Title

The Apocatastasis: The Hope that All Will Be Restored in Christ

Author

Douglas Vitro, Concordia University - Portland

Date of Award

Spring 4-24-2012

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

College

College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences

Department

Theology

Degree Name

Theology, BA

First Advisor

Michael A. Thomas, PhD

Abstract

Throughout the history of the Christian church scholars, theologians, and pastors have been plagued by the question of whether of not a loving God can send people to Hell. In the era of the church fathers the idea of apocatastasis was developed. The presupposition behind this theory was that the nature of God was one of love and therefore the punishments of Hell were not in fact eternal if they exist at all. God has to restore all of His creation to Himself. To act contrary would be contradictory to His nature. By exploring the concept of apocatastasis throughout the history of the church, a clear understanding can be formed of the hope that these theologians and many others with them have shared.

Recommended Citation

Vitro, D. (2012). The Apocatastasis: The Hope that All Will Be Restored in Christ (Thesis, Concordia University, St. Paul). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_undergrad/168