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The Moravians

Unity of Brethren

While not explicitly codified in official church documents the Moravians have a theological leaning towards universalism, believing that Christ's redemption was for all of humanity. Leaders like Peter Boehler and Nicolaus Zinzendorf, differing from the Calvinistic theology of limite atonement, expressed beliefs in universal reconciliation. Their inclusive language and missionary focus were consistent with universalist ideals.

The Moravians came into being during the Reformation, founded in Bohemia and Moravia (1457). It must be noted that at the beginning not all Moravians believed in universal reconciliation. That is true today to some extent, but it appears that it is a widely accepted belief among Moravians, even if not codified in church documents.

Note about Peter Boehler:

Although the belief universalism is considered part of Moravian belief system because of teaching of Peter Boehler there has never been a thorough study of what Boehler meant by "restitution of all things." A paper in the Journal of Moravian History,"Peter Boehler’s Universalist Letter" by Jared S. Burkholder [(2023) 23 (2): 129–142], using a letter written by Boehler, perhaps to George Whitefield, explains and defends what the "restitution of all things" means in universalist terms. The letter also helps us better understand how universalism was the cause of the rift between the Moravians and Whitefield.

Michael Camp has an interesting video about Boehler: "Peter Boehler, the Moravians, and Universalism" The video is one of a series. [External Link]

More information on the Moravians can be found on the Moravian Church of America website [External Link].

[Blurb may be updated as new information comes to light.]