The Oxford Handbook of Eschatology (Oxford Handbooks) [Hardcover]

Jerry L. Walls (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195170490 | ISBN-13: 978-0195170498 | Publication Date: December 3, 2007

Eschatology is the study of the last things: death, judgment, the afterlife, and the end of the world. Through centuries of Christian thoughtfrom the early Church fathers through the Middle Ages and the Reformationthese issues were of the utmost importance. In other religions, too, eschatological concerns were central. After the Enlightenment, though, many religious thinkers began to downplay the importance of eschatology which, in light of rationalism, came to be seen as something of an embarrassment. The twentieth century, however, saw the rise of phenomena that placed eschatology back at the forefront of religious thought. From the rapid expansion of fundamentalist forms of Christianity, with their focus on the end times; to the proliferation of apocalyptic new religious movements; to the recent (and very public) debates about suicide, martyrdom, and paradise in Islam, interest in eschatology is once again on the rise. In addition to its popular resurgence, in recent years some of the worlds most important theologians have returned eschatology to its former position of prominence. The Oxford Handbook of Eschatology will provide an important critical survey of this diverse body of thought and practice from a variety of perspectives: biblical, historical, theological, philosophical, and cultural. This volume will be the primary resource for students, scholars, and others interested in questions of our ultimate existence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

There is much to commend the Oxford Handbook of Eschatology.The sheerscope of material held between its covers and the diversity of its contributors is, in itself, impressive. According to the criteria of scope, diversity, and quality,here simply is no comparison for this volume. It is hard to imagine a better place to find up-to-date, authoritative, introductory contributions on subjects related to Christian eschatology. It will, therfore, be a welcome addition to any eminary or university library. Kent Eilers, Themelios This is a large volume that ranges over some extensive territory. In its thirty-nine chapters we find a survey of eschatological themes from a number of perspectives, in which context it is important to note that this is a book that treats eschatological matters broadly conceived and not just belief in the coming of the (collective) 'end of the world' or the fulfilment of prophecy...The line-up of scholars who have contributed to this volume is impressive...This book should be available in theological libraries and relates also to cultural studies, history and literature. Theological Book Review

About the Author

Jerry L. Walls is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 744 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195170490
• ISBN-13: 978-0195170498
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #621,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)