On Monday, I began a 3-part series with Scot McKnight author of both the book and blog Jesus Creed, about something Scot calls the “biggest challenge facing evangelicals.” I think it’s fair to say evangelicals are facing many challenges, but the rising popularity of Christian universalism is a big one.

As I’ve listened to Scot and picked his brain on this issue and wrestled with friends over the idea of Christian universalism, I’m still trying to put my finger on what–at a real heart level–bugs me so much about it.

I agree with Scot that Christian universalism erodes any sense of urgency when it comes to sharing one’s faith. I also think it raises the “why bother” issue on many things Christ called us to do as we follow Him. Why bother getting involved? Why bother laying down one’s life? Why bother sacrificing? If God is going to save everyone in the end, then why not just live more for one’s self and perform a few good works on the side when it’s convenient, easy, or doesn’t cost us anything?

I also think Christian universalism feels a lot like pluralism with a rubber Jesus stamp. The argument being that as long as Christ is the one that redeems than it doesn’t really matter what you believe.

Christian universalism seems to require a lot of back flips, double twists, and sideway turns to get around a laundry list of scriptures–especially the teachings of Jesus that say things like, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14), Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 13:22-28.

Yet there’s still something more that’s bugging me that I’m struggling to put into words. What’s your response to the popularity of Christian universalism? How do you respond?

Yesterday, I began a three-part series talking with Scot McKnight (check out his popular blog, Jesus Creed, on Beliefnet) about what he sees as the greatest challenge facing evangelicals—Christian universalism. This is the second part of the series.

Margaret: Why do you consider this the biggest challenge facing evangelicals?

McKnight: Christian universalist believe that God will save all so evangelism is no longer necessary and is often considered a form of imperialism or colonialism or at least a form of believing that Christianity is the best or only way.

Christian universalism gradually erodes all significance and urgency for evangelism—in a robust sense that there is a final destiny determined by a response to Christ. It also erodes confidence in the belief in salvation or redemption in Christ. Christianity could become for many little more than a country club gathering that ultimately doesn’t have to do with an eternal destiny. But this does not mean that “eternal destiny” is the only thing that matters; the Bible lays heavy emphasis on the here and now.

Margaret: I understand that the Christian universalism—the idea that everyone will be saved undermines evangelism, but how else does Christian universalism affect one’s faith?

McKnight: It also erodes moral responsibility on the part of Christians. If you’re confident that no matter what you do everyone will be saved it doesn’t take long to think it doesn’t matter what I do. But the warning threat can lead people to a more convicted moral life.

Margaret: What are some tell tale signs Christian universalism is slipping in?

McKnight: I see it in fuzzy lines between religions, soft convictions about the necessity of faith in Christ, unwillingness to draw some lines that Jesus drew, embarrassment of final judgment, and some kind of nervousness of talking about hell.

Margaret: What is the best way to respond?

McKnight: The first thing is that you have to do is gauge your relationship wherever you’re seeing it. If I see it on the Internet, I kind of expect it. If I see it someone I know, I may write a letter or watch what they’re doing more closely before I speak up. If I see it a sermon, small group, or Sunday school, then I may raise questions in an appropriate way. If it’s the pastor, I would schedule a meeting or write a letter or send an email.

It’s a privilege to be part of The Origins Project, and get to spend time with Scot McKnight. If you’re not familiar with Scot, you need to be!McKnight is a professor at North Park University, author of more than thirty books includingJesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others, and writes the popular blog, Jesus Creed, on Beliefnet. In addition, he’s an articulate, smart-kid whose accessible, funny, and feisty, not to mention a great guy.

I recently caught up with Scot to talk more in depth about what he sees as the greatest challenge facing evangelicals. I wanted to share some highlights from that conversation with you this week.

Margaret: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing evangelicals?

McKnight: The biggest challenge facing American evangelicals is Christian universalism.

Margaret: What do you mean by Christian universalism?

McKnight: Christian universalism if the belief that everyone will eventually be saved because of what Christ has done. Christian universalism differs from raw pluralism. Pluralism is the belief that no religion offers superiority in the process of redemption. With pluralism, all religions lead us to the same god and the same ends. The distinction for Christian universalists is that what God did for humans in Christ will redeem all humans, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, or atheists, all will eventually be saved.Margaret: What do you think is contributing to the rise of Christian universalism?

McKnight: I think many young evangelical adults who have been reared in the church have imbibed pluralism and tolerance from their years in the public educational system.