Death on a Friday Afternoon

[Danw]

Has anyone read this book by Fr. John Neuhaus? I have heard, in the book, he comes to the conclusion that through Christ’s redemptive death we will all come to salvation and that no one would end up condemned to hell.

I was thinking of purchasing the book, but if that remark is true than I have to question his theology.

 

[JimG]

I haven’t read the Neuhaus book, but it is worth noting that the reputable theologian, the late Hans Urs Von Balthasar, also had a similar thesis.

In a book entitled “Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved,” he puts forth the proposition that the Church has never stated that any individual is in hell, nor can we say with certainty that any particular person is in hell, or that any person is known to have certainly lacked the grace of final penitence.

Thus, he says that every Christian has the obligation to hope that all will be saved.

 

[chicago]

I haven’t read it, but have heard Fr. Neuhass discuss some of the details of his book in an interview. Seems like a worthwhile read to me.

 

[MJE]

I would never associate Fr. Neuhaus w/ playing fast and loose w/ theology. I have been meaning to get this book for the longest time.

 

[Contarini]

Danw:

Has anyone read this book by Fr. John Neuhaus? I have heard, in the book, he comes to the conclusion that through Christ’s redemptive death we will all come to salvation and that no one would end up condemned to hell.

I was thinking of purchasing the book, but if that remark is true than I have to question his theology.

You know, there’s no contradiction between reading a book and questioning its theology. In fact, you can question the theology better after you have read the book.

I think Fr. Neuhaus’s book is excellent. And it should be noted that he doesn’t say that all will be saved. He says that we can hope that all may be saved.

Edwin