Dare We Hope “That All Men Be Saved”?: With a Short Discourse on Hell

The Church’s teaching on hell has been generally neglected by theologians, with the notable exception of Hans Urs von Balthasar. However, what he has said has stirred controversy both in Europe and in the United States. Here he responds in a clear and concise way, grounding his reflections clearly in Scripture. Revelation gives us neither the assurance that all will be saved, nor the certitude that any are condemned. What it does require of us is the “hope that all men be saved” rooted in a love of Christ that reaches even into the depths of hell.