Eschatology is a term that comes from the Greek and is made up of two parts: eskhatos which means the last or the end and, on the other hand, logy, which means study or knowledge. Consequently, eschatology is the discipline that studies final causes or ultimate realities. If this idea is projected onto Christianity, Christian eschatology is a branch of theology that reflects on the ultimate meaning of existence.
In the christian religion
Éskhatos in Greek expresses a concrete idea: that reality after which nothing exists anymore. From this concept, Christians have formed a specific theological discipline, eschatology. From the Christian perspective, this discipline refers to the end of human history. In this way, the genuine themes of this branch are the following: the end of the world, the universal judgment, purgatory or the celestial life.
This implies that eschatology addresses all those questions that go beyond death.
When considering what goes beyond death, it is inevitable that we take stock of what remains after the end of life itself. In other words, if there is an end to life and humanity, it is logical that we wonder about the meaning of earthly life. In this sense, when an activity or a personal relationship ends, we also ask ourselves what has remained of it.
The questions that allude to what remains of something after its end are applicable to any human dimension, be it a sentimental breakup, the end of one's own existence or the disappearance of humanity.
The goal of Christian eschatology is to help man find his true path
For Christian theologians eschatological questions are part of human nature. On the other hand, questions about ultimate ends help us to reflect on our own existence and give importance to things that have true value.
In several passages of the Bible reference is made to the end of time. Despite this announcement, human beings do not know when the ending will take place. The eschatological questions are, in short, something more than simple questions, because through them we can find the meaning of earthly life.
In Christian theology it is argued that the person who lives close to God and following his teachings has no reason to be afraid when asking eschatological questions.
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