The End of the World?: A New Look at an Old BeliefWith the millennium fast approaching, here is a book that is both timely and informative. Reginald Stackhouse reviews the long-held belief that the world as we know it will end, that Christ will return, and that a new social order will be established.Writing in a popular style, Stackhouse provides an accessible look at eschatology, particularly biblical prophecies about the end of the world, from a historical perspective. He outlines three ways of interpreting biblical discussions of the end times that have been employed in Christian history: -- Millennial confidence: the best is yet to come-- Pastoral interpretation: the best is beyond this world-- Social interpretation: the best can be found here and nowThroughout his work the author uses historical figures and examples to illustrate his points. |
Contents
The Millennial Interpretation The Best Is Yet to Be | 31 |
The Pastoral Interpretation The Best Is Beyond This World | 69 |
The Social Interpretation The Best Can Be Here and Now | 97 |
Conclusion | 121 |
Sources | 127 |
Common terms and phrases
accept Ante-Nicene Fathers apocalyptic Augustine believers Bible biblical book of Revelation Bultmann called century Christ will return Christ's return Christian eschatology Christians Christopher Columbus church City City of God claim committed confidence Daniel death divine plan doctrine end and Christ eschatol eschatology eternal evil expected faith Fifth Monarchy Men future Gnosticism God's kingdom gospel happen heaven hope human Jesus Christ Joachim Joachim of Fiore judge judgment Jürgen Moltmann King kingdom on earth leaders liberation live look Lord Lord's Luther mean messiah Míguez-Bonino millennial interpretation millennialism millennialists millennium Miller Millerites Moltmann Munster Niebuhr old order Origen pastoral interpretation political preaching predicted promise prophecies prophets Rahner Rauschenbusch religion return of Christ Revelation Rome salvation savior scriptures second coming sects social interpretation society spiritual Tertullian Testament theologians theology things thought tion understand vision Waco world will end York