Varies
Hell not a defining doctrine; universalism is accepted by many Disciples
Disciples impose no binding teaching on hell. Traditional members affirm some form of final judgment and separation from God; progressive and many mainline Disciples are open to universalism — the hope that God will ultimately redeem all people. The denomination's ethos of theological openness and its emphasis on God's love make universalist sympathies common.
The open communion table — welcoming all — reflects a Disciples ethos that tends toward inclusion rather than exclusion. While this is an ecclesiological stance, it also reflects a broader theological sensibility less focused on eternal judgment than on present reconciliation and the transforming power of grace.
Key Distinctions
- Hell nature:
- varies widely — traditional hell, annihilationism, or universalism all held
- Duration:
- varies
- Who faces hell:
- varies by congregation
Scripture References
Sources
- Disciples of Christ, Design of the Christian Church (1968)