In search of a vision of hope for a new century

Abstract

In the twentieth century eschatology moved into the center of theological attention. At the same time it became as disparate as twentieth century theology itself. This is not conducive to formulating a clear and inspiring vision of Christian hope for the new century. This paper suggests an eschatological "road map" based on the observation that eschatology has traditionally responded to three distinct aspects of the human predicament, i.e. 1) the evil manifesations of sin in society, 2) human finitude (in time), and 3) the limitations of human power and knowledge (in space). This "road map" indicates some typical tensions emerging from a response to these predicaments - both with reference to the content and the social impact of Christian hope.