Realized eschatology

Realized eschatology is a Christian eschatological theory popularised by J.A.T. Robinson (1919-1983), Joachim Jeremias (1900-1979), Ethelbert Stauffer (1902–1979), and C. H. Dodd (1884–1973) that holds that the eschatological passages in the New Testament do not refer to the future, but instead refer to the ministry of Jesus and to his lasting legacy.: 60  Eschatology is therefore not the end of the world but its rebirth instituted by Jesus and continued by his disciples, a historical (rather than transhistorical) phenomenon. Those holding this view generally dismiss eschatological theories as irrelevant; they hold that what Jesus said and did, and told his disciples to do likewise, are of greater significance than any messianic expectations. Realized eschatology contrasts with consistent eschatology. The two concepts have been combined in inaugurated eschatology.[better source needed]

Criticism

Theologian John Walvoord (1910-2002) asserts that realized eschatology attracts liberal Christians who prefer to emphasize the love and goodness of God while rejecting the notion of judgment. On the other hand, theology professor David Wheeler suggests that eschatology should be about being engaged in the process of becoming, rather than waiting for external and unknown forces to bring about destruction.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ In this respect realized eschatology can represent a variety of full preterism.

References and notes

  1. ↑ Horne, Charles M. (1970). "Eschatology - The Controlling Thematic In Theology" (PDF). Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 13 (1): 53–63. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  2. ↑ George Eldon Ladd; Donald Alfred Hagner (1993). A Theology of the New Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 56. ISBN 0802806805.
  3. ↑ McKim, Donald K. (2014). Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (2nd ed.). Louisville, KY: Presbyterian Publishing. p. 106. ISBN 978-1611643862. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  4. ↑ For example: Eberle, Harold R. (6 March 2026). The Comings of Christ. Worldcast Ministries & Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 9781882523979. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
  5. ↑ John's Problem with Jesus
  6. ↑ Ruby Mathews, Eschatology in Matthew
  7. ↑ Walvoord, John F. (1970). "Realized Eschatology". Bibliotheca Sacra. 127 (508): 313–323. ISSN 0006-1921. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  8. ↑ Wheeler, David L. (1993). "Toward a Process-Relational Christian Eschatology". Process Studies. 22 (4). Claremont, CA: Center for Process Studies: 227–237. doi:10.5840/process199322438. ISSN 0360-6503. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.