Markus Mühling - Böcker

This textbook offers a systematic introduction to eschatology. The first part introduces the historical approaches to eschatology. The second part concerns the reasons for eschatological statements in light of important aspects of the doctrine of God and Christ. The third part is devoted to different concepts of the relationship between eternity and time, space and infinitude as well as the question of what is good, true and beautiful. Using a thematic structure, the multiple different approaches and concepts of modern eschatology are clearly presented, and illuminated by the perspective of the classical teachings on the Last Things; which are ultimately brought together in a synthesis. This is an important contribution to a crucial part of the study of systematic theology.

This textbook offers a systematic introduction to eschatology. The first part introduces the historical approaches to eschatology. The second part concerns the reasons for eschatological statements in light of important aspects of the doctrine of God and Christ. The third part is devoted to different concepts of the relationship between eternity and time, space and infinitude as well as the question of what is good, true and beautiful. Using a thematic structure, the multiple different approaches and concepts of modern eschatology are clearly presented, and illuminated by the perspective of the classical teachings on the Last Things; which are ultimately brought together in a synthesis. This is an important contribution to a crucial part of the study of systematic theology.

English summary: Increasing freedom in pluralistic societies often goes hand in hand with emerging constraints. This book analyses today's situation and develops new ideas for how the religions can live together peacefully. German text. German description: Im Gegensatz zu Gesellschaftsanalysen Ende des 20. Jh., die eine Ausweitung der Freiheit in allen gesellschaftlichen Lebensbereichen beobachteten, stellen sich zu Beginn des 21. Jh. vermehrt religiose, okonomische, wissenschaftliche und politische Zwange ein, die die Freiheit des Einzelnen beschneiden. Ausgehend von Analysen zur gegenwartigen pluralistischen Gesellschaft und dem Verhaltnis der Religionen untereinander werden von renommierten internationalen Wissenschaftlern Freiheitskonzepte aus verschiedenen religiosen Traditionen vorgestellt, angesichts der These von der Infragestellung der Freiheit durch die Neurowissenschaften verteidigt und in verschiedenen lokalen Kontexten Europas untersucht. Abschliessend wird die konkrete Praxis der Freiheit in der Verfassungsdebatte der EU, medizinethischen und seelsorglichen Themenfeldern besprochen.