Hold the Doomsday Predictions, Please

Harold Camping’s latest false prediction concerning the end of the world once again illustrates how important it is that Christians think carefully and critically about controversial issues like Bible prophecy. Below is an article I wrote about the challenging and often speculative field of Christian eschatology. (This article is part 7 of a 12-part series on eschatology; all 12 posts are available in the Reflections archives.)

Future Things: Christ’s Kingdom, Part 8 (of 12)

Already, but not yet.

This brief and enigmatic statement reflects the thinking of historic Christians when it comes to eschatology (the study or doctrine of “last things”). It means that Christ’s kingdom has already been inaugurated (accomplished at his first coming), but not yet consummated (which will only take place at his glorious second coming).

Future Things: The Nature of the Millennium, Part 5 (of 12)

The Christian world-and-life view speaks about both the past and the future–addressing humankind’s origin and destiny.

In part four of this series I began a discussion of the major areas of difference among Christians when it comes to the controversial areas of eschatology (study of “last things”).

Future Things: Three Eschatological Differences, Part 4 (of 12)

Historic Christianity is unique among the religions of the world for its explicit emphasis upon both the origin and destiny of humanity. The Christian faith has much to say about important past events, but it also projects forward concerning critical future things.

Future Things: Five Eschatological Essentials, Part 3 (of 12)

Some people think that because Christendom has some sharp differences when it comes to certain doctrinal matters this is a sign that Christianity cannot be true. It’s just too divided.

Yet the truth of the matter is that while historic Christians of various theological stripes have important differences, they also share significant common doctrinal ground on essential beliefs. To the casual observer, the differences among denominations seem dominant. But upon closer inspection, the common unity of belief presents a truer characterization of historic Christianity.

Future Things: Five Eschatological Essentials, Part 2 (of 12)

Ever heard someone complain, “Christians seem to never get along! They are always hopelessly divided over doctrinal issues.”

One theological area where Christians experience significant disagreement involves eschatology (the study of “last things” or “future things”).

Future Things: Christian Eschatology, Part 1 (of 12)

“What will happen to me when I die?”
“Are we living in what the Bible refers to as the ‘last days’?”
“What does Bible prophecy say about the end of the world?”

Christians today seem just as interested in future prophetic events as at any time in church history—maybe even more so.