Creation and Eschatology

Will the universe be destroyed and discarded, or redeemed and transformed with God's consummation of all things? This course considers these and related questions by examining the biblical and philosophical foundations for Christian reflections on the beginning and end of the world; significant historical and contemporary theological contributions (e.g., early Christian apologists, Irenaeus, Augustine, Calvin, Barth, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Ruether, McFague); the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the influence of modern and postmodern scientific thought, ecological consciousness, and religious pluralism; and the role of apocalyptic thought in contemporary culture. Lectures, class discussion, required and recommended reading, mid-term and final paper, and optional class presentation.