Contemporary Explanations of Heaven and Hell - Essay Example

Short Answers Short Answers 6. Define the following terms as used in the text: Imminent Imminent means soon. That is, occurrence of a certain activity within the shortest period. For example, people predict a soon (the imminent) coming of Christ (Fischer &Hart, 1995). Realized eschatology This term means prophecies related to the end times as illustrated in the bible that have already happened (Fischer &Hart, 1995). Future eschatology The term means prophecies related to the end times as illustrated in the bible expected to occur or have not yet happened (Fischer &Hart, 1995). Eschatology The term eschatology means understanding of various prophecies related to coming of Christ or the end times (Fischer &Hart, 1995). Apocalypse The term means vision of the end times. For example, the book of revelation is also referred to as vision of the end times (Apocalypse) (Fischer &Hart, 1995). Parousia The term refers to the second coming of Christ (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 7. What does Jesus mean by “kingdom of God” according to F&H in this chapter? Jesus refers to Kingdom of God as the transformation of sinners and the worldly nature to resemble the character and nature of God. Jesus illustrated that it is not easy to enter the Kingdom of God but requires one to be righteous and dedicated in performing God’s will while. On the book of Mark chapter 10, Jesus said it is not easy for the rich to enter this Kingdom because they fail to become righteous by failing to abandon their sinful life simply after looking the materialistic possession they have acquired (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 8. What prayer do Christians pray for the coming of God’s reign? Christians pray that they will be fully prepared for the coming of God’s reign in order they may go and celebrate with Jesus for the rest of their lives. Christians also pray that sinners may allow God to take control of their lives in preparation for the coming on God’s reign (Fischer &Hart, 1995. 9. What is the subject of most of Jesus’ parables? Parables were stories of passion and forgiveness. The main subject of these stories was to help people get the full understanding of God’s Kingdom from a small beginning (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 10. What kind of activity is exemplified by most of Jesus’ parables? Parables exemplified that God is always ready to forgive sinners and continue to demonstrate his faithfulness in their lives if only they accept him (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 11. How has the reign of God already begun? Give concrete examples to support your observations. The reign of God has already begun because Jesus is always demonstrating his power to the evil ones on the world. The book of Luke chapter 11: 20, it is indicated that Jesus is now pushing back the powers of evil in the world. Paul illustrates on the book of Romans 6:1-11 that after a sinner accepts Christ and gets baptized, the reign of God has begun on his or her life. According to Fischer and Hart (1995), the reign of God has begun through the life of Jesus and his teachings. The only expectation is its fulfillment. 12. What images are found in apocalyptic literature? A. World catastrophe B. Supreme struggle of the powers of evil against God C. Dreadful combat in which power of evil are defeated by God D. Signs in the last days, which include moon darkening, sun giving no light and natural disasters 13. According, to the writings of St. Paul, what is the proper attitude toward Christ’s Second coming? The proper attitude according to St. Paul is that sinners ought to confess their sins and be baptized while the righteous have the obligation of staying clean. The righteous should also spread the gospels to non-believers in order to alert them on the second coming of Christ. 14. Is Christian interest in determining the exact time for the second coming a new phenomenon? Christians have an interest in the exact time for second coming of a new phenomenon because they believe that they will have a chance to see the Christ they have been waiting for many years with their own eyes. They also believe that a new phenomenon will be the perfect time to end the struggle with the evil one that they encounter on daily basis on their lives (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 15. How does Jesus deal with the attempt to pin down the exact time of the second coming? Christians tend to be much concerned with counting the exact date of second coming of Christ. However, Jesus discourages the speculation and instead urges believers to be always prepared for he might come any time. Jesus urges Christians to be ready and righteous at every moment in their life in order to inherit the Kingdom of God as it already reigns (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 16. How is the biblical image of the Parousia meant to be understood? That Jesus had no intensions of revealing secrets concerning his second coming. The biblical meaning of parousia also ought to be understood that Jesus was interested on how Christians lives while performing what interests God (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 17. Describe the traditional understandings of heaven and hell. Most of the Christians in the early period that heaven is where the righteous goes to celebrate their lives with God while the wicked are sent to a location known as hell where they burn forever. Traditionally, Christians understood hell as a place where those who does against expectations of God will torment and perish. 18. What are some more contemporary explanations of heaven and hell? Contemporary explanations of heaven and hell indicate that these are not physical places but experiential conditions. Hell is a punishment condition in which Christians find themselves after going against expectations of God. Heaven is the condition where Christians consider enjoying the fruits of living according to the will of God. 19. Karl Rahner talks about having some experiences of heaven here on earth. Explain. Karl Rahner explains that one of the experiences of heaven that most of the Christians tend to enjoy while still here on earth is the through offering and receiving love. He explains that through the power of God Christians and the righteous experience various things that others do not have fail to get. Through various extraordinary experiences that most Christians receive on their daily obligation, they are clear indication of heaven experiences here on earth (Fischer &Hart, 1995). 20. Our attitude toward the last things has a strong effect on how we view our role as disciples of Jesus. Discuss, according to both F&H and your own understandings in light of F&H and the “kingdom of God.” In order to enjoy the Kingdom of God, there several requirements that Christians ought to accomplish. One of them is always repenting their sins. The other requirement is always to remain righteous. After accomplishing those obligations, Christians ought to walk as disciples of Jesus and carry various activities as Jesus did. Fischer and Hart (1995), indicates that Christians have the obligation of preaching the gospel to non-believers in order to help them to be saved. Reference Fischer, K. R., & Hart, T. N. (1995). Christian foundations: An introduction to faith in our time. New York: Paulist Press. Read More