Everyone Goes To Heaven Poem by Donal Mahoney

Universal salvation claims
everyone goes to Heaven
and no one goes Hell.
Highly controversial.

The auditorium was packed
the night three professors
debated universal salvation.
Questions from the audience
revealed some folks were happy
to hear everyone goes to heaven.
Others groaned in disbelief.

A man in the back row
asked if universal salvation
meant some day he might
have to share a schnitzel
in the clouds with Adolph.
Some folks applauded
that remark and others
stood up and booed.

A man in a white coat
and stethoscope necklace
asked what happens if a
doctor has a heart attack
and dies during an abortion.
Does he go to heaven or
must he be vetted by Peter.
More applause and more boos.

A college student stood up
and said he thought people
should believe in something
then added he meant they
should believe in someone.
Another young man asked if
universal salvation means
murderers and rapists spend
eternity with the angels.

The gathering finally adjourned
to the cafeteria downstairs as
questions and answers
continued over coffee and rolls.
It was the kind of thing one finds
after a church service on Sunday
except the fellowship was missing.
People were still arguing as they
drifted out in groups, sparklers
sizzling in the night.