Eschatology

What is eschatology?

The study of the “last things”; from Greek eschatos (last) + -logy (study).

What are the five last things?

Death, Judgment, Purgatory, Heaven, Hell.

Where do we get information about the last things?

Revelation, speculative theology, and teachings about the Parousia.

What is speculative theology?

Theology about things we have no experiential knowledge of.

What is the Parousia?

The Second Coming of Christ.

What is the basic “Last Things” diagram?

Death → Particular Judgment → Heaven/Purgatory/Hell → Parousia → Resurrection → General Judgment → Eternity.

What is the definition of death?

The separation of the soul from the body.

According to Genesis 3, why do we die?

Because humanity broke its relationship with God.

Why is death not permanent for Christians?

Because of the resurrection of the body.

What is materialism?

Belief that humans have no soul; existence ends at death.

What is paganism?

Belief in a ghost-like soul that survives death.

What is reincarnation?

Belief that the soul receives a new body after death.

What is pantheism?

Belief that the universe is divine and death changes nothing.

What is philosophical immortality?

The soul continues without the body.

Why is resurrection the most balanced view of life after death?

It values both body and soul.

What is the argument from consensus?

If most humans throughout history believed in life after death, it is likely real.

What is the argument from the sages?

Wise people across cultures believed in an afterlife.

What is the argument from Jesus?

Either Jesus was wrong or life after death exists; Christians believe He was not wrong.

How does conservation of energy support life after death?

Energy/matter cannot be destroyed, suggesting spirit continues.

How does evolution support life after death?

Human consciousness must have a purpose beyond death.

What are immaterial operations?

Thinking and choosing freely, pointing to an immortal soul.

What is the argument from telos?

Life must have a meaningful purpose that doesn’t simply end.

What is the argument from longing?

Humans desire things nothing on Earth can fully satisfy.

What is the argument from mystical experience?

Rare experiences that point to realities beyond the material world.

What is the Particular Judgment?

Judgment immediately at death based on our actions.

What are the outcomes of the Particular Judgment?

Immediate Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell.

What is the General Judgment?

Judgment at Christ’s Second Coming when all consequences of every action are revealed.

Why are there two judgments?

Particular = personal at death; General = public and final at the end of time.

What is Purgatory?

A state of purification before entering Heaven.

What are the two official teachings on Purgatory?

(1) It is temporary purification. (2) We should pray for the souls there.

Why does Purgatory exist?

Because “nothing unclean will enter Heaven” (Revelation 21:27).

What is the Old Testament evidence for Purgatory?

2 Maccabees 12:46

What is the New Testament evidence for Purgatory?

1 Corinthians 3:11–15 (saved through fire); 1 Peter 1:7 (faith tested by fire).

Which Church Fathers taught about Purgatory?

Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzen.

Why is Purgatory merciful?

It purifies the soul so it can enter Heaven.

What is imputed justification?

Protestant view: Christ’s righteousness covers us; we are not inwardly changed. (Ephesians 2:8)

What is imparted justification?

Catholic view: We are actually transformed by grace; we cooperate with God. (James 2:21)

What is the Church’s response to imputed justification?

We need both faith AND works.

What is Heaven?

Eternal blessed communion perfectly united with Christ.

What is the Beatific Vision?

Seeing God face-to-face; God opening Himself fully to the redeemed (CCC 1727).

Do souls remain in Heaven forever?

Yes.

What is the Communion of Saints?

Unity of all who are united to God: Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant.

Why ask saints to pray for us?

Because death does not break Christian unity.

What is Hell?

Eternal separation from God.

Why do people go to Hell?

Because they freely choose to reject God.

Does God predestine anyone to Hell?

No.

What is one of the devil’s greatest tools?

Convincing people that Hell doesn’t exist.