Theologian, Author and Evidential Apologist 

David Burnfield has taught apologetics for three decades; his work is focused on historical and evidential apologetics for the Christian faith. Patristic Universalism first edition was published in 2013, and in 2016 a second edition was self-published. The book Patristic Universalism defends the historical, biblical and philosophic support for the Early Church view of Universalism. Thus, the name Patristic Universalism reflects the early church belief in Universal Restoration. 

Patristic Universalism is the belief that God desires all men to be saved and achieves this desire through His Son Jesus Christ. While some forms of universalism have sprung up that teach there is no hell and that all truth is relative, this is not the universalism I'm defending. The form of universalism advocated in this book is that which was taught by some of the earliest and greatest church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Gregory of Nyssa. It adheres to all the traditional teachings with only a few areas of deviation such as the doctrine of postmortem evangelism and the doctrine of hell.

"I would fall into the category of a hopeful Universalist. While I find strong scriptural evidence for my position, I can certainly understand why other views regarding what happens to those who die apart from Christ have been advocated. But I would also say that everyone--no what matter their eschatological understanding might be--must likewise be hopeful rather than dogmatic about their particular views for none of us truly knows what will happen at the end of this age."

- David Burnfield

Daivid Burnfield's second work was ten years in the making. The book,   Assessing the Synoptic Problem: A Look at Literary Independence.  At the heart of Burnfield’s work is a defense of the idea that the four canonical gospels were written independently, without the kind of literary dependence (copying from one gospel into another) that most modern scholarship argues for. Burnfield challenges common assumptions about how the similarities and differences among the Synoptic Gospels should be explained, pushing back especially against the dominant view that later evangelists drew on earlier texts or hypothetical sources like Q.  

Theologian, Discipleship and Evangelism Minister 

Wendy Burnfield Founded Patristic Universalism in 2011. Her mission is sharing the good news of God's love and Grace. Her work is deeply rooted in her belief that God's love and mercy can transform lives, and she passionately advocates for those grappling with emotional and spiritual struggles. Her books, The Love and Compassion of God and Abundant Mercy, serve as guiding lights for readers, offering profound insights into the nature of divine love and the redemptive power of mercy. David and Wendy have been married 43 years.

Ministry Background

For 20 years, I have been a convinced Christian Universalist. I spent 25 years providing pastoral care at a large Southern Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, serving a congregation of 5,000 members. I also started and led an evangelism program at our congregation.

For three decades I have worked with Billy Graham Evangelism Missions, Need Him Global Ministries, Fish-the Net Evangelism Ministry, and Voice of the Shepherd Apologetic Ministries. Previously, I worked for Watchman Ministries (A counter-cult ministry) and for a short time served as a board member of the Christian Universalist Association. I also attended a traditional seminary on a full scholarship. 

My Faith Journey Spans Six Decades

My faith journey began when I was twenty-one years old, the moment I was born again. Now, as I enter my sixth decade of life, I can look back and see a path marked by God’s quiet persistence and patient grace.

As I look across my life, I was already encountering the mystery of God from early childhood. I experienced moments of deep spiritual awareness, including mystical visions and encounters that shaped my faith. When I was five years old, I remember feeling profoundly confused by the doctrine of the Trinity. Even at such a young age, these questions carried weight in my heart and mind. That same year, God met me in my confusion with a vision that brought clarity, peace, and reassurance. God is not threatened by our questions and often meets us within them, when we seek His Holy Council.

As the years have unfolded, I have come to understand that spiritual growth has no final chapter in this life. Faith is not static. It deepens, stretches, and matures with each passing decade. I remain a student of the Spirit, learning and unlearning, being shaped and reshaped by God’s presence. I believe this journey will continue for as long as I walk this earth, because God’s work in us is ongoing, faithful, and alive.

I believe that Jesus is the Great Physician and that we will all be healed of our imperfections.  I believe God is omniscient and His ways far outweigh any human. His love will reign, and no soul can be left in their poor estate. For they will be cured by the Great Physician.