Carlton Pearson, the Pastor of Higher Dimensions Family Church has recently found himself under attack. He has strayed from the orthodox theology that he learned as a student of Oral Roberts University. This has cost him much, as ORU will no longer allow him to use the Maybee Center, and also will not let him pick up students for services at his church. He has recently resigned from the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents.

 Several associate pastors have left his congregation as well as many of the congregation over the new doctrines he is teaching. Even his dry cleaner does not want anything to do with him. He also feels that his new teachings cost him a primary mayoral election.

 His new theology is a form of Universalism, which is the belief that everyone will eventually be saved, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist etc… This is far from the orthodox of mainline denominations view. Mainline orthodox theology states that Jesus’ death and resurrection made salvation available to everyone, however everyone must make their own decision to accept Jesus as their savior. He calls this new revelation of his the "Gospel of Inclusion".

He said in a recent interview “ I believe that most people on planet earth will go to heaven, because of Calvary, because of the unconditional love of God, and the redemptive work of the cross, which is already accomplished.”  He also stated "is it more important that you accept Christ, or that Christ accepts you?" Which is the Gospel? “My posture is that all will be saved, with the exception of a few.”

His view of salvation and hell are far from the evangelical orthodox view. He says he does not believe in matching eternities, endless torment for billions of souls. I don't interpret hell that way anymore. He states "that this would put hell on the same level as our heavenly eternity." He believes that "this is inconsistent with the nature of God."

He states that "God determined the exact habitation of all people. He knew there would be billions of Muslims, and billions of Chinese. Why would He give them life and then only give salvation to those few who were born in the right place, and at the right time, to hear the message of Christ?" He further states " The message that the world needs to hear is not that they need to accept Christ to be saved, but that God loves them and has already reconciled them to Himself." This is the most disturbing statement he has made on this subject.

He has not received a very positive response to his new teaching. John Hagee and Marilyn Hickey have confronted him over his teaching, Oral Roberts denounced him in a 12 page letter, and Richard Roberts criticized him openly on his television show. Bishop T.D. Jakes told Charisma Magazine that "Pearson's theology is wrong, false, misleading and an incorrect interpretation of the Bible." Gilbert Patterson the president of Pearson's denomination issued a statement that formerly distanced the denomination from his teachings.

Pearson says that he will not back down from his teaching or theology. He has stated that he is "open to counsel and correction, but believes his theology is right." He is considering writing a book on the subject possibly called, "God is not a Christian." He says that he is going to make an issue of it, and that the Church has presented an inaccurate gospel. He states "I will vociferously oppose this religious, arrogant, ignorant, spirit of self-righteousness, bigotry and intolerance, that is rampant among us who call ourselves evangelicals."

Conclusion

One thing that you need to do if you are a Christian is PRAY for Carlton. He is deceived and he needs our prayers. I am not attacking Carlton personally with this article, but rather exposing his heretical teachings. Like I said, pray for him! Pray for the people in his congregation that are also deceived. Prayer does change things.