The Last Things: An Eschatology for Laymen

In modern theology the “last things” of traditional Christian doctrine have largely been ignored or replaced with various metaphysical, psychological, or ethical reinterpretations of Christianity. This volume takes the biblical vision of the future seriously once again, explaining the significance of Christian eschatology for the faith and theology of the contemporary church. / Written by nine front-ranking Christian thinkers, The Last Things offers fresh interpretations of the major themes in eschatology. Wolfhart Pannenberg begins the volume by laying out the challenges of eschatological reflection in today's world. Carl E. Braaten speaks to our need to recover the apocalyptic imagination that defines both the early church and the gospel itself. Robert W. Jenson explores the nature of the eschaton. Paul D. Hanson discusses the relationship between the Bible and politics. Arland J. Hultgren looks at eschatology in the New Testament, particularly Jesus' own view of the future. David Novak compares and contrasts the Jewish and Christian approaches to God and history. John A. McGuckin focuses in depth on the book of Revelation. Philip D. W. Krey describes Martin Luther's understanding of the Apocalypse. Last, George L. Murphy asks what contributions science might make to the study of eschatology. / Recognizing that the doctrine of the last things has been a source of disagreement in the history of the church, the contributors offer ecumenical perspectives on their respective topics, together casting a promising image of the future for the whole church.