What is "universalism"

Universalism \U`ni*ver"sal*ism\, n. [Cf. F. universalisme.] (Theol.) The doctrine or belief that all men will be saved, or made happy, in the future state.

1805 in theology, "the doctrine of universal salvation," from universal (adj.) + -ism. Universalist "one who, professing the Christian faith, believes in the eventual redemption of all humanity" is attested from 1620s.

n. 1 The state of being universal; universality. 2 The theological belief that all souls can attain salvation. 3 (rfc-sense) (alternative form of Unitarian Universalism English)

n. the theological doctrine that all people will eventually be saved

Universalism is a religious, theological, and philosophical concept with universal application or applicability. Universalist doctrines consider all people in their formation.

In terms of religion, in a broad sense, universalism claims that religion is a universal human quality. This can be contrasted with non-universalist religions. Religion in this context is defined as "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs."

In some sects of Christianity, universal reconciliation is the doctrine that all sinful and alienated human souls — because of divine love and mercy — will ultimately be reconciled to God. Unitarian Universalism believes that religion is a universal human quality, emphasizing the universal principles of most religions and accepting other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. Universalism has had a strong influence on modern Hinduism, in turn influencing western modern spirituality.

A community that calls itself universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. For example, some forms of Abrahamic religions happened to claim the universal value of their doctrine and moral principles, and feel inclusive. A belief in one common truth is also another important tenet. The living truth is seen as more far-reaching than national, cultural, or religious boundaries.

Universalism refers to religious, theological, and philosophical concepts with universal application or applicability. Universalists may emphasis the universal principles of most religions.

Universalism may also refer to:

In religion:

• Christian Universalism is a school of Christian theology which includes the belief in the doctrine of universal reconciliation, the view that all human beings and all fallen creatures will ultimately be restored to right relationship with God in Heaven.
  • Trinitarian Universalism is a variant of belief in universal reconciliation, the belief that every person will be saved, that also held the Christian belief in Trinitarianism.
  • In Christian theology, Universal reconciliation is the doctrine that all sinful and alienated human souls—because of divine love and mercy—will ultimately be reconciled to God.
• An American denomination than merged into Unitarian Universalism

In philosophy:

• Universality (philosophy)
• Moral universalism
• Universalizability, philosophy of Kant

In politics:

• Universal monarchy
• a name for secular humanism and progressivism used by the neoreactionary movement

In music:

• "Universal Religion", a compilation album series by Armin van Buuren