Eschatology

Eschatology (from the Greek Template:Polytonic, Eschatos meaning "last" and -logy meaning "the study of") is a part of theology and philosophy concerned with the final events in the history of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world. While in mysticism the phrase metaphorically refers to the end of ordinary reality and reunion with the Divine, in many traditional religions it is taught as an actual future event prophesied in sacred texts or folklore. More broadly, eschatology may encompass related concepts such as the Messiah or Messianic Age, the end time, and the end of days.

The Greek word Template:Polytonic (aeon), meaning "age", may be translated as "end of the age (or historical period^[1])" instead of "end of the world". The time distinction also has theological significance; while the end of time in mystical traditions relates to escaping confinement in the "given" reality, some religions believe and fear it to be the literal destruction of the planet (or of all living things) - with the human race surviving in some new form, ending the current "age" of existence.

For example, according to ancient Hebrew belief, life takes a linear (and not cyclical) path; the world began with God and is constantly headed toward God’s final goal for creation. For Christians then, the “end times” refer more to their ultimate salvation than the literal destruction of the world. ^[2]

Philosophy

Eschatology has also been a belief shared, sometimes theorized on, by philosophers. Saint Augustine stressed the allegorical method of interpretation. He was greatly influenced by Origen.^[3] He was followed by Ibn al-Nafis^[4] and Hegel with their philosophy of history, and, some have argued, Karl Marx. Theodicy has gathered together most Enlightenment thinkers, among whom are Kant and Rousseau.

More recently, many involved in futures studies and transhumanism have noted the accelerating rate of scientific progress and anticipate a technological singularity in the 21st century that would profoundly and unpredictably change the course of human history.^[5] Artist/futurist Michael E. Arth, for example, speculates about the emergence of a hive-like distributed being that would be self-conscious, integrated into a future version of the Internet, and also able to exhibit any individualized form, or speak any language. This collective intelligence, UNICE: Universal Network of Intelligent Conscious Entities, would connect everyone on the planet before it spreads outward into space.^[6]

Judaism addresses the End times in the book of Isaiah. For Christianity, see the Book of Revelation. For the eschatological beliefs of various religions, see: End Times.

Biblical Eschatology

The Bible makes use of what is called apocalyptic eschatology, most notably in the Book of Revelation. Contrary to popular assumption, apocalyptic literature has very little to do with the actual end of existence; rather it aims to discuss the final purpose of creation. It does this through symbolic language, which uses familiar descriptions to explain eschatological truths. This language is not meant to be taken literally. A great example of symbolic language in the book of Revelations, is when it talks about a beast coming out of the water. In the same chapter it is then explained that the water is symbolic for people.

In the Bible, two types of eschatology are apparent: prophetic and apocalyptic. Prophetic eschatology describes Israel’s past experiences and traditions as it looks toward Israel’s future, in an attempt to give hope to the present people. Apocalyptic eschatology does quite the opposite, looking to the end times as a means of bringing about a new, different world that is beyond this one; apocalyptic eschatology has lost all hope in Israel’s present times.^[7]

Some people take from the Bible the idea that God is in control of our actions, despite whatever happens; it is important to note that in terms of end times, God does have a final plan, but we have the free will to accept it or struggle against it (and be judged accordingly). The Book of Revelation is notable for pointing out the importance of free will in the eschatological situation.

References

^ Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature, Harper's Bible Dictionary, San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 1985, ISBN, s.v. "eschatology"
^ Nicholas Jr., William. I Saw the World End. New York: Paulist Press, 2007.
^ J. Dwight Pentecost. Things to Come. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. ISBN -10: 0310308909 and ISBN-13: 9780310308904. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Unknown parameter |copyright= ignored (help)
^ Dr. Abu Shadi Al-Roubi, Ibnul-Nafees As a Philosopher, Encyclopedia of Islamic World.
^ "The Law of Accelerating Returns"
^ Information about UNICE
^ Nicholas Jr., William. I Saw the World End. New York: Paulist Press, 2007.

External links

A Limited Selection of Books

General (Alphabetical by author)

"The Man The False Prophet and The Harlot", subtitled "The Name of the Antichrist Finally Revealed" by Dr. Anthony M. Giliberti ©1991; Published by "This Is The Generation" Library of Congress Catalog Number 90-93451 ISBN 0-9628419-0-0.

"Have A Nice Doomsday - Why Millions Of Americans Are Looking Forward To The End Of The World" by Nicholas Guyatt. ISBN 9780091910877

'Code'-Type Books

The Book of Daniel compared to the Book of Revelation

Dispensationalism School of Thought (listed alphabetically by author)

"Not Wrath but Rapture!" by H.A. Ironside; NO DATE; published by Loizeaux Brothers, Inc.

"The Millennial Kingdom" by John F. Walvoord ©1959; by Dunham Publishing Co. Academie Books published by Zondervan Publishing House, 1415 Lake Drive. S.E., Grand Rapids Michigan 49506. (NOTE: See Millennium on Wikipedia).

Post-Tribulation School of Thought

"City of Revelation" subtitled "A Book of Forgotten Wisdom" by John Michell ©1972; Ballantine Books (first printing: 11/73 Library of Congress Cat. No. 72-88116 SBN 345-23607-6-150. (NOTE: this book contains information on Gematria, a mathematical science).

Amillenial School of Thought

Christ Will Come Again: Hope for the Second Coming of Jesus by Stephen Travis. 2004 Toronto: Clements Publishing. ISBN 1-894667-33-6

In God's Time: The Bible and the Future by Craig C. Hill. 2002 Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. ISBN 0-802860-90-7

"Shock Wave 2000!" subtitled "The Harold Camping 1994 Debacle"; by Robert Sungenis, Scott Temple, and David Allen Lewis; ©1994 New Leaf Press, Inc., P.O. Box 311, Green Forest AR 72638; ISBN 0-89221-269-1; Library of Congress: 94-67493.

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