International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The term ‘Christian Universalism’ was first used in the 1820s by Russell Streeter of the Christian Intelligencer of Portland – a descendant of Adam Streeter who had founded one of the first Universalist Church on September 14, 1785. Christian Universalism teaches that all humanity will ultimately be saved through Jesus whether or not faith is professed in Him in this life. However, the Bible teaches that at the end, there shall be two groups, the saved and the condemned (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Matt. 25:31-46). Despite this truth, Streeter’s theology espouses one group, the saved.
Objective: This paper analysed Streeter’s Universalism and how he arrived at a conclusion which contradicts the Bible teaching.
Method: The study adopted literature and biblical text analysis and exposition approach. Using this method, arguments and evidences presented in Russell Streeter's work on the topic of salvation in Christian Universalism were systematically analysed and evaluated with exegetical exposition of selected Bible texts that speak about human salvation. This method allowed for a critical assessment of the Russell Streeter’sinterpretations and conclusions, and identified areas of contradictions in the argumentations.
Results: It was discovered that the Doctrine of Salvation in Christian Universalism as popularised by Russell Streeter was a product of Gnostic influence and hermeneutical inconsistencies.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Streeter’s doctrine on Salvation in Christian Universalism has no biblical foundation, and recommends for thorough Bible based studies on human salvation, judgement, and hell, incorporating all theological and hermeneutical tools and principles of exegesis.