I came across the story of Reverend Carlton Pearson while driving across a few states. This episode of "This American Life" (304: Heretics) does a wonderful job summarizing his story. Apparently there is also a film on Netflix about Reverend Pearson called "Come Sunday" which I have yet to see.

Reverand Pearson was a theology scholar who understood that the Bible was a compilation of books put together by a council of men not the actual words of God. After many years of building a huge following and congregation God spoke to Pearson and told him the Bible got it wrong and the only hell that exists is this hell on earth. After that he started preaching what he called the gospel of inclusion. He was labeled a heretic and he lost the majority of his congregation. He continued to preach the gospel of inclusion until he died.

As someone who grew up in Christian schools and the church I found this episode especially interesting. I am definitely not a Christian now and have zero desire to ever go back but I think if I had known men like Reverend Pearson I may have never left. Hard to say when your indoctrinated from birth.

Do you know his story? What are your thoughts?