몰트만의 만유구원론에 대한 통전적 이해

Abstract

J. Moltmann produced biblical, historical, and theological bases for his theory of universal salvation (or reconciliation). Although his grounds are very persuasive, I cannot wholly agree with his theory and offer some criticisms of its shortcomings. I sought to find the right way between two theories: one, the traditional doctrine of double judgment and the other, universal salvation by Moltmann. I think the best approach is a holistic view -- not choosing one and giving up the other, but accepting both of them because both have strong bases and merits. With this aspect in mind, we can view the theory of Moltmann as follows: First, the theory of universal salvation is regarded as a much better idea in the view of mainstream theology, but it has insufficient basis in the Scriptures. It is supported by K. Barth’s theory of predestination and reconciliation, but we cannot deny that the Scriptures are more favored in the theory of double judgment than in universal salvation. Second, the two theories have separate strengths and weaknesses in the realms of evangelism and world missions. The theory of double judgment has the strength of enhancing evangelical passion, while the other has more strength in expressing God’s loving will by way of guaranteeing ultimate salvation to people who are unable to confess their faith in Christ because of several factors. Third, the theory of universal salvation may be recognized as the better theory in expressing the heart of God towards sinners, and in this respect, the universal salvation theory is affirmative because it teaches that we have need to pray for all human beings including the evil ones. In this case, calling it the theory of the hope of universal salvation is more accurate than the theory of universal salvation itself since the Scriptures do not conclude that all things in the universe will get salvation, but instead say that there is hope of universal salvation in God’s heart. Fourth, I propose including both of the two theories under the holistic framework of concealment and revelation. Thus we can understand double judgment as God’s apparent will represented in the Scriptures and universal salvation as God’s possible ultimate will concealed in the Scriptures. Therefore I conclude that the official doctrine should be the theory of double judgment because it is much clearer under the light of the Scriptures compared to Moltmann’s theory, although which will be revealed as the ultimate truth in the future is unknown.