting Him when the Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus, and speaks to us. That is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and there is no forgiveness for that sin. Hell is real for those hat reject Jesus that’s why He says the Holy Spirit convicts of not believing in Jesus. But I didn’t call on Jesus name and receive salvation because of a hell message but because I found out that God is good and that led me to repentance.

[@gert_kruger]

Forked tongue.

[@solitarypawn5076]

Paul is being vague on purpose. I don't buy what he said although what he said was very subtle in combining truth with error. Notice that he didn't speak about sin after the cross nor did he discuss how the writers of the NT were so zealous about the glory of the Lord that they exposed people who lived two lives and considered themselves Christians. The letters to Pergamum, Thyatira, and Laodicea are extremely clear in dealing with sinful Christians who compromised the faith with doctrines of demons. If we don't deal with sin after the cross, we are the sorriest people that God has created. I don't major in sin, but in the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, yet sin must be confronted directly otherwise the enemy will find a way to re-introduce himself into the church with a doctrine that denies the divine work of the cross. There is a reason we have the epistles of Paul and Peter. Finally, we must define the agape love of God correctly. Agape is not eros and eros is not agape. The apostle Peter said in 1:15-16 (NASB95) "But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (Caps provided by the translation).

[@charlesbeeghley9682]

No Gospel power in this crazy theology. I guess he rejects Paul's writings in Romans.

[@choicest1]

Thanks Tony,

[@ritabrandow3750]

Yes He created everything but it doesn't mean after the fall. It s good. He created Lucifier and now he is a fallen angel

[@dalex60]

There is no truth to any religion, nor any other supernatural/spiritual belief.

[@beforebefore]

"Universalist"... It's all about what we "pour into the meaning of a word". When someone says "universalist", one person can presume the word means one thing because it's what he has "learned it means"... while that may not have been what the person speaking the word meant at all. So many of us tend to want to argue about minutiae... picking up things someone said and label that person as a heretic... but there are many, many peripheral issues in Christianity that "do not define a saved Believer in Christ"... issues that don't determine whether or not we are indeed "saved", and called "Children of God". Being the Army of God doesn't mean inflicting wounds on our own family by "friendly fire"... it's supposed to mean fighting the works of Satan... our REAL adversary. We need to learn to celebrate when something like this book/movie happens, and becomes so miraculously huge... and not argue so much about the peripheral issues. Paul Young isn't a Christian Theology expert... and I'd say that's true of 99% of the people here... so his ways and methods of describing his own beliefs may sometimes use terms/phrases in a way that conflicts with what 'we' believe they mean... and on that difference, we have no right to label someone as a heretic... lest we call judgement down on ourselves. How dare any of us presume that our personal human wisdom and knowledge about the fullness of God is so complete and accurate... that we can judge others... when it may simply be a matter of semantics. Grace and Peace.

[@---Joy---]

beforebefore No semantics in the Holy Bible, only gospel truth! You might try reading it sometime. ..j sayin'

[@beforebefore]

:-) Thanks, I've read it, many times, live my life by it as empowered by the Holy Spirit... and yet there are still differing interpretations of non-essentials within Christianity. In essentials: Unity; in non-essentials: liberty; in all things: love. Essential: Christ is God the son, equally man and God; who died a propitiationary death on the cross as payment for the sins of all humanity, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven as our example of our promised eternal life. Does that mean that all of humanity will be in heaven? Christ tells us we must be born again, so we must have a "new birth" by the Spirit. We must realize our need for a Savior, due to our sinfulness. We must repent of our sin (turn away from it), and accept the personal gift of God's grace and mercy. It's a gift offered to all humanity, but God will not force the gift upon us if we don't want it... a gift must be personally accepted.

[@---Joy---]

There is *nothing* non-essential in God's Word. Your reply is very textbook theology. The Holy Bible = God's Word!! Try reading it again, sometime..

[@beforebefore]

OK, I'll try to be more clear... What's meant by "essential" means "essential towards Salvation". There are many things in the Bible that are not essential to believe exactly as everyone in order to gain Salvation. Is it "essential" to believe that Christ was crucified in a "cross", or a "tree"? Some people say baptism is required for salvation... whereas others say it is an act of obedience response to receiving salvation.... does believing one way or the other determine whether or not you can be saved? There is no "defining line", but some of the "core essentials" are: * Jesus Christ is God the Son, has existed forever, and always will. * Jesus was not "created", He is co-creator. * Jesus lived a 100% sinless life in his humanity. * In the incarnation, Jesus took on the form of man, being as a baby human, as a result of the immaculate conception. * Jesus is equally God and man - 100% God, 100% man, the two natures do not conflict with each other. * Jesus died a sacrificial death to pay for the sins of all mankind, was buried, rose from the grave, ascended and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. As far as it being a "textbook theology"... I wouldn't know... I've never "formally" studied theology... just studied the Bible personally and was pastored for 20 years by one of the most incredible, humble Bible teachers around these parts... Dr. George W Westlake, Jr.

[@---Joy---]

beforebefore: Your 1st statement is incorrect. "There are many things in the Bible that are not essential to believe exactly as everyone in order to gain Salvation." First of all no one gains salvation, it's a free gift by the grace of God. While I agree there are different opinions of interpretations of scripture, that does not mean to imply that there's more than one way to salvation. Jesus said:"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 'We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel-the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe-fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13). A definition of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) You say that some people believe that "baptism is required for salvation... whereas others say it is an act of obedience response to receiving salvation." "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20) 'Believer's baptism is taught in the New Testament as being a symbol or a picture of what has happened in the life of the person who, by faith, has believed in Jesus Christ and been saved by His grace. It is an illustration of what that has taken place in the new believer's heart, which cannot be outwardly observed when a person is saved. Salvation is followed by a public testimony of a person’s belief in Jesus Christ. Paul states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:9-11)' Baptism is a public testament to & a profession of one's belief in the holy God of all creation through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.

[@crossculturecommunity6593]

Spot on! Christ told us in Matthew 5:20 that "unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, you cannot enter the kingdom of God". Modern theology and doctrines take this as "unless your THEOLOGY exceeds...". They attempt to make Christianity a religion of the brain instead of the heart manifesting itself in good fruit and practical application of the Great Commandment and the Sermon on the Mount...turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, love your enemies, love one another...... Doctrianity instead of Christianity....labels, labels, labels....They honor people living in sin as long as they articulate "correct" doctrine....very similar to Luther, Calvin and Zwingli

[@frankwilson726]

Welcome to the "Look at me I am such a great "Christian" channel or as it is better known our way is the only way channel. We're sorry but there is no room for free thought or personal opinions that are not supported in our rule book, the Bible where we keep God under lock and key in an attempt to handicap his work (Word)

[@noweternity3101]

John 3 : 35 - 36 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

[@danielreed3718]

Does he believe in a literal Hell?

[@canadiankewldude]

Fine, he is not a Christian sadly, he does not take the word of God as it is written. "6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." -- John 14:6-11 King James Version

[@KingsCorners]

LOVE your answer Bro.

[@organizersrus]

Inherently true based on what?

[@petemiller9865]

Hmmmm "everything in the cosmos and universe and spiritual was created in Jesus Christ". Sin is in this cosmos and Christ is without sin. Therefore Christ could not have created sin. This is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Christ CONQUERED sin he did not CREATE sin.

[@courtneybrubaker9738]

He has a right to an opinion

[@justintheowlman]

Beautiful clarification

[@SuperLmer]

That's right God created everything through Jesus.

[@RickyRoro777]

-100 out of a possible 100.

[@Nykken777]

Read all his books, they are amazing and transforming! Nvm the naysayers and angry people i the comments, they're frightened people. I call them groaners ;)

[@ritabrandow3750]

His book called Eve is supposed to be about Adam and Eve of the bible.. He changes the truth of the bible.