The hope for a new earth? Eschatological consummation in seventh -day adventist (eco)theology
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Date
2024
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Abstract
This study is situated in the intersection between systematic theology and Christian ecotheology. It focuses on eschatology, and more specifically, the hope for a “new earth”, as this is understood in the context of Adventist theology with specific reference to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The research problem that is addressed is whether and to what extent Edward Heppenstall (1901-1994), Norman Richard Gulley (1933-2022), and Fernando Canale (1945-), as leading Seventh-day Adventist theologians, avoid an escapist eschatology in their interpretation of the “new earth” (Belief number 28 of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church)? On this basis, this study critically analysed relevant writings of the three selected theologians. This required a comparison of the three authors to identify and describe the similarities and differences in their views in this regard. The main criterion for assessing their views was how they addressed the critique of an escapist eschatology that is widely found in contemporary Christian ecotheology. This study will contribute to the growth of ecotheology within the Seventh-day Adventist tradition.
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Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sabbath, Eschatology, Great Controversy, Historicism