Escatology

• Four last things


  death - transition into new life, start of eternal life. final judgment body and soul united.

  
  

  Judgment - Judged by God, consider all things merciful as saved through Christ.

  
  

  Heaven - state of eternal happiness

  Hell - state of eternal separation from God. people send themselves.
• Catholics and purgatory


  - want to accept heaven but filled with shame

  - want to make up for wrong doings.

  - quickened by prayers of those alive
• particular judgment


  judgment personal results in heaven or hell
• final judgment


  - end time

  - Christ's glory

  - everything perfect
• Richman and Lazarus


  - love brings people to heaven

  - wealth easier for people to forget others - Richman didn't share.

  - hell place of torment - "agony in these flames"

  - actions in lifetime can't be forgiven -Abraham tells rich man of "great chasm".

  - faith in Jesus leads to heaven

  "if they do not believe in Moses the prophets they will not be convinced."
• life after death


  - end time singled by cosmic disaster: sun darkening or stars falling.

  - Jesus judges creation

  - creation of new world

  - life continues after death with God.
• what did St Paul say about life after death
• what did St Pauls say about life after death

  St Pauls letter:

  - "what is raised is imperishable"

  - "if there is a physical body there is also a spiritual body"

  - compares earthly body + spiritual body to a seed and plant different but the same.

  - resurrected live forever.
• memorials for death


  Tombstone - RIP, eternal life in heaven. cross shaped --> believe in Christ for eternal life.

  Monument - Chirho - Jesus eternal life skeletons - all face judgement

  Gardens - areas of peace reflect heaven helps to mourn.
• Michelangelo's last judgment


  - Christ central to painting

  --> overall judge

  --> visible wounds glory though obedience

  - people rising from graves

  - hell in darkness Christs light can't reach people who reject God.
• Paschal candle

  - represents risen body of Christ

  - feature of Easter vigil

  - priest lights fire --> Christ rising from tomb.

  - Alpha and Omega shows Christ eternal

  
  

  "may the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness from our hearts and minds"

  
  

  at the baptism candle is lit from paschal candle shows filled with the light of Christ.

  "May he keep the flame of faith alive in his heart"
• Commendation of dying

  - service

  - holds crucifix - share in Christ's death

  - bible reading - hope for God's help

  - last communion - Christ with journey into new life

  
  

  "go forth Christian soul, from this world...may your home be with God in Zion".
• last rights


  - prayer for the sick

  - holy water - reminder of Baptism

  - strength of Spirit - gives sense of peace

  - blessed oil to anoint - "may the lord in his love and mercy help you"

  - forgiveness and communion
• Funeral right


  - taken to church in coffin --> taken to God

  - Coffin sprinkled with water --> baptism

  - funeral mass --> centred around person resting

  "everyone who lives and believes in me will never die"

  - rising smoke --> offering to God

  - "may angels lead you to paradise"
• care for dying and euthanasia

  - all human life is sacred and holy

  - all life belongs to God should care for sick and dying.

  - euthanasia is considered murder should suffer with Jesus in cross.
• Church teachings on end times

  - Vatican 2

  - Christ comes in glory to Judge

  - not predestined people decide in life

  - "we know not the day nor the hour"

  - keep faith

  - perform good deeds

  - do not commit mortal sins
• cosmic reconciliation


  - sin broke relationship --> Jesus restored it

  - Jesus's death and resurrection restored harmony.

  
  

  Julian of Norwich:

  - medieval unusual concept God's love most though of God as a judge.

  - asked Jesus why sin "it was necessary that there should be sin; but all shall be well"