Hi Gena,
Wow, thanks for sharing your story! You must be so proud of your son. It's amazing how many Christians really do despise the word of God.
I have a friend who is single and searching and recently was getting to know a Christian man who seemed kind, gentle and open. However, he just shut the door on any possible future relationship because of my friend's belief in universal restoration. He felt she was not "legitimizing Christ's death and resurrection" and insinuated that she was not "for" God, but "against" Him.
I know this reactions is common, but it is still sad to realize where these people's hearts are at. It's perplexing that as a loving Christian, one wouldn't be overjoyed at the mere possibility that God could be capable of saving everyone. Why wouldn't they not even want to look at the scriptures to see if these things are so? Not only are they not overjoyed, they are downright CLOSED, and in some cases, as we've seen with your son's experience, they are downright AGGRESSIVE in their assaults! How sad!
And yet, this is how God would have it for now. And certainly I don't want to seem as if I am "judging" people who refuse to look at universal salvation. It seems only a short time ago I too was blind. But what disturbs me is some people's strong reactions against the possibly that all fellow human beings will be saved....what does that say about how much love they really have??
That's why I love being a part of this forum, God has gifted us with a love for each other that grows despite whatever differences we have, or what part of our Christian walk we are in. And we earnestly pray that we all can continue to grow in knowledge and truth. The rest of the Christian world may say they are doing this, but do they really want it? No, they seemingly want to stay blind....God grant me the patience to deal with people like this.
Okay, sorry for my rant....like I said, my friend just recently experienced this (a few days ago) and so it is fresh in my mind.
Gena, I thank God for your son who is willing to stand unashamedly for the truths in Jesus...all praise and glory to God!
Peace and love to you,
Diana