Along my journey, I am reading a constant stream of books on faith by various contemporary writers. This week, I’m reading The Gospel of Inclusion by Bishop Carlton Pearson, published in 2008 by Atria
It’s hard not to fall in love with the ideas that Bishop Carlton Pearson puts forward in this treatise. With a Christian, yet almost Unitarian Universalist, message that all people on Earth are saved — regardless of whether they know it — is heartwarming, and offers a sense of security and peace.
Much of this argument begins from the passage 1 Timothy 4:10, which states, “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” (New International Version)
But it’s really hard to swallow, when so many religious base so much of their worth on the inaccuracy of others.
But Pearson, a fourth-generation evangelist and fundamentalist, had a huge career and gave up almost everything to spread the message that religious pecking orders are against the will of God. Unlike so many preachers, he put himself on the line and practices what he preaches, which give his words a lot of weight. He also knows the Bible inside-out, and can back up his claims.
Pearson says that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was enough to save the entire world, whether or not they believe in or know of him. Here is one of his most striking arguments:
“To insist that the world is not already saved by Christ is to suggest that Christ failed in His task. I can understand this position from non-Christians or so-called unbelievers, but it is curious that supposed followers of Jesus don’t have more confidence in Him or His ‘finished work.’ “ (82)
That’s a big blow to the evangelical culture Pearson came from, which builds much of its foundation on reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus so they can be saved. Because how, asks Pearson, can Christ have died for all sins except the one of not believe in him?
He attributes the notion that some are unworthy of salvation to great corruption in Christianity. Pastors and ministers want to keep their flock scared so they’ll donate more money — a modern tithing. Christians want to believe they’re right, so their egos can be padded by knowing everyone else is wrong. It’s the stuff or bigotry, hatred, and wars, says Pearson, and against what Christ intended.
But the part I have a hard time dealing with is this: if everyone is saved and you don’t need to believe in Jesus, why become a Christian. Pearson says the message of Jesus is to be like him and follow his example. But are a few kindly guidances enough to sustain a faith? In our current society, and maybe throughout history, it seems like religions that claim to be “the faith” are the only ones that thrive. Can you be inclusive and competitive?
But Pearson’s message, although he wants you to believe it, is not interested in the competition. He just wants people to stop being afraid of God so they can access Him, and to not judge others to the point that they doubt their own connection to the Divine. It’s a beautiful message.
The sugary tongue of religion often echoes through sharp teeth. But can a toothless faith be intelligible to the world?
“People filled with hatred, fear, and hopelessness to the point where they inflict their pain on others — the Osama bin Ladens, Saddam Husseins, Josef Stalins, Vladimir Lenins, slave traders of the world, and a host of human violators, some in pulpits — are souls in hell. They represent what Jesus must have meant with regard to weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Millions of people who feel alienated from the peace and presence of God in consciousness also experience the same kind of agony.” (175)
