Christian Theology
Introduction
This Unit will focus on the “Kingdom of God.” Eschatology is a word that comes from the Greek ‘eschaton’ meaning last, final, or end thing. It literally means “thinking about the end.” The word ‘end’ has two major meanings: one, to be last in a series, and another, that of a goal. Eschatology also includes thinking about the future and the impact of the future on the present. Two of those futures are secondary future and ultimate or absolute future. Secondary future is our plans and dreams for tomorrow, next month, etc., i.e., the near future. The ultimate or absolute future is the way in which we are moving.
RESOURCES
Textbook: The Mosaic of Christian Belief, Roger E. Olson, Chap 15
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Discuss the following questions. Is the Christian teaching about the judgment good news or bad news?
2. How should knowledge of the judgment affect the way one lives?
3. How does it affect your life?
4. Is universalism or annihilationism more “Christian” than the doctrine of Hell?
5. How would your presentation of the Gospel change if you came to embrace universalism?
6. How would your presentation of the Gospel change if you came to embrace annihilationism?
7. What practical difference does it make if we conceive of our eternal home as a heavenly realm beyond the universe or a new earth enveloped by a new heaven?
8. What does it mean for you to live in the light of our future glorification?
9. In what ways can we glorify God in this life?
