The End is Just the Beginning

As I begin my study, I am reminded that no one strain of theology can be considered on its own, independent of other “ologies.” As soon as you get into one subject, you realize there are other subjects that must be brought into the conversation.

A good eschatology is necessarily, and inevitably, shaped by other fields of biblical/theological study. There are a few that are already jumping to mind as I start to think and read:

Hermeneutics

·         How one understands and interprets the Bible as a whole, and certain prophetic passages in particular, is a HUGE part of one’s eschatological framework. What is strictly literal and what is symbolic and how does one decide one over the other? Is there such a thing as double fulfillment? Prophetic telescoping?

Christology

·         What Christ accomplished the first time, and what he has left to accomplish in His second coming also plays a part. Also, Christology informs how the Old Testament is read.

Israel

·         How many of God’s promises to the nation of Israel were fulfilled in Jesus? Do we reinterpret certain passages in the OT with Jesus/the church in mind? What is the distinction between Israel and the church? Does God still have a specific/unique plan for the nation of Israel?

So, though I may be beginning on the path of eschatology, I know I will be going down many a side trail in pursuit of these other factors. It’s a big theological world out there. . .let's hope I don't get lost!

~lg

Road Map to the End of the World

A reading list of eschatological proportions! 

Here’s a draft study plan for how I’m going to go about some of my research. I want it to be multidisciplinary. So I’m going to do some biblical studies, some historical studies, and some theological studies, likely sprinkled with a bit of pop culture/theology.

I’ve got some books on my shelf right now, and I’m going to start with those. I’m also looking for recommendations, so any suggestions would be most welcome! I'm sure this list will be added to as time goes on, but it's a start.

Historic creeds & catechisms

Biblical studies:

Mysterious Apocalypse: Interpreting the Book of Revelation (Arthur W. Wainwright)

Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible: Revelation (Joseph L. Mangina)

Traditional Pentecostal/dispensationalist eschatology:

Eschatology: A Futurist View (Thomas L. Holdcroft) – Pentecostal

Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible (Myer Pearlman) – Pentecostal

Other eschatology:

Hope Against Hope: Christian Eschatology at the Turn of the Millennium (Richard Bauckham & Trevor Hart)

Surprised by Hope (NT Wright) – Anglican

Excerpts from systematic (sorts of) theologies:

Credo (Karl Barth) – Reformed

Dogmatics in Outline (Karl Barth) – not sure I have time to delve into Church Dogmatics!

Systematic Theology Vol 2: The Works of God (Robert Jenson) – Lutheran

Introduction to Christianity (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) – Roman Catholic

Apostolic Faith (David Yeago) – Lutheran

But where to start?

I think I’ll begin where I first began – with what I was taught as a Classical Pentecostal. So it’s back to my Bible College textbook, Eschatology: A Futurist View. I’m interested to see how this book sits with me now. 

~lg