Unitarian Universalist Church
Copied from the sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore
September 19, 2021
Scripture Reading John 12:32:
“And I, [Jesus, the Son of God] if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.”
Universalism has evolved beyond the traditional topics of salvation and future punishment, and now covers many other theological issues and topics. Universalism began during the early days of Christianity and has fostered as a heresy ever since. It received a big boost in Europe in 1569 when Transylvanian King John Sigismund issued an edict establishing religious freedom. The Edict of Torda expanded the limits of religious freedom far beyond the standard of 16th-century Europe. The decree did not put a complete end to discrimination, because official status was granted only to the Catholic, Lutheran, and Calvinist clergymen; but Unitarian, Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Muslim believers could also freely practice their religions. Although neither the Calvinist nor Unitarian side was declared the winner of the debate at this session, John Sigismund accepted Unitarian ideas, which made him the only Unitarian monarch in history.