Eschatology

Question 1

What is Eschatology?

Answer 1

The Christian study of what will happen at the end of time.

Question 2

What was the common belief that the Early Christians had about Eschatology?

Answer 2

They believed that the end of time was near and that it would happen in their life time

Question 3

What is ‘The Final Judgement’?

Answer 3

Judgement at the end of time when Christ comes again. The Kingdom of God will be established -
those judged favourably will stay forever in this perfect creation.

Question 4

What are the two types of Judgement?

Answer 4

Particular judgement
Final judgement

Question 5

What is Particular judgement?

Answer 5

Judgement made immediately after death; based on their actions. Results in heaven, hell or
purgatory

Question 6

What are the Second Vatican Council teaching on the end of time?

Answer 6

• No one is predestined for heaven or hell; people have free will to accpet or reject God
• God dosen’t send people to hell - people send themselves
• People should be constantly preparing for the end of time

Question 7

How can people prepare for the end of time?

Answer 7

• Follow Jesus’ teachings
• Keep faith in God
• Perform good actions
• Do not commit mortal (serious) sins
• If you do commit a mortal sin, confess and be truly sorry

Question 8

What are signs for the end of time?

Answer 8

• The Bible says that there will be cosmic disasters - sun darkening and stars falling from heaven
• Jesus will return to earth to judge all humans
• The Kingdom of God will be established

Question 9

What is Cosmic Reconcilliation?

Answer 9

1) Adam and Eve’s sin broke the harmony of Creation
2) Jesus’s death helped restore it
3) At the end of time, the whole creation will be reconciled to God
4) It will be restored - made perfect

Question 10

What is the significance of only Mary and Jesus wearing clothes in Michelangelo’s Last Judgement?

Answer 10

Everyone else is naked apart from Mary and Jesus to show all people are equal infront of God