kingdom of god

• Kingdom of God


  • 1. Earthly transformation - a transformation of the current world
  • 2. Eschatological - a future reality after death, a Heavenly Kingdom
• Christianity is an eschatological religion focused on the future and preparing for life after death
• Original Sin


  The consequence of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, which introduced sin and death into the world
• According to Saint Augustine, all people are born sinful as a result of Adam and Eve's sin
• The Fall


  The separation between Heaven and Earth, and the introduction of evil, suffering and disharmony in creation
• Salvation can only be achieved through Jesus Christ, who was born sinless and atoned for Adam and Eve's disobedience
• Kingdom of God


  A key concept in Jewish thinking at the time of Jesus, referring to the coming of the Messiah and the liberation of Israel
• Apocalyptic expectation


  People in the first century were anticipating the end of the world and the arrival of a Messiah to liberate them from Roman occupation
• The word 'kingdom' appears 162 times in the New Testament
• Jesus's teachings about the kingdom of God


  • It has come near
  • It will be fully actualized in this world
  • It will only be fully realized eschatologically (after the end of this world)
• Some Christians believe the purpose of life is to continue Jesus's work of inaugurating the kingdom of God on Earth
• Others believe the kingdom of God can only be fully realized after the end of this world
• Pope John Paul II said the kingdom of God is meant for all mankind and all people are called to be members of it
• The first century was a time of apocalyptic expectation among the Jews of Palestine
• Jesus's teachings about the kingdom of God and the end times would not have appeared radical at the time
• What was radical about Jesus's teachings was his preferential option for the poor and his message of social change
• Jesus was seen as a politically engaged, revolutionary figure who threatened the Roman authorities
• Early Christians believed the end of the world was imminent, so they did not advocate having children
• How Christians work to bring about God's kingdom on Earth

  1. Engage in liberation theology and oppose oppression

  2. Promote peace and Christian values

  3. Empower the poor and oppressed

  4. Protest against injustices

  5. Help those in need

  6. Dedicate life to following Jesus's teachings
• Some Christians criticize this approach as being too political and argue Christianity should focus on life after death rather than worldly affairs
• Christianity is sometimes seen as a religious base that transcends worldly affairs, and some argue Christians should focus on worshiping God rather than getting too engaged in worldly political issues
• Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has been criticized by the government for his comments on their Rwanda Asylum Seeker policy, with the government saying faith leaders should focus on faith not politics
• Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI have condemned Liberation theologians for engaging with Marxism, saying Catholicism should remain above politics