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
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