Carlton Pearson, the minister who denied hell, dies: what is the cause of death?
Bishop Carlton Pearson, megachurch founder who denied the concept of hell and was called a heretic, has died at the age of 70 after a bout with cancer.
Bishop Carlton Pearson, who founded a former megachurch in Oklahoma and denied the concept of hell, has died at 70 after struggling with cancer.
He passed away in hospice care in Tulsa.
He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001, but was eventually declared cancer-free. However, he was found to have bladder cancer over the summer.
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Who was Carlton Pearson, the minister who rejected hell?
Pearson became known for his dynamic preaching style and leadership within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. He served as the pastor of Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, which grew to be one of the largest churches in the region.
He was also a supporter of gay rights, and was instrumental in leading clergy members from around the country to pressure Congress to pass landmark legislation to address hate crimes and job discrimination against gay people.
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From Pentecostalism to the Gospel of Inclusion
In the late 1990s, Carlton Pearson underwent a significant theological shift. He began questioning traditional evangelical doctrines, particularly the concept of eternal hell.
He moved from Pentecostalism to embracing a controversial perspective known as “universal reconciliation” or “inclusive salvation”, suggesting that everyone would ultimately be reconciled with God.
Pearson considered a ‘heretic’
Pearson’s theological shift led to tension and criticism within traditional Christian circles. His beliefs about universal salvation, challenging the idea of hell, were considered blasphemous by many in the evangelical community. As a result, he faced condemnation and backlash, and was branded a heretic.
The controversy surrounding his theological shift also had financial consequences. Pearson’s church faced challenges, and he experienced a decline in support from both within and outside the church.
The pastor’s story became the basis of the 2018 Netflix drama entitled “Come Sunday.”