Contemporary Cosmology is Irrelevant to Classical Theistic Christian Eschatology. Issue 4 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nemes, Steven
• Is Part Of: Theology and science. Volume 19:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 390
• Page End: 405
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Classical theism -- cosmology -- creatio ex nihilo -- God beyond being -- Kathryn Tanner; Religion and science -- Periodicals; Theology -- Periodicals; 261.55
• DOI: 10.1080/14746700.2021.1982251
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-6700

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Some are of the opinion that cosmological predictions regarding the future of the physical universe contradict or challenge the Christian eschatological hope for a "new heavens and new earth" (2 Pet. 3:13). The present essay argues that cosmological science is irrelevant to classical theistic Christian eschatology on two grounds. First, cosmology does not substantially inform Christian eschatology, which already affirmed the demise of the cosmos on theological grounds. Second, cosmology does not challenge eschatology if a classical theistic conception of God and its corollary doctrines of creatio ex nihilo and divine conservation and concurrence are admitted.