Eschatology

Eschatology is a branch of theology that is concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind, a concept commonly referred to as the "end of the world" or "end times". The word arises from the Greek ἔσχατος meaning "last" and -logy meaning "the study of", and first appeared in English around 1844.

Overview

In many religions, eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind. In general, it includes conceptions of an afterlife, divine judgement, resurrection and the apocalypse.

Christian Eschatology

Christian eschatology is the branch of theological study relating to last things, such as concerning death, the end of the world, the judgement of humanity, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Christian eschatology looks to study and discuss matters such as the Rapture, the Second Coming of Jesus, Resurrection of the Dead, the Last Judgment, and the end of the world.

Islamic Eschatology

Islamic eschatology is the aspect of Islamic theology incorporating the afterlife and the end of the world, with the Day of Judgement as its climax. According to the Islamic belief, God will play the role of the judge of humanity, and the universe will be destroyed and resurrected.

Jewish Eschatology

Jewish eschatology is concerned with events that will happen in the end of days and related concepts, including the resurrection of the dead, the afterlife, and the Messianic era.

Hindu Eschatology

In Hindu eschatology, time is cyclic and consists of ages (Yugas), each of which has its own dharma or moral order. This cycle repeats itself, and currently, it is believed that we are living in the Kali Yuga, the last and most negative of the four Yugas.

Buddhist Eschatology

Buddhist eschatology is the description of the events that will occur in the distant future within the framework of Buddhist cosmology. The primary source of Buddhist eschatology is the Agganna Sutta.

See Also

• Apocalypticism
• End time
• Millenarianism
• Messianism

References

Eschatology Resources
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