All Men Will Be Saved: Gregory of Nyssa’s and Sergei Bulgakov’s Theologies of Universal Salvation--Soteriology and the Social Theory of Solidarity

Abstract

This thesis critically examines the theological justification for the inevitability of universal salvation as articulated by Gregory of Nyssa and Sergei Bulgakov, focusing on the central argument that human participation in universal salvation occurs collectively through social-historical actions, responding to and manifesting divine salvific providence. Both theologians affirm universal salvation, but Bulgakov creatively adapts Gregory’s ideas, extending salvation to include spiritual and cosmic dimensions and historical and social processes. Gregory emphasises the transformative power of divine love and individual purification, while Bulgakov grounds universal salvation in a "Sophianic deterministic" framework, where divine wisdom permeates creation and human efforts in social and economic reforms are essential to the eschatological plan. Bulgakov’s vision integrates historical action with salvation, asserting that social engagement is key to universal reconciliation with the divine. Gregory, in contrast, focuses on personal virtue and communal asceticism. This thesis centres on the shared conviction of both theologians that universal salvation is actualised through synergistic human cooperation, where social-historical actions play a crucial role in manifesting divine providence. By examining the role of human agency in both theologians’ soteriology, this study offers a nuanced perspective on how Christian eschatology can shape practical responses to contemporary social, economic, and political issues, inspiring transformative practices aligned with the divine promise of universal salvation.