Patsalidou Theory Of Curative Punishment

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So if God saves everyone, then what is the purpose of morals, standards, and laws? To settle with this logic softens the exclusivist’s theory, and relegates the earthly work of Christ and His ability to offer salvation. Scriptures alludes to the saving power of Christ by stating that if you believe in Him, you can be saved (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9). In order to resolve the inconsistencies and problems with Universalists the notion of libertarian freedom and the notion of curative punishment must be resolved. First, God cannot hold human beings to a double standard. Either they will have full freedom to do both good and evil without any consequences, or there must be an avenue to be reconciled unto Him. God created mankind with the ability …show more content…
Patsalidou suggests three arguments to refute curative punishment. First, she states that there must be explanation on how the worst sinners will come to realize that their punishment is for their own good. Secondly, it must be revealed that physical and mental punishment changes moral standards. Lastly, there must be some indication that severe punishment can be established as a virtuous undertaking. It is hope of salvation that brings people to understanding their fate in the afterlife. God provides all with a choice of salvation and Christian hope all will be saved. However, the logical point in the matter is that some will choose wickedness over good and essentially will face judgment. Understanding the Universalist point of views of “all will be saved,” there are too many inconsistencies and problems with their thoughts to provide a final …show more content…
The impact of everlasting life or eternal punishment does not deter sinful acts. The minds of the human beings are focused on self-actualization, personal pleasures and desires, and political gain. Paul, in verses one through five of chapter three of his Epistles to Timothy warns him of the last distressing days when people will become lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Disheartening enough, the world has changed without any concern about the afterlife. With the lack of focus, hell to some is no longer a reality, but a mythical place. Fire and brimstone messages of the early twentieth century have been replaced with prosperity and inspirational messages. The hell Christians believed in now is a distant past belief as all are looking for a bright future in heaven without any punishment for sin. Christians must take a firm stand against the wickedness and sin, and maintain the importance of the afterlife. A choice has to be made by believers to accept and preach hell, even though there are many views. Henry shares, “Despite all the many malevolent interpretations and lurid exaggerations to which the church’s teaching on hell has fallen prey in the past, it may still be saner and finally more hopeful to accept the, for some, unpalatable truth this teaching