Eschatology in the Theology of John Calvin and Jürgen Moltmann: towards a dynamic balance

Abstract

Universalism in the eschatology and particularity in salvation are grounds of controversies especially between groups that consider themselves more enthusiastic than others. If all biblical scripture is taken to be inspired and true, it would be wrong to attempt to take some as truer than others or as divine revelation and not others. This dissertation was guided by both the research objectives and questions. Objectives were to demonstrate the anxiety caused by universalism and particularism on the nature of the eschatology; to explore two major perspectives on the nature of the end times as taught by John Calvin and Jürgen Moltmann and to provide a dynamic balance between universalism and particularism for a harmonious understanding. Questions were; what is the anxiety caused by universalism and particularism on the nature of the eschatology? What are the two major perspectives on the nature of the end times as taught by John Calvin and Jürgen Moltmann? How can the dynamic balance between universalism and particularism be achieved? The dissertation found out that Moltmann‟s theology of universal salvation was the position that the nature of eschatology was a process at which at the onset, the kingdom of God was setting in and the point at which the eternal life begins. Preaching the gospel of universal salvation could easily be criticized for encouraging antinomianism and don‟t care spirits while embracing double predestination would too encourage antinomianism. Therefore, there was need to hold them at tension by using the principle of dynamic balance in which eventual redemption is grounded in the work of Christ at the Cross. In the dynamic balance, Christ the creator of the universe is the savior of the same universe. In eternity, those who will respond to the gospel are called the elect and those who will reject are called reprobates. The following were the recommendations from this dissertation; to avoid a state of anxiety and possible antinomianism among the Christians. This dissertation presents the ground that all scriptures are inspired and true, therefore there is need to hold all doctrines that seem to contradict one another in tension through the principle of dynamic balance. Since all perspectives resulting from the various hermeneutical approaches are considered correct by those who subscribe to them or those who find them convenient, such doctrine create unnecessary anxiety and confusion among Christians.