Eschatology continues (notes)

One third of Europeans believe in re-incarnation according to Lane. 1992. 1992 question in eschatology against re-incarnation. Response - It is better to talk about theories of re-incarnation - Hinduism; Genises. Eschatology - the last things. There is tension in eschatology - that tension is the cross. Escalation event of the end of the world. Death and Judgement. The last thing (Greek). Eschata/logy - theology, death, dying, eternal. Life, hell, purgatory. Some don’t believe in purgatory. Limbo - Church never taught there was a limbo. It was a theological hypothesis. Medical - can it explain transformation of experience. Second part - something happens when someone dies. Balvazar - causing a renewal interest of Hell. He states everyone will be saved. Eschatology ultimate goal - why am I here? What is the ultimate reason for being here? St Augustine - heart is restless. Tradition - rest in peace. Resting in the beauty of God. Tradition of dying - resting in peace can also think in terms of two dimensions of Eschatology: 1. Individual - what is going to happen? Why I die? Why am I here? 2. Collection: What is going to happen to us? Why are we here? Realm of human freedom - final judgement is absolute. Angels don’t have the luxury of making a distinction. We learn not to put hands on fire. Saint Paul - God is Judge; not us. Difference - fundamental option. Ignatius - have to retain human freedom to make absolute decisions of God. Speculation conditions of Purgatory - three options: heaven, rejecting God and not ready for heaven - more schooling. Eschatology = theology of Hope. Second Vatican Council did not deal with Eschatology in detail but did speak to it in communion of Saints and Church of modern world. Eastern religions - people don’t survive death. Christians we do. Buddhism - interconnectivity; Liberation theologian - I’m clearing my corner of the world. Rapture theory - of people going to heaven and others staying. To be continued this week.