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Prominent Theologian Debunks Apocalyptic Doom, Gloom

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by

mwkruse
in

Christian Post: Prominent Theologian Debunks Apocalyptic Doom, Gloom

NEW YORK – A prominent German theologian urged Christians to rethink their expectations of “the final judgment,” reasoning that western Christianity and all of society has been instilled with images of a world-ending apocalypse centered on vengeance for evil-doers and unbelievers.

“The images we use are certainly apocalyptical. But are they Christian? No,” said Jürgen Moltmann at the 37th Trinity Institute national theological conference held this week. The emeritus professor of systematic theology at Germany’s University of Tübingen is widely considered to be one of the most important theologians of the last 50 years.

During his presentation at the three-day conference which concluded Wednesday, Moltmann spoke on “The Final Judgment: Sunrise of Christ’s Liberating Justice”

Those who anticipate the end of the world live in the long evening of death and anticipate the final night, Moltmann said, rather than living in the hope of the resurrection and anticipating the final morning. They claim a “glorious end” to the earth rather than anticipating the “beginning of eternal liveliness” on earth. …

Comments

13 responses to “Prominent Theologian Debunks Apocalyptic Doom, Gloom”

  1. Virgil Avatar
    Virgil

    Excellent…it sounds like Preterist talk to me 🙂 I’ll definitely check this guy out. Thanks Mike!

    Reply
  2. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    LOL
    Actually, I don’t how to characterize his views on preterist-like issue. I think he best known for drawing attention to the echaton and his “Theology of Hope.” To be honest, I have read about him but I have never read any of his books, though I keep meaning to (sort of like how one day will read “War and Peace.”)

    Reply
  3. will spotts Avatar
    will spotts

    War and Peace is in a class by itself – I can’t think of any current theologian who is even remotely in Tolstoy’s league – just as an intellect and a writer.

    Reply
  4. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    I thinking I was somehow traumatically scared by a literature teacher at an early (possibly while still in the womb.) I’m still overcoming my phobia of great literature. Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn almost persuaded me to read Moby Dick.
    “From Hell’s heart, I stab at thee, for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.”
    (My cultural sophistication now shining through.)
    I have read a lot about Tolstoy and his philosophy of nonresistance but I have never read W&P. I will get to it someday. 🙂

    Reply
  5. will spotts Avatar
    will spotts

    Sadly, the Wrath of Kahn was the actual reason I read Moby Dick.

    Reply
  6. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    LOL
    Hey. At least you read it!
    Never underestimate the power of Star Trek. Resistance is futile.

    Reply
  7. will spotts Avatar
    will spotts

    Should I worry about being assimilated?

    Reply
  8. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    Nah. Just live long and prosper. 🙂

    Reply
  9. ZZMike Avatar
    ZZMike

    A lot of Paul’s theology was apocalyptical. Throughout the ages, various preachers have been predicting the “end times”. A few writers make a good living off of them. The key thing is, “nobody knows the hour or the day” (Matt.24). Moltman is right (I’m sure he’ll be pleased to hear me say that). In one of Paul’s epstles, he’s trying to explain “hope”, and he tells them that they shouldn’t worry that their friends have already died, and missed out on the great reward – that’s not the “hope” he wants them to have. (I don’t have the details handy.)
    About “War and Peace”: see the movie. It’s faster.

    Reply
  10. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    “…he’s trying to explain “hope”,..”
    1 Thess 4:13-18
    13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. NIV
    I powerful image of Christ returning to set up his throne on Earth.
    “About “War and Peace”: see the movie. It’s faster.”
    I haven’t read much fiction or great literature but I have seen every movie winning the Oscar for “Best Picture” (and there are some real turkeys in there.) I have also seen all of the 100 films on the American Film Institute’s “100 Greatest Movies.”
    I tend to like pictures…moving ones are the best. Maybe I should just rent the movie.

    Reply
  11. will spotts Avatar
    will spotts

    “Nah. Just live long and prosper. :)”
    Kansas City honors us with your presence.

    Reply
  12. will spotts Avatar
    will spotts

    Off topic (I mean, we were having a perfectly good Star Trek reference conversation), but I find the title of this post (i.e. the article it is linked to) is somewhat misleading.
    I’m not sure that the same tropes of social justice/liberation theology actually debunk differing opinions. They merely disagree.

    Reply
  13. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    “Star Trek reference conversation”
    And that, of course, could go on without end…
    “I’m not sure that the same tropes of social justice/liberation theology actually debunk differing opinions. They merely disagree.”
    A good point. An assertion does not a debunking make.
    Most illogical … but fascinating. (Mike now slapping himself “Stop that!”)

    Reply

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