Definition: Eschatology

In yesterday’s post the quotation mentioned eschatology, the “study of last things,” from the Greek words έσχατος (last or final) + logoς (word or study of). The word was first used in English about 1550 and refers to the “end times,” the final events of history.  The interpretations provided by the various forms of eschatology vary greatly, depending on whether the events described are viewed as literal, symbolic, allegorical, or mystical.  Each religious tradition has its own eschatology.

Christian eschatology is not universally agreed upon but often includes The Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the rapture, a 1000 year millennial period, the last judgment, and the accomplishment of God’s purposes.