Alister McGrath Theology Basics (2018) Chapter 10: Heaven

Summary

In this final presentation of a series on Christian theology, Alister McGrath explores the topic of eschatology, focusing on key themes such as the Kingdom of God, resurrection, and eternal life. Drawing from the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus and Paul, McGrath examines the tension between the 'now' and the 'not yet' in relation to Christian hope and the coming of God's Kingdom. The presentation delves into images of heaven, the resurrection body, and the Christian perspective on death, while also referencing early church figures like Cyprian of Carthage. McGrath concludes by recommending resources for further theological exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eschatology, meaning 'the last things,' focuses on the Christian expectations of resurrection and judgment.
• 😀 The New Testament presents a transformative event through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, offering hope even in the face of death.
• 😀 The theme of the Kingdom of God is central in Jesus' teachings, emphasizing both present and future aspects of God's rule.
• 😀 The tension between the 'now' and 'not yet' of the Kingdom of God is a dominant theme in New Testament theology.
• 😀 Paul connects Christ’s resurrection to the overcoming of death, with believers anticipating the future coming of Christ in judgment.
• 😀 The concept of resurrection body raised significant debates, with a consensus emerging that believers would be resurrected at the age of 30, reflecting Christ’s age at death.
• 😀 Heaven, depicted as the New Jerusalem or a restored paradise, is viewed as both a future home and a present spiritual reality for believers.
• 😀 Paul also speaks of heaven as a realm believers can experience in the present, even as it remains a future reality.
• 😀 The hope of heaven has been a source of consolation for Christians, particularly in times of persecution or distress.
• 😀 Cyprian, a 3rd-century theologian, emphasized the Christian hope of returning to a homeland in heaven, unafraid of death as a return to paradise.
• 😀 The chapter concludes by recommending further reading on Christian theology, including comprehensive texts like 'Christian Theology: An Introduction' and 'Theology: The Basics.'

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the script is eschatology, particularly focusing on Christian theology’s views on eternal life, resurrection, judgment, and the coming of the kingdom of God.

What does the term 'eschatology' mean in Christian theology?

Eschatology refers to the study of 'the last things,' particularly Christian expectations of resurrection and judgment, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.

How does the New Testament shape Christian thinking on eschatology?

The New Testament plays a crucial role by highlighting the belief that something new and transformative happened through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, shaping the hope of believers even in the face of death.

What is the significance of the 'kingdom of God' in the preaching of Jesus?

The 'kingdom of God' is a dominant theme in Jesus' preaching, representing God's kingly rule, which has present and future dimensions, marking a tension between the already and the not yet.

What does the phrase 'the now and the not yet' refer to in the context of eschatology?

'The now and the not yet' refers to the tension in Christian theology between the present experience of God's kingdom and its future, full realization.

How does Paul contribute to the Christian understanding of eschatology?

Paul contributes by teaching that the resurrection of Christ inaugurated a new age, where the ultimate transformation of the world is still awaited but can be confidently anticipated based on the promise of Christ's return and judgment.

What is the Christian view of the resurrection body?

The resurrection body is often depicted as being perfected, free from defects, and restored to a state similar to Jesus' age at 30, as this was considered the 'perfect' age.

How does Cyprian's writing during the Great Plague reflect Christian views on death?

Cyprian's writing encourages Christians not to fear death, but to see it as a return to their homeland (paradise), where they will be reunited with Christ and loved ones.

What role does heaven play in Christian theology according to the script?

Heaven in Christian theology is both a future reality and a present spiritual realm, serving as the home of believers after death and as the current dwelling place of Christ, from where he will return for final judgment.

What is the significance of Cyprian's concept of 'patria' in his treatise on mortality?

The concept of 'patria' symbolizes the idea of paradise as a true homeland for Christians, emphasizing a sense of belonging and the joy of reunion with Christ after death.