Limited Atonement?

Ever since my first encounter with the story of Christ, I have been a proponent of universalism. Even during the time I claimed to be atheist, I could not understand how Christians could limit the amazing grace that Christ offered through his death and resurrection. I use the word story intentionally, because I cannot view the gospel as a set of propositions. The way Christ lived his life on earth, the teachings that are likely his, and the passion he had for people all lead me to accept that his willing sacrificial example covers all faults and accepts every person.

As far as my Christology goes, I could not be more conservative. To me, Christ was God in the flesh. However, I do not see his sacrifice as atonement for sins. He did not die to appease an angry God, but to show us the way of love. In his death and resurrection, we see the true character of God - as a loving Father/Mother who accepts even the most vile person into the family. When I voice this opinion, most Christians respond by quoting scriptures referring to "the narrow way" or "substitutionary atonement." This is futile in my opinion, since scripture suggests many different views of God, Christ, and salvation. As a Quaker, I rely on the Spirit for truth, and the Spirit witnesses to the all-encompassing love and reconciliation of God in Christ.

I do not claim to know how this works out. How does Hitler get into the family? I am not concerned with a systematic theology that makes me feel better about the "justness" of universal salvation. I know my own faults, and I am overwhelmed by the grace of God in the face of these faults. The more evil a person is, the more powerful the grace of God is in accepting that person, and the more Her love shines. Often, the most senseless thing is true when speaking of God and Her character. Why should we understand such wonderfully mysterious workings?

The grace of Christ is knowledge of belonging. The salvation of Christ is the recognition of His presence within us. The true anathema of limited atonement is salvation for the few, whether by their choice or God's. As Christians, we have watered down the good news of universal salvation with rules, regulations, and propositions. We have, in effect, become "white-washed graves", full of our own theologies, and limiting the freedom available by with-holding the knowledge of Christ's work. How much more joyful communities of Christ would be if we only accepted the unlimited grace of our Savior for all people.

Peace & Blessings.