Rev Carlton Pearson's 'Gospel of Inclusion'

Tuesday, October 1st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The question of salvation has turned into a heated debate in some Christian circles. And it will be the topic of a special church conference by the Reverend Carlton Pearson that opened Wednesday.

Reverend Pearson is challenging the belief that only "saved" Christians will go to heaven. It's an idea he says he's thought about for 25 years and is only now voicing. News on Six anchor Terry Hood sat down with Carton Pearson to talk about the church, the controversy, and the conference.

Heâ€™s one of Tulsa's leading tele-evangelists, preaching through television, tape and song. But some say the message he's preaching now is not traditional evangelism. Carlton Pearson, Higher Dimensions Pastor: "I do want to tell the good news to you. I don't want to convert you, but I do want to convince you. I don't want you to make a decision for Christ. I want you to become a disciple."

Pearson calls it a message of inclusion, one that embraces everyone, those who believe in Christ, and those who don't. Some say it contradicts the central theme of Christianity. Billy Joe Daugherty with Victory Christian Center, "What's important is that people do not assume that they're automatically saved just because Jesus died. That's a dangerous situation for people to be in."

Carlton Pearson: "Timothy 4:10 says 'we put our hope in the living God who is the savior of all men, especially those who believe.' So if he's the savior of all men and especially those who believe, then he's the savior of those that don't believe." Pearson's statements have some Tulsa pastors waving red flags.

Billy Joe Daugherty: "We say everyone's saved then we stop multitudes of people from coming to Christ." But Pearson believes heâ€™s opening the door to millions who otherwise wouldnâ€™t know Jesus. "People think I'm saying there's another way. I'm saying the exact opposite he is the only way."

Pearson says his message is being misunderstood. And he wants to open up his new beliefs for debate and discussion. Terry Hood, "Have you lost members of your congregation?" Pearson: Have I lost? You know I called myself leaving the 90 and 9 to go after the one sheep. But I think the 90 and 9 multiplied and left me."

Carlton Pearson's three-day conference on the new doctrine started Wednesday. It is taking place at the Higher Dimensions Family Church at 87th and South Memorial. The public is welcome to attend.