The Children of Abraham The End of Days Sunday, April 22, 2007 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor. Everyone is welcome!

The Children of The Children of AbrahamAbraham

The End of DaysThe End of Days

Sunday, April 22, 200710 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor.

Everyone is welcome!

Primary ReferencesPrimary References Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and

Practice of Judaism, Christianity, and IslamPractice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jacob , Jacob Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Academic Publishers, 2002Academic Publishers, 2002

Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third EditionEdition. Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, . Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 2001Oxford, 2001

Introduction to Theology. Third Edition.Introduction to Theology. Third Edition. Owen C. Owen C. Thomas, Ellen K. Wondra. Morehouse Publishing, Thomas, Ellen K. Wondra. Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, 2002Harrisburg, 2002

The Faith of a Physicist.The Faith of a Physicist. John Polkinghorne. John Polkinghorne. Fortress Press. Minneapolis. 1994.Fortress Press. Minneapolis. 1994.

O God, whose days are without end, and whose O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we pray, mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we pray, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let your Holy Spirit lead us in of human life; and let your Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we shall have served you in our when we shall have served you in our generation, we may be gathered to our generation, we may be gathered to our ancestors, having the testimony of a good ancestors, having the testimony of a good conscience, in the communion of the Catholic conscience, in the communion of the Catholic Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in favor the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in favor with you, our God, and in perfect charity with the with you, our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.Lord.

Book of Common Prayer, p. 504Book of Common Prayer, p. 504

The End of DaysThe End of DaysIntroductionIntroduction

The End of DaysThe End of DaysIntroductionIntroduction

Judaism, Christianity, Islam concur:Judaism, Christianity, Islam concur: history is linear, unidirectional, has a purpose and ultimate goalhistory is linear, unidirectional, has a purpose and ultimate goal each human being is responsible for their deeds in this life and each human being is responsible for their deeds in this life and

answerable for them to the One Godanswerable for them to the One God each human being’s deeds in this life effects their status in the each human being’s deeds in this life effects their status in the

world to comeworld to come

They differ on the details of:They differ on the details of: the stories of the end timesthe stories of the end times the resurrection of the deadthe resurrection of the dead the judgmentthe judgment eternal lifeeternal life

JudaismJudaismThe End of DaysThe End of Days

JudaismJudaismThe MessiahThe Messiah

MashiahMashiah (= (= MessiahMessiah): the “anointed one”): the “anointed one” Enthronement of the king of ancient Judah involved Enthronement of the king of ancient Judah involved

anointing the head with oilanointing the head with oil Calling the king of Judah Calling the king of Judah MashiahMashiah ( (MessiahMessiah) like calling ) like calling

the king of England the “crowned head”the king of England the “crowned head” The dynasty of David, son of Jesse, ended in the 6The dynasty of David, son of Jesse, ended in the 6thth century century

B.C. when the Persians dethroned King ZerubabbelB.C. when the Persians dethroned King Zerubabbel Under the foreign rule of the pagan empires of Persians, Under the foreign rule of the pagan empires of Persians,

Greeks, and Rome, the hope grew among the Jews for a Greeks, and Rome, the hope grew among the Jews for a MessiahMessiah to return to throne of Israel to return to throne of Israel


God is the Master of history, and eventually will lead God is the Master of history, and eventually will lead the world to redemptionthe world to redemption

A day would come – the day of the A day would come – the day of the MessiahMessiah – when: – when: Pagan empires would be overthrown and the “Kingdom of Pagan empires would be overthrown and the “Kingdom of

God” establishedGod” established Peace and perfect justice would reign through the worldPeace and perfect justice would reign through the world The “shoot of Jesse” (Isaiah 11) would rule in righteous The “shoot of Jesse” (Isaiah 11) would rule in righteous

according to Torahaccording to Torah The faithful would be able to enjoy the promised land and The faithful would be able to enjoy the promised land and

respond to the commandments (respond to the commandments (MitzvotMitzvot) without obstacles) without obstacles The lion and the lamb would dwell togetherThe lion and the lamb would dwell together


(Maimonides Mishneh Torah XI, XII): (Maimonides Mishneh Torah XI, XII): The world will not The world will not change its accustomed order, but Israel will dwell change its accustomed order, but Israel will dwell secure, and humanity will find that true faith which secure, and humanity will find that true faith which will prevent them from making war and carrying will prevent them from making war and carrying destruction. Israel will not become exalted over destruction. Israel will not become exalted over humanity, or wield power, but will be undisturbed to humanity, or wield power, but will be undisturbed to follow Torah, study it, perform its follow Torah, study it, perform its MitzvotMitzvot. No longer . No longer will there be war in the world; all humanity will enjoy will there be war in the world; all humanity will enjoy peace and prosperity; and all will search for that peace and prosperity; and all will search for that wisdom which God alone can givewisdom which God alone can give


Book of Malachi: Book of Malachi: ElijahElijah (who had never died, but (who had never died, but transported bodily in heaven) would arrive as a transported bodily in heaven) would arrive as a messianic herald “before the awesome, fearful day of messianic herald “before the awesome, fearful day of God” to prepare the wayGod” to prepare the way Rabbinic folklore: Rabbinic folklore: ElijahElijah will answer all the difficult will answer all the difficult

questions of law, so the law will be complete for the questions of law, so the law will be complete for the MessiahMessiah

Book of Daniel: Cataclysmic Events and Book of Daniel: Cataclysmic Events and persecutions, particularly for the Jews (“birthpangs of persecutions, particularly for the Jews (“birthpangs of the Messiah”) would proceed the Messiah’s arrivalthe Messiah”) would proceed the Messiah’s arrival


Rabbinic folklore of the birthpangs of the Messiah:Rabbinic folklore of the birthpangs of the Messiah: The forces of evil will gather into a great army: army of The forces of evil will gather into a great army: army of

Gog and MagogGog and Magog The few forces of good would be led by The few forces of good would be led by Messiah ben Messiah ben

JosephJoseph (a Messiah descended from Joseph, son of Jacob) (a Messiah descended from Joseph, son of Jacob) The two armies will fight six indecisive battles. In the 7th The two armies will fight six indecisive battles. In the 7th

battle – Armageddon – battle – Armageddon – Messiah ben JosephMessiah ben Joseph will be killed will be killed God will then send God will then send Messiah ben DavidMessiah ben David who will defeat the who will defeat the

army of Gog and Magog and bring about the Messianic agearmy of Gog and Magog and bring about the Messianic age


When will the Messiah come?When will the Messiah come? The Pharisees and their successors (the Rabbis) The Pharisees and their successors (the Rabbis)

advised patient waiting for a better worldadvised patient waiting for a better world God would send the Messiah in God’s good timeGod would send the Messiah in God’s good time We should do nothing to try to hasten the arrival of We should do nothing to try to hasten the arrival of

the Messiah. Our primary task is to live righteously the Messiah. Our primary task is to live righteously according to Torahaccording to Torah ““If you are planting a tree and you hear that the If you are planting a tree and you hear that the

Messiah has come, first finish planting the tree, Messiah has come, first finish planting the tree, then go to greet him.”then go to greet him.” (Rabbi Johanan ben Zakkai) (Rabbi Johanan ben Zakkai)


The Messiah will come when either:The Messiah will come when either: The world is so hopelessly corrupt that only a Messiah sent The world is so hopelessly corrupt that only a Messiah sent

from God can save itfrom God can save it When Israel has attained sanctification through complete When Israel has attained sanctification through complete

acceptance of Torahacceptance of Torah Babylonian Talmud Taanit 1:1: Babylonian Talmud Taanit 1:1: If Israel repents If Israel repents

for one day, forthwith the son of David will for one day, forthwith the son of David will come… If Israel would keep a single Sabbath come… If Israel would keep a single Sabbath in the proper way, forthwith the son of David in the proper way, forthwith the son of David will comewill come


Orthodox Jews believe the Orthodox Jews believe the MessiahMessiah will be a real person will be a real person Reform Jews believe a Reform Jews believe a Messianic AgeMessianic Age will come rather than a will come rather than a

personal Messiah:personal Messiah: Hermann Cohen: Hermann Cohen: “The future, which the prophets have painted “The future, which the prophets have painted

in the symbol of the Messiah, is the future of world history. in the symbol of the Messiah, is the future of world history. It is the goal, it is the meaning of history. It is humanity itself It is the goal, it is the meaning of history. It is humanity itself which has to bring about this age of the Messiah. …. The which has to bring about this age of the Messiah. …. The realization of morality on earth, its tasks and its eternal realization of morality on earth, its tasks and its eternal goal, this, and nothing else is the meaning of the Messiah goal, this, and nothing else is the meaning of the Messiah for us.”for us.”

In other words: for Reformed Jews, In other words: for Reformed Jews, MessianismMessianism is the human project is the human project for the improvement of the human societyfor the improvement of the human society

JudaismJudaismResurrection from the DeadResurrection from the Dead

Daniel 12:2 (JPS Tanakh): “Daniel 12:2 (JPS Tanakh): “Many of those that Many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, others to reproaches, to some to eternal life, others to reproaches, to everlasting abhorrence”everlasting abhorrence”

Second Maccabees (written in the first century BC) Second Maccabees (written in the first century BC) helped spread the doctrine of the helped spread the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Resurrection of the BodyBody


By the first century AD, it was accepted by most Jews By the first century AD, it was accepted by most Jews (except the (except the SadduceesSadducees))

The The PhariseesPharisees so firmly believed in the doctrine that so firmly believed in the doctrine that they interpreted the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1) as they interpreted the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1) as referring to both the rescue from Egypt and the future referring to both the rescue from Egypt and the future ResurrectionResurrection


Rabbinic folklore and midrash:Rabbinic folklore and midrash: after the after the Messiah ben DavidMessiah ben David has come and defeated the forces of evil has come and defeated the forces of evil

(army of Gog and Magog), all those who have ever lived will be (army of Gog and Magog), all those who have ever lived will be resurrected in the resurrected in the Valley of JehosaphatValley of Jehosaphat (east of the Temple Mount) (east of the Temple Mount)

Last Judgment will follow, Last Judgment will follow, Messiah ben DavidMessiah ben David presiding presiding Those judged good climb to the Temple Mount to build the Third Those judged good climb to the Temple Mount to build the Third

Temple; those judged evil sent to Temple; those judged evil sent to GehinnomGehinnom (“the Valley of Hinnom”) (“the Valley of Hinnom”) Feast of the Righteous follows, prepared by God from the primeval Feast of the Righteous follows, prepared by God from the primeval

monster Leviathanmonster Leviathan Righteous receive their reward in paradise, Righteous receive their reward in paradise, Gan EdenGan Eden (Garden of (Garden of

Eden)Eden)


GehinnomGehinnom sometimes depicted as hellsometimes depicted as hell usually a purgatory where sinners are punished for less usually a purgatory where sinners are punished for less

than 12 months (with rest every Sabbath)than 12 months (with rest every Sabbath) Mishnah Ediyot 2:10: Mishnah Ediyot 2:10: The punishment of the The punishment of the

wicked in wicked in GehinnomGehinnom lasts for twelve months, lasts for twelve months, for it has been written: ‘it will be from month for it has been written: ‘it will be from month to [the same] month [of the following year] to [the same] month [of the following year] (Isaiah 66:23)(Isaiah 66:23)


Justification for the Resurrection of the Dead:Justification for the Resurrection of the Dead:

Jacob Neusner, in Three Faiths, One God: Jacob Neusner, in Three Faiths, One God: Within the Within the framework of a theology of a just and merciful God, framework of a theology of a just and merciful God, man must survive the grave, or justice cannot be man must survive the grave, or justice cannot be done. This world on its own hardly serves, for the done. This world on its own hardly serves, for the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. … the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. … the righteous, who will stand in judgment and enter the righteous, who will stand in judgment and enter the world to come, must by definition encompass in world to come, must by definition encompass in their number not only those alive at the very final their number not only those alive at the very final moment of humanity’s life beyond Eden, but also all moment of humanity’s life beyond Eden, but also all those who have ever lived.those who have ever lived.


Modern Judaism generally rejects idea of eternal Modern Judaism generally rejects idea of eternal damnation (despite Daniel 12:2), as inconsistent with damnation (despite Daniel 12:2), as inconsistent with a loving Goda loving God

Orthodox Jews continue to pray for the ResurrectionOrthodox Jews continue to pray for the Resurrection Reform Jews have generally eliminated prayers for a Reform Jews have generally eliminated prayers for a

Resurrection from their services, and in the past have Resurrection from their services, and in the past have rejected the doctrine of a Resurrection of the Bodyrejected the doctrine of a Resurrection of the Body they do believe in the immortality of the soulthey do believe in the immortality of the soul

JudaismJudaismThe World to ComeThe World to Come

Common theme in rabbinic literature: “this world” versus the Common theme in rabbinic literature: “this world” versus the “world to come” (“world to come” (Olam HabaOlam Haba) where:) where: righteous will be rewardedrighteous will be rewarded Israel will shine in glory as God’s peopleIsrael will shine in glory as God’s people light of God’s presence will shine for alllight of God’s presence will shine for all

The relationship of the “world to come” to the time of the The relationship of the “world to come” to the time of the Messiah and the Resurrection is unclearMessiah and the Resurrection is unclear

The details of the “world to come” are unknown, for: The details of the “world to come” are unknown, for: concerning concerning Olam HabaOlam Haba: : ‘No eye has seen it, O God, but ‘No eye has seen it, O God, but Yours’ (Isaiah 64:3)Yours’ (Isaiah 64:3) (B. Berkhot 35b; B. Sanhedrin 99a) (B. Berkhot 35b; B. Sanhedrin 99a)

IslamIslamThe End of DaysThe End of Days

IslamIslamA Life Directed to the Other ExistenceA Life Directed to the Other Existence

Birth, life, death in this “nearer” world (Birth, life, death in this “nearer” world (al-dunyaal-dunya) is ) is directed to resurrection and eternal life in the “other” directed to resurrection and eternal life in the “other” existence (existence (al-daral-dar), the last abode, or end, or hereafter ), the last abode, or end, or hereafter ((al-akhirahal-akhirah))

IslamIslamA Life Directed to the Other ExistenceA Life Directed to the Other Existence

Resurrection and judgment is the single, great, Resurrection and judgment is the single, great, culminating event of creation. Called:culminating event of creation. Called: The Day of Resurrection: The Day of Resurrection: yawn al-qiyamahyawn al-qiyamah (Qur’an 2:85); (Qur’an 2:85);

yawm al-ba’th (Qur’an 30:56)yawm al-ba’th (Qur’an 30:56) The Last Day: al-yawm The Last Day: al-yawm al-akhirahal-akhirah (Qur’an 2:8) (Qur’an 2:8) The Day of Judgment: The Day of Judgment: yawm al-dinyawm al-din (Qur’an 1:4) (Qur’an 1:4) The Day of Reckoning: The Day of Reckoning: yawm al Hisabyawm al Hisab (Qur’an 40:27) (Qur’an 40:27) The Day of Decision: The Day of Decision: yawm al-faslyawm al-fasl (Qur’an 37:21) (Qur’an 37:21) The Hour: The Hour: al-sa’ahal-sa’ah (Qur’an 22:7) (Qur’an 22:7)

On that day, every person will be judged on the basis On that day, every person will be judged on the basis of their actions in this “nearer” worldof their actions in this “nearer” world

IslamIslamBetween Death and ResurrectionBetween Death and Resurrection

After death: angels call forth the soul to the grave, in After death: angels call forth the soul to the grave, in a state called a state called barzakhbarzakh (“barrier”) that separates life (“barrier”) that separates life from death, and death from the Day of Resurrectionfrom death, and death from the Day of Resurrection

There is a preliminary judgment:There is a preliminary judgment: A person of faith: gets a comfortable experience in the A person of faith: gets a comfortable experience in the

gravegrave Unbeliever: gets pain and punishmentUnbeliever: gets pain and punishment

““We shall punish them twice, and then they We shall punish them twice, and then they will be brought back to a mighty will be brought back to a mighty punishment”punishment” (al Bukhari 23:89 Hadith) (al Bukhari 23:89 Hadith)

IslamIslamDay of Resurrection and JudgmentDay of Resurrection and Judgment

Cosmic cataclysms will mark the coming of Cosmic cataclysms will mark the coming of the Hourthe Hour

Qur’an 82:1-5: Qur’an 82:1-5: When the sky is torn When the sky is torn apart, when the stars are scattered, apart, when the stars are scattered, when the seas burst forth, when graves when the seas burst forth, when graves turn inside out: each soul will know turn inside out: each soul will know what it has done and what it has left what it has done and what it has left undoneundone


The sky will become The sky will become “like molten metal”“like molten metal” (Qur’an (Qur’an 70:8)70:8) mountains mountains “blown away”“blown away” (Qur’an 77:10) like (Qur’an 77:10) like “tufts of “tufts of

wool”wool” (Qur’an 70:9, 101:5) (Qur’an 70:9, 101:5) sun and moon will come together (Qur’an 75:8-9)sun and moon will come together (Qur’an 75:8-9) stars will be extinguished (Qur’an 77:8)stars will be extinguished (Qur’an 77:8) nursing mothers will abandon their suckling babes; nursing mothers will abandon their suckling babes;

pregnant women will miscarry (Qur’an 22:2)pregnant women will miscarry (Qur’an 22:2) children will turn gray as if aged (Qur’an 73:17)children will turn gray as if aged (Qur’an 73:17)


Among Hadith Among Hadith (stories of the Prophet (stories of the Prophet

Muhammad’s life) Muhammad’s life) additions:additions: An “antichrist” An “antichrist” al-Dajjalal-Dajjal, will bring tyranny, , will bring tyranny,

suffering, injusticesuffering, injustice Jesus will descend to re-establish peace before the Jesus will descend to re-establish peace before the

Hour (in some accounts, he kills the Hour (in some accounts, he kills the DajjalDajjal))


Resurrection of the bodies of the dead begins with the Resurrection of the bodies of the dead begins with the blowing of trumpet (Qur’an 74:8, 78:18)blowing of trumpet (Qur’an 74:8, 78:18)

God brings back to life those who have died, God brings back to life those who have died, recapitulating creation:recapitulating creation: Qur’an 10:4: Qur’an 10:4: It is to Him you shall all return … It It is to Him you shall all return … It

was He who created [you] in the first place, and was He who created [you] in the first place, and He will do so again, so that He may justly reward He will do so again, so that He may justly reward those who believe and do good deeds. But the those who believe and do good deeds. But the disbelievers will have a drink of scalding water, disbelievers will have a drink of scalding water, and agonizing torment, because they persistently and agonizing torment, because they persistently disbelieved.”disbelieved.”


All human beings gather on a vast plain under a All human beings gather on a vast plain under a brilliant sun; only the throne of judgment providing brilliant sun; only the throne of judgment providing any shadeany shade

Righteous Muslims will meet the Prophet and quench Righteous Muslims will meet the Prophet and quench their thirst at great pool or basin of watertheir thirst at great pool or basin of water

Deeds of every person are recorded in a book of Deeds of every person are recorded in a book of deeds or deeds or kitabkitab (described both as a single ledger, or a (described both as a single ledger, or a separate personal record)separate personal record)


The pious get their personal record in their right The pious get their personal record in their right hand; the condemned in their left hand:hand; the condemned in their left hand: Qur’an 69:19-23; 25-27: Qur’an 69:19-23; 25-27: Anyone who is given his Anyone who is given his

Record (kitab) in his right had will say, ‘Here is my Record (kitab) in his right had will say, ‘Here is my Record, read it. I knew I would meet my Record, read it. I knew I would meet my Reckoning,’ and so he will have a pleasant life in a Reckoning,’ and so he will have a pleasant life in a lofty Garden, with clustered fruit within his reach. lofty Garden, with clustered fruit within his reach. But anyone who is given his Record in his left But anyone who is given his Record in his left hand will say, ‘If only I had never been given any hand will say, ‘If only I had never been given any Record and knew nothing of my Reckoning. How I Record and knew nothing of my Reckoning. How I wish death had been the end of me.’wish death had been the end of me.’


After the reckoning of deeds, the righteous will After the reckoning of deeds, the righteous will proceed to Paradise, by tradition crossing a bridge proceed to Paradise, by tradition crossing a bridge ((siratsirat) over the Fire) over the Fire

There may be a possibility of intercession by others at There may be a possibility of intercession by others at the Judgment:the Judgment: Passages in the Qur’an are conflictingPassages in the Qur’an are conflicting The Hadith (stories of the Prophet Muhammad’s life) offer The Hadith (stories of the Prophet Muhammad’s life) offer

some examples of intercession:some examples of intercession: by the Prophet Muhammad on behalf of the faithfulby the Prophet Muhammad on behalf of the faithful by the faithful who are marked for Paradiseby the faithful who are marked for Paradise


Hadith: God will say at the last Judgment:Hadith: God will say at the last Judgment:

The angels have interceded, the The angels have interceded, the prophets have interceded, and the prophets have interceded, and the faithful have interceded; there remains faithful have interceded; there remains only the Most Merciful of the merciful only the Most Merciful of the merciful (al-Bukhari 97:24:5, Muslim 1:302, Musnad (al-Bukhari 97:24:5, Muslim 1:302, Musnad 3:94-95)3:94-95)

IslamIslamGarden Paradise or FireGarden Paradise or Fire

A “Garden Paradise” and “Fire” are images found in A “Garden Paradise” and “Fire” are images found in the Qur’an for eternal salvation and damnation:the Qur’an for eternal salvation and damnation:

Qur’an 13:35: Qur’an 13:35: Here is a picture of the Garden Here is a picture of the Garden that those mindful of God have been that those mindful of God have been promised: flowing streams and perpetual promised: flowing streams and perpetual food and shade. This is the reward that food and shade. This is the reward that awaits those who are mindful of God; the awaits those who are mindful of God; the disbelievers’ reward is the Firedisbelievers’ reward is the Fire

IslamIslamGarden Paradise or FireGarden Paradise or Fire

Bliss of paradise, agony of hell are emphasized in the Bliss of paradise, agony of hell are emphasized in the Qur’an and throughout Islamic traditionQur’an and throughout Islamic tradition

They are often described in physical terms, but can be They are often described in physical terms, but can be taken figurativelytaken figuratively

One’s destination is a result of one’s moral (or One’s destination is a result of one’s moral (or immoral life), and one’s faith (or failure) in immoral life), and one’s faith (or failure) in worshiping the One, True God. There will be worshiping the One, True God. There will be “ultimate retribution for evil deeds and “ultimate retribution for evil deeds and unbelief, and ultimate recompense for good unbelief, and ultimate recompense for good deeds and faith.”deeds and faith.” (William Graham) (William Graham)

ChristianityChristianityThe End of DaysThe End of Days

ChristianityChristianityKingdom of GodKingdom of God

The reign of God (The reign of God (“The Kingdom of God”“The Kingdom of God”) has ) has already begun; and will be fully expressed at end of already begun; and will be fully expressed at end of history. God's purposes for creation will be fulfilledhistory. God's purposes for creation will be fulfilled

Paul: coming of Christ inaugurated a new era or age, a Paul: coming of Christ inaugurated a new era or age, a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), which has yet to be “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), which has yet to be fulfilledfulfilled

We say the Kingdom of God is We say the Kingdom of God is “Now and Not Yet”“Now and Not Yet” Now:Now: Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom (planted the Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom (planted the

mustard seed)mustard seed) Not Yet:Not Yet: Kingdom not yet fulfilled (mustard seed has not Kingdom not yet fulfilled (mustard seed has not

grown fully)grown fully)

ChristianityChristianityDeathDeath

The fact of death and its unpredictability requires us to The fact of death and its unpredictability requires us to acknowledge our dependence on God at all times, in all acknowledge our dependence on God at all times, in all projects and relationships. Failure to do so is to live projects and relationships. Failure to do so is to live inauthenticallyinauthentically

Tradition: at death, a person's immortal “soul” separates Tradition: at death, a person's immortal “soul” separates from their bodyfrom their body

A A Particular JudgmentParticular Judgment occurs in which the soul occurs in which the soul understands its fateunderstands its fate

The soul then proceeds to hell or to a state of waiting (and The soul then proceeds to hell or to a state of waiting (and perhaps the souls of some martyrs and saints get to go perhaps the souls of some martyrs and saints get to go directly to “heaven”)directly to “heaven”)

ChristianityChristianitySecond Coming of ChristSecond Coming of Christ

At the end of history Christ comes again in At the end of history Christ comes again in power and glory: power and glory: The ParousiaThe Parousia = The Second = The Second Coming of ChristComing of Christ

God's purpose will be fulfilled, and this will God's purpose will be fulfilled, and this will consist in the reign of God as revealed to us in consist in the reign of God as revealed to us in JesusJesus

ChristianityChristianityGeneral Resurrection of the BodyGeneral Resurrection of the Body

There will be a There will be a General Resurrection of the General Resurrection of the BodyBody. Everyone who has ever lived will be . Everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected as beings with a glorified resurrected as beings with a glorified “physicality” or body“physicality” or body Thus the Christian hope is not an escape from the Thus the Christian hope is not an escape from the

"physical" aspects of existence"physical" aspects of existence

ChristianityChristianityGeneral / Final JudgmentGeneral / Final Judgment

Then there is a Then there is a General or Final JudgmentGeneral or Final Judgment Eternal fate of all is proclaimed (presumably Eternal fate of all is proclaimed (presumably

confirming the confirming the Particular JudgmentParticular Judgment)) By tradition, the saved then proceed to “heaven;” the By tradition, the saved then proceed to “heaven;” the

damned to “hell”damned to “hell”

ChristianityChristianityGeneral / Final JudgmentGeneral / Final Judgment

A A General JudgmentGeneral Judgment before all generations before all generations suggests:suggests: An essential interrelatedness and communal destiny of all An essential interrelatedness and communal destiny of all

human persons at all times and places human persons at all times and places Human history will be assessed and judged in the light of Human history will be assessed and judged in the light of

our communal responsibility for the destinies of each otherour communal responsibility for the destinies of each other The ambiguities of good and evil in history will in the turn The ambiguities of good and evil in history will in the turn

be overcomebe overcome

ChristianityChristianityHeaven and New CreationHeaven and New Creation

Revelation 21:1-5 (NRSV): Revelation 21:1-5 (NRSV): Then I saw a new heaven and a Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”making all things new.”


New Testament parables give strongly communal descriptions New Testament parables give strongly communal descriptions of “heaven”of “heaven” a banqueta banquet wedding feastwedding feast a city (New Jerusalem)a city (New Jerusalem)

Doctrine of God as Trinity also argues for the communal Doctrine of God as Trinity also argues for the communal nature of heavennature of heaven

McGrath: McGrath: “Eternal life is thus not a projection of an “Eternal life is thus not a projection of an individual human existence, but is rather to be seen individual human existence, but is rather to be seen as sharing, with the redeemed community as a as sharing, with the redeemed community as a whole, in the community of a loving God.”whole, in the community of a loving God.”


The promise of a community of resurrected humanity The promise of a community of resurrected humanity with glorified bodies living within a new creation:with glorified bodies living within a new creation: Thomas & Wondra: Suggests Thomas & Wondra: Suggests “a fulfillment of “a fulfillment of

creaturehood, individuality, ... physical creaturehood, individuality, ... physical embodiment, and temporality, and not to the embodiment, and temporality, and not to the denial or transcending of these aspects of human denial or transcending of these aspects of human and cosmic history.”and cosmic history.”

Invites speculation on the nature of the Invites speculation on the nature of the New CreationNew Creation:: (1) is it a completely new creation? ((1) is it a completely new creation? (creatio ex nihilocreatio ex nihilo)) (2) or is it a transformation of the present creation? ((2) or is it a transformation of the present creation? (creatio ex creatio ex

veterevetere))


John Polkinghorne argues the John Polkinghorne argues the New CreationNew Creation is a is a transformation of the present creation:transformation of the present creation: The old creation has the character which is The old creation has the character which is

appropriate to an evolutionary universe, endowed appropriate to an evolutionary universe, endowed with the ability through the shuffling explorations with the ability through the shuffling explorations of its happenstance to ‘make itselfof its happenstance to ‘make itself’’

The new creation represents the transformation of The new creation represents the transformation of that [old] universe when it enters freely into a new that [old] universe when it enters freely into a new and closer relationship with its Creator, so that it and closer relationship with its Creator, so that it becomes a totally sacramental world, suffused becomes a totally sacramental world, suffused with the divine presence.with the divine presence.

ChristianityChristianityHellHell

““Hell” is the assertion that human freedom can Hell” is the assertion that human freedom can be used for a painful self-damnation and self-be used for a painful self-damnation and self-destruction, which may involve a final destruction, which may involve a final concluding reality beyond deathconcluding reality beyond death


Interest in hell was particularly strong in the Middle Ages, Interest in hell was particularly strong in the Middle Ages, where it was described as a static, eternal placewhere it was described as a static, eternal place

This view continued to have influence in modern times:This view continued to have influence in modern times:

Jonathan Edwards’ sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Jonathan Edwards’ sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” preached July 8, 1741: God,” preached July 8, 1741: It would be dreadful to It would be dreadful to suffer this fierceness and wrath of Almighty God for suffer this fierceness and wrath of Almighty God for one moment, but you must suffer it for all eternity. one moment, but you must suffer it for all eternity. There will be no end to this exquisite horrible There will be no end to this exquisite horrible misery... You will know that you must wear out long misery... You will know that you must wear out long ages, millions of millions of ages, in wrestling and ages, millions of millions of ages, in wrestling and conflicting with this almighty merciless vengeanceconflicting with this almighty merciless vengeance


Criticism of this idea of an “eternal hell:”Criticism of this idea of an “eternal hell:” Its existence seems a contradiction to belief that in Its existence seems a contradiction to belief that in

the end God will reign over all. Instead, it implies the end God will reign over all. Instead, it implies God will God will never never fully triumph over evilfully triumph over evil

An An eternaleternal vindictive punishment of sinners for a vindictive punishment of sinners for a finitefinite number of offenses (even if against an number of offenses (even if against an infiniteinfinite God) seems “un-Christian,” impossible to God) seems “un-Christian,” impossible to reconcile with a loving Godreconcile with a loving God

ChristianityChristianityUniversalismUniversalism

UniversalismUniversalism: in the end, everyone will be saved: in the end, everyone will be saved The great church father The great church father Origen of AlexandriaOrigen of Alexandria (185- (185-

254 AD) argued:254 AD) argued: The idea that God and Satan would rule over respective The idea that God and Satan would rule over respective

kingdoms for all eternity is an unacceptable dualismkingdoms for all eternity is an unacceptable dualism The final redeemed version of creation cannot include a The final redeemed version of creation cannot include a

hell or kingdom of Satan. In the end, all of creation must be hell or kingdom of Satan. In the end, all of creation must be restored to Godrestored to God


John A. T. Robinson (English theologian John A. T. Robinson (English theologian 1960’s):1960’s): ““May we not imagine a love so strong that May we not imagine a love so strong that

ultimately no one will be able to retrain ultimately no one will be able to retrain himself from free and grateful surrender?”himself from free and grateful surrender?”

““In a universe of love there can be no In a universe of love there can be no heaven which tolerates a chamber of heaven which tolerates a chamber of horrors.”horrors.”


Thomas and Wondra: Thomas and Wondra: “So this issue comes “So this issue comes down to whether we are to give more weight down to whether we are to give more weight to human freedom to turn away from God’s to human freedom to turn away from God’s love, or to the power of God’s love to win all love, or to the power of God’s love to win all people freely to God. Any victory of God that people freely to God. Any victory of God that violates human freedom is not a victory of violates human freedom is not a victory of love but of coercion. But it is possible to love but of coercion. But it is possible to conceive of a love so powerful that ultimately conceive of a love so powerful that ultimately no one will be able to resist free and grateful no one will be able to resist free and grateful surrender.”surrender.”

Primary ReferencesPrimary References Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and

Practice of Judaism, Christianity, and IslamPractice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jacob , Jacob Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Academic Publishers, 2002Academic Publishers, 2002

Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third EditionEdition. Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, . Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 2001Oxford, 2001

Introduction to Theology. Third Edition.Introduction to Theology. Third Edition. Owen C. Owen C. Thomas, Ellen K. Wondra. Morehouse Publishing, Thomas, Ellen K. Wondra. Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, 2002Harrisburg, 2002

The Faith of a Physicist.The Faith of a Physicist. John Polkinghorne. John Polkinghorne. Fortress Press. Minneapolis. 1994.Fortress Press. Minneapolis. 1994.

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The Children of Abraham The End of Days Sunday, April 22, 2007 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor. Everyone is welcome!