Process Eschatology

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses eschatology from the perspective of process theology, a theological movement that employs the “process philosophy” of Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne. It considers the question of whether process theology can do justice to the basic dimensions of the eschatology of Jesus Christ. Salvation for Jesus involved four dimensions: salvation from the threat of meaninglessness through confidence that we are known and loved by our Creator; an ultimate salvation in a resurrected life beyond bodily death; a salvation that would be realized on earth with the coming political reign of God; and a reign of God in the individual heart and in social relations (which is made possible by faith in the first three dimensions of salvation). Modern liberal theology has generally denied the second and third dimensions and sometimes even the first, thereby leaving the fourth dimension—often called “realized eschatology”—with little, if any, basis. This article also examines subjective immortality and sanctification in a life beyond bodily death.